Lure of Song and Magic Read Online Free PDF Page B

they’d make enough to repair the roof. And his people would eat at Dot’s and stay at the B&B.”
    Pippa wanted to tell her that wasn’t how the entertainment world worked, but she couldn’t tell her how she knew. Even her best friend didn’t know about her Syrene past.
    But Pippa had a feeling the good-looking surfer boy wouldn’t give up, and she needed all the defenses she could summon—if only to keep from killing him for doing this to her. She’d already decided on the challenge she meant to present him if he returned. Adding another obstacle to his goals ought to really test his mettle. Why should she be the only one to suffer?
    Draining her drink, Pippa nodded. “I’ll think about it.”

Chapter 4
    Oz’s vigilance was rewarded the next morning when Pippa James emerged from her hideout and strolled down the town’s main street to Dot’s Café for breakfast. This morning she was wearing a diaphanous caftan of swirling pinks over a loose, white, ankle-length dress that might as well have been a burka except it had spaghetti straps. She’d covered her amazing eyes with rose-colored glasses.
    After spending six hours in the B&B’s rock-hard, antiquated double bed, Oz figured he deserved this prize. Instead of heading for his Porsche, he fell into step with her.
    â€œGood morning…” He hesitated, hoping she’d supply the name she preferred. When she didn’t, he smoothly continued, “Shall I call you Pippa?”
    â€œThat’s my name,” she replied curtly, not breaking her long-legged stride.
    He refrained from arguing the point. “Do you mind if I join you? I have a meeting later, but I wanted to give you time to consider my offer.”
    â€œYou have a pretty face, Mr. Oswin,” she acknowledged, entering Dot’s Café, “but you’re slime underneath. I should have you arrested for stalking.”
    â€œI see you wake up snarling. Let me buy you some caffeine.” Catching her elbow, he steered her away from the counter she’d been aiming for and toward a booth. He did so cautiously, ready to drop her arm if she whacked him again. “A double shot of espresso, maybe?”
    â€œI don’t drink coffee. Back off, Mr. Oswin, or I’ll scream the house down. As you may have heard, I have a powerful voice.” Fortunately, once she’d jerked her arm from his grip she didn’t appear prepared to create a public scene. She slid into the booth and sat primly, hands crossed on the table, glaring at him through the ridiculous pink glasses that somehow worked with her red spiky hair.
    â€œI apologize if I’m invading your space.” He took the seat across from her and mentally prepared his arguments while verbally smoothing the waters. “We’re a little more touchy-feely in the city.”
    He glanced up at the waitress pouring tea into Pippa’s mug without being asked. Tea from a teapot, not a tea bag. She obviously ate here regularly, and they catered to her preferences. He nodded toward the coffeepot in the waitress’s other hand, and she filled his mug without a word.
    â€œThe usual, Dot,” Pippa said in the polite tones she reserved for everyone else but him. “How are the twins?”
    â€œDoc says they’ll survive to wreak havoc another day. O’course, I’m gonna have to feed the doc for free for the next year to pay his bill. Pity I can’t do the same with the hospital.” The waitress turned to Oz. “And what’s your poison this morning?”
    Assuming a Spanish omelet was out of the question, Oz ordered eggs over easy, bacon, and hash browns, keeping his eyes and ears open to the interaction between the two women and the other customers entering. There were things to be learned by observing people in their natural habitat.
    Every customer noted Pippa’s place in the room when they entered. She acknowledged no