Goddess, Awakened. Cate Masters

heated by Eric’s visit. His essence still permeated the room, emanating heat like a hearth fire.

      Charlie agreed, and engaged Annie in a discussion of recipes.

      The ping of hard rain against the window captured Joss’s attention. Beyond the spattered glass, the dark blue SUV swung away from the barn and down the long drive. A plume of exhaust trailed from his vehicle. She could have sworn he watched from within.

      I don’t need any trouble. I don’t care how handsome he is. More than handsome. Now she knew why younger people referred to the opposite sex as hot. When near him, a side of her she’d locked away returned, hungry for more. The hair on her skin shot up with electricity when he stood close.

      No, she should leave him alone. And every other man, after what Gram revealed.

      Chapter 4

      The dream again. The same man, mysterious, yet her soul mate. Joss awoke damp with sweat. Light edged the horizon and gradually diffused the shadows from her room. Taz jumped atop the bed and nudged her hand with his snout.

      Sitting up, she hugged him, stroking his long black and white fur. “Oh, Taz.”

      When John’s friend had first brought the border collie, Joss balked. The last thing she needed was another life to depend on her. John had told her the herding dog would guide her. Taz had turned his brown eyes toward her, a connection beyond love. Somehow the dog had shared her sadness and promised better times lie ahead.

      The dog’s soft tongue licked her cheek. “I know. We have a lot of work to finish.” Enough dreaming, for now.

      After a quick shower, she threw on jeans and a sweatshirt.

      Taz woofed at the window, tail wagging.

      “Someone coming?” Joss ruffled his fur and peered outside. “It’s Annie.”

      Bounding ahead as she opened the door, the dog reached Annie before Joss, who rushed down the porch steps. “You’re here early.”

      Annie smiled. “I brought breakfast. I know you’ve been working before Charlie and I arrive and after we leave. You’re going to exhaust yourself.”

      “Not a chance. I’m in love.”

      Annie’s jaw dropped. “What?”

      “I fall in love with the house every time I look at it.” Joss delighted in every detail. Arched wooden frames protruded around the third floor windows. From its near-flat mansard rooftop, shingles curved delicately down to the second floor, rimmed in dark wooden molding set with evenly spaced carved brackets beneath the eaves. Like the first floor, the second floor boasted narrow floor-to-ceiling windows in pairs. Topped by an aged copper roof, the main rectangular tower jutted past the front door, its three windows angled hexagonally. Columns sat at the front of the roofed porch, extending past the dining room windows.

      “Yep, the inn’s beautiful.” Annie chuckled. “Or will be.”

      “It’s a Second Empire Victorian. Did I tell you already?”

      Annie’s lips twisted to the side. “You might have mentioned the fact a few times.”

      “Doesn’t its name seem perfect? For both the inn and my life. A second empire.”

      “You will rule in both,” Annie joked, following her to the back door. “I have to admit, I was afraid I’d be cooking over a hearth.”

      “Not quite.” The previous owners had updated the kitchen beautifully. In the morning sun, the room gleamed in ceramic and steel perfection. Graced with four large arched windows, light blazed through.

      After setting down her bags, Annie ran her hand across the large, shiny stove, then the huge refrigerator. “I still can’t believe how gorgeous it is.”

      Joss leaned against the large central island. “I’m glad the one room they updated was this one.”

      “Ah, my dream workspace.” Annie caressed the light gray granite countertops. “I want to live here.”

      “Once we’re up and running, you practically will.” Joss moved to the back door. “And the outdoor summer kitchen’s only a few steps down the walk.”

      Stepping beside her, Annie said, “Where you’ll make the specialty of the house.”

      “A few specialties, actually.” Joss planned to create delectable concoctions using her grandmother’s potent ingredient—lavender. She’d stir it in lemonade for hot summer days, mix it with sugar to dust on cakes, and adorn rooms with its blooms.

      “The entire field will be filled with a sea of purple flowers.” She couldn’t wait until the view transformed her vision into reality. “Gram used to tell me lavender keeps away everything from insects to bad luck, if you believe in superstition.”

      Rapping her knuckles on the wooden door jamb, Annie chuckled. “Don’t knock it. We could use some luck.”

      “I don’t believe in luck, Annie. I believe in working hard, and making my own luck.” Joss had ignored her grandmother’s advice to entwine the perennial in her hair for her wedding to John. Gram had told her the sacred rite would ensure she retained her female power and bring good fortune. Joss hadn’t needed a flower for that.

      “We’re going to make this work, Annie.”

      “You betcha.” Annie slung an arm around her shoulder. “I’m so happy to see you moving on, honey. I was worried about you.”

      “I was fine.” Joss couldn’t admit to Annie she had reason to worry. “You’re right, buying this place was the right decision. Running the inn will keep me busy, if nothing else, and Taz has the run of the property’s seven acres.” She reached down to pat his head, and he looked up at her with his warm brown eyes, mouth open in a doggy smile.

      Annie’s careful scrutiny crawled over her. “Nope, something more. You look more like you. Even more like you than when John was alive.” She waved. “I can’t explain it.”

      “I know what you mean. It’s true.” Since moving in, Joss was more herself than she had been in years. Stronger, more vibrant. “I’m looking forward to the future again, instead of dreading it. I can’t wait to plant the first crop of lavender next spring.” It would bring happy childhood memories, and hopefully happy customers who loved her lavender-based recipes. If the blooms brought a bit of luck, all the better.

      * * * *

      Lavender Hill Inn’s flow of guests grew steadily. Her full days gave Joss no time to think about anything besides work, or so she told herself. Despite her resolve, Eric barely left Joss’s thoughts for the next few weeks. In the mornings, she pointedly avoided him, waiting to walk Taz until after his early run.

      Until the morning Taz broke from their early morning walk to run to the barn.

      “Where are you going?” Rounding the back of the house, she slowed at the sight of Eric’s truck.

      Tail wagging, Taz stood beside it. Eric climbed out and bent to pat the dog’s head.

      “Oh, no.” She’d planned for this eventual visit—and had planned to be away, out of sight, where she wouldn’t have to speak to him. If she hurried into the summer kitchen, she could avoid him. Her pace quickened. As she reached for the door, Taz barked.

      Glancing back, she shushed the dog. Too late. The vet stood, hand on hip, watching.

      “Hello.” She waved and grabbed the door knob.

      “Morning.” He strolled closer.

      “How are the horses?”

      “Good. I’m giving shots today.”

      Was the regular vet still on vacation? “Poor things.”

      “They don’t feel much.”

      “All