Free Sensuous Summoning by Bronwyn Green

warily from the underbrush. It was practically a Disney forest, minus any singing princesses.
    “Hmm…” The inspector with the camera wandered around the site taking pictures of the various flowers and birds while the other made her way to the rock fissures and peered inside with a flashlight. Rowan knew what the other woman would find. Thousands and thousands of small brown bats. For the last few nights, Rowan had gone outside at dusk to watch them leave their hiding place to hunt for insects.
    The man with the camera made his way to the rocks and, after a short discussion with the other inspector, took several pictures. Turning around, he aimed his camera at the tree, taking pictures of the yellow-headed blackbirds. Snapping on a telephoto lens, he aimed higher into the tree. Likely at the nest of the owl that had recently taken up residence there.
    While the inspectors talked a short distance away, Reece stepped in front of Rowan and glared at her. “What the hell did you do to this place? None of these flowers and shit were here before.”
    She blinked blankly at him. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
    Before he could respond, the inspectors approached.
    “We need to file the paperwork, but you should know that we’re going to recommend that this parcel of land remain a habitat to the endangered species that live here.”
    “What?” Rowan’s father demanded. “What endangered species?”
    “It’s practically a miracle to see so many in one place, but there are yellow-headed blackbirds, a short-eared owl, Indiana bats, yellow rails, willow asters, rock cress—it’s amazing.”
    “Wood turtles,” the other inspector added. “Karner Blue butterflies. Yeah—there’s no way you’ll get an approved permit to build here.”
    “These stupid flowers weren’t here a few days ago,” Reece blustered. “They must have …planted them or something.”
    The older of the two inspectors looked at him skeptically. “Son, that ground hasn’t been disturbed. Those plants came up the natural way.”
    Reece glared at her, and her father merely raised his eyebrow. She could tell he was pissed, but she thought there might be a tiny bit of grudging respect in his gaze as well.
    Rowan and Meaghan managed to refrain from squealing with glee until everyone else had gone, but once the last car disappeared down the road, they both shrieked happily.
    “You did it!” Meg squealed.
    Rowan shook her head and tried to ignore the sadness that swamped her. “It was Gwydion. None of this would have been possible otherwise.”
    Forcing a smile for Meg, Rowan turned and went into the house. She had to get ready for work before it got any later. Stepping through the door, she stopped dead.
    Gwydion stood there.
    Her breath stalled in her throat. She’d thought she’d never see him again, but he was here. In her kitchen.
    “Whoa,” Meaghan breathed behind her. “You know what Ro? You’ve had a really bad cough and fever. I’m just gonna go ahead and call your boss and let her know you’re sick. In fact, I’m gonna do that on my way to work. You rest up and feel better. I’ll make sure Kathy knows you won’t be in.”
    Rowan was still nodding woodenly while Meg gathered her purse and car keys. Rowan still hadn’t moved even when she heard her friend’s car start and pull from the driveway.
    “You’re here,” she finally managed, trying to control the quiver in her voice. She knew he was probably back to check on how the inspection had gone, but she couldn’t believe how much it hurt to see him and know he’d be likely leaving again soon.
    He crossed the room to where she was rooted to the floor and pulled her into his arms, practically crushing her against his chest. “I’ve missed you so much.”
    Sliding his fingers into her hair at the base of her skull, he lightly tugged her head back and kissed her. He coaxed open her lips, delving in and exploring her mouth. She couldn’t help but respond to