An Ordinary Fairy Read Online Free PDF Page B

few ducks.
    The birds went back into the water, but not all in a flurry as one would expect. Better to say they obediently returned to the pond, though they didn’t swim far, and hovered close to the shore. Noah wanted to question Willow about what had happened, but she had returned to the main path and moseyed on. He hoisted the camera and tripod to his shoulder and followed. He had done enough here.
    Noah reached the ledge about the same time as Willow. Shadow was there already, snoozing on the rocks.
    “All done?” Willow asked.
    “Yep. I think I have some good shots.”
    “Good. Can I help you carry anything?”
    Translation: Can I do anything to make you leave faster?
    “No, I can manage.” Noah finished packing, slung the small case over his left shoulder and lifted the big case with his right hand, careful not to show any strain. “I can find the way out, I think,” he said.
    “That’s okay, I’ll walk with you,” Willow said with a smile. She started down the path at a relaxed pace.
    Despite her rapid-fire mood changes, Noah liked this woman. It was obvious she loved and respected nature. These woods were a part of her, her soul interwoven with every creature and leafy thing. Like Noah, she appeared fond of her solitude. And she was easy on the eyes. He felt comfortable with her, familiar, and she seemed at ease with him, too. She was alone deep in a forest with a stranger, a man twice her size, her protection a nosy dog that would probably do little more than watch if anyone attacked her.
    “Ms. Brown,” Noah asked as they walked, “why haven’t you changed the name of this place? Jones Woods doesn’t seem right. I understand your two families … well, don’t see eye to eye on things.”
    Willow stopped and turned around, a bitter look on her face, which melted into amusement. “I guess I could,” she said. “Brown Woods. Sort of plain. Woods are brown sometimes, though. Maybe … Willow’s Woods? Sort of rolls off your tongue.”
    “Yes. I like that.”
    Willow’s smile wilted. “If only it was that simple. The name of a place can stick pretty tight, especially when intrigue is attached. Feuding families, a disappearance, a deserted mansion, the weird reclusive daughter.” Her expression grew fierce. “I know what they say about me in town. Did you know I’m supposed to be a prostitute? Or a witch? And I like to have sex with the animals?”
    Noah hesitated, then spoke in a soothing tone. “Anyone who says those things has never met you.”
    A range of emotions crossed Willow’s face, gratitude most prevalent. Without saying more, she turned and walked on.
    They passed the Big House and soon reached the truck. Noah slid both camera cases into the back of the truck while Willow watched, standing with her hands in her back pockets, which seemed to be her favorite stance.
    I shouldn’t leave yet. Something’s unfinished.
    Willow looked at him intently.
    Do you expect something, too?
    “Well, on to the next pond,” Noah said. “Thank you much for allowing me to intrude on your morning. I hope I wasn’t too big of a pain.”
    “No, you weren’t,” Willow said. “Please forgive my bad manners. I’m alone most of the time and my social skills are rusty.” She smiled her repentance. Her voice had changed; the bossy edge had eased and the pitch was higher, more melodious.
    “No problem at all. It was good meeting you, Ms. Brown.”
    Willow extended her hand. “Good to meet you, too, Noah.”
    The instant their hands touched, energy kindled between them. Willow’s eyes grew wide and locked on Noah’s. Not a romantic tingle or love-at-first-sight feeling, some unfamiliar force moved between them. They didn’t shake, but merely clasped hands for several seconds. Willow’s tiny hand radiated unnatural warmth.
    Noah relinquished his grip and the moment ended.
    Willow’s eyes flicked down to her outstretched hand, back to Noah, and then she returned the hand to her back