Free Legend of the Sorcerer by Donna Kauffman Page A

see the hothouses. I have the perfect new hybrid to start you on.”
    Her heart kicked in at the mere suggestion. She wanted to stay, get more involved. Badly. Maybe too badly. The sense of belonging only increased and she hated to remind him, and herself, that she was merely a guest here. Had she been so starved of people?
    Once she returned to Virginia, she’d make a vow to become involved. Perhaps a senior citizen home would be a place to start. The plan only assuaged a little of the pain of her following words. “Oh, Alfred, that is really sweet of you, but I couldn’t.” His face fell so swiftly, she felt terrible. “It’s not that I don’t want to, it’s just that you’ve been so kind and—”
    He squeezed her hand. “No, I understand, dear one. I’ve already taken up too much of your precious time.”
    “It’s not that at all. Actually, I could spend hours here. Days. It makes me want to learn all about gardening.”
    “Then I see no reason why we can’t schedule some more time together. You’ll come again, and wear something suitable for working the earth.”
    Jordy felt as if she were awakening from a long sleep. And she hadn’t missed the stirrings of imagination she felt just standing here. She could create here. She knew it, felt it. But she couldn’t intrude further on Cai’s hospitality. Could she?
    She had less than a week left before she had to return home. She would never have this chance again. She could even find her own transportation over to the private Key, so he wouldn’t feel put out.
    She smiled at Alfred, responding before she realized she’d made the decision. “Would Wednesday be too soon?”
    Alfred beamed. “Wednesday would be fine. Same time?” He rubbed his hands together like a child in anticipation.
    “Would you mind if I brought my sketch pad?”
    “Certainly not. I was hoping to discuss that with you anyway. I would like to commission something for the garden. Perhaps we can work on that Wednesday.”
    Jordy smiled, even as her heart clutched at the thought of trying to work for anyone but herself. She’d have to explain things to Alfred. He’d understand she couldn’t commit to anything quite yet. But at least she’d found a place to start. “I would love to.” On impulse she stepped forward and kissed his cheek. “Thank you, Alfred. This means more to me than you can know.”
    Cai suddenly appeared on the path in front of them. “I’m sorry to intrude, but I need to take Jordy home. Now.”

E LEVEN

    A lfred didn’t so much as blink at the sudden intrusion. “There you are, Malacai. I was just about to show Jordalyn the dragon in the corner.”
    “I’m sorry, Grandfather. There’s a storm coming. I’d like to take Jordy back to Mangrove now.”
    “I saw nothing on the news about a storm.”
    “It’s just been announced.”
    It hadn’t escaped Jordy’s attention that Cai hadn’t once looked at her. She didn’t know what was up, but she suspected this wasn’t just about a storm. Had he overheard their plans to meet again?
    “I don’t see where fifteen minutes will make that much difference.”
    Jordy stepped in, not wanting such a wonderful afternoon to end on a sour note. “I’m sorry,” she said to Alfred, never more sincere. “But it’s probably wise for me to head back now anyway. I didn’t realize how late it was.” She squeezed his hand and leaned closer to him. “Until Wednesday,” she said quietly. “I’ll bring gloves.”
    He squeezed back. “No gloves, my dear. One must feel the earth to understand it’s ways.”
    She nodded. “Okay, then. I’m looking forward to it.”
    The sudden pressure of Cai’s hand on her lower back waslike a hot brand. She tensed, but smiled at Alfred. His gaze deepened for an interminable moment, once again leaving her to wonder just what went on behind those magnificent blue eyes of his.
    He placed a courtly kiss on the back of her hand, then bowed his head slightly. “Until then.”