Free The Crystal Circle: A Paranormal Romance Novel by L. Rosenman

set off for the distant showers about a third of a mile away from the trailers. As soon as she saw him, her attention was drawn to his obvious limp. It seemed his right leg was shorter than the left. He didn’t seem bothered by it. There was something that drew her attention other than his strange walk, something about the energies he radiated, a kind of optimistic freshness. It was hard for her to explain. She followed him with her eyes until he disappeared over the hill.
    Mothers hurried their children and washed their faces in the water from water containers. The smell of fried omelet made her salivate. She recalled that no morsel of food had passed her lips since last night, when she had eaten the usual leftovers delivered by the friendly kitchen staff in the back alley of the Herods Hotel. She liked this trailer park. It was clear that this was not a housing project organized by the municipality, but rather a spontaneous organization of people. There was life and freedom. She felt it. The guy who went to take a shower returned with his rolling gait, passing close by her. He saw her from afar, and as he passed, he turned to look at her and paused. His brown eyes took her in, and something moved inside her, as if opening a curtain to a window whose view was a mystery.
    “Good morning!” He smiled, his soft voice reminding her of dark velvet, pleasant and rough to a certain extent.
    “Morning,” she replied, and he looked at her curiously.
    “Can I help you? You’re not from round here.”
    “No, I’m not from here,” she replied quietly. “No need. Thank you.”
    “They call me Dave. I live here in the second trailer. I made a huge breakfast, but there’s no way I’ll be able to finish it by myself. Would you care to join me?” His invitation was followed by a broad gesture, and his smile revealed a deep dimple on his left cheek. Up close, he looked younger than she had previously thought him to be - early thirties, maybe. He caught her hesitation and anticipation just before she shook her head and said, “No, really, thank you.”
    “Come on. There’s fresh salad and a special omelet with herb spicing. I’m renowned around here for my culinary skills. You should join…” he continued to plead. She hesitated for another moment, and then got up from her painful sitting position. She couldn’t avoid acceding to the adventure and natural kindness that flowed from the man nor could she ignore the sounds her stomach made as he mentioned the omelet.
    “I’m Lynn,” she said, holding out her hand to him. His handshake was strong and rugged, yet Lynn felt the warmth and tenderness behind the calloused hand. With him, she felt there was no point in the ‘Michal’ mask. When she stood up, she was surprised to find that Dave was tall, taller than her. He reminded her of someone, but she could hardly remember who. In any case, her past was like a thick and slippery soup she couldn’t hold onto. She skipped after him into the trailer in two long strides. Lynn sent a quick glance around the inside of the trailer. His things were everywhere, but stacked neatly. There were many shelves with very few clothes stacked on them, but many books, utensils, and accessories meant for someone who designs, builds, and renovates on his own.
    A bowl of fresh salad stood on the table, and Dave was standing beside the small stove, pouring a little oil into the pan, expertly breaking the eggs. He grated some feta cheese over the eggs and scattered herbs that could only be identified by their different smells: oregano, hyssop, dill, and more. He generously added salt and pepper and smiled a little smile, as if confiding with her. Within minutes, she was sharing one of the best meals she’d had in her life. The omelet was moist and full of flavor and cheese, the grilled and buttered toast was perfect, and the salad... She ate and ate and failed to notice that Dave was looking at her, amused, his plate half-full. He handed her