Of Yesterday Read online

  Of Yesterday

  by

  Alta Hensley

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  About the Author

  www.lazydaypub.com

  Of Yesterday

  ISBN-10-1612580645

  ISBN-13978-1-61258-064-7

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

  Copyright © 2012 Alta Hensley

  Cover art by Bret Poinier

  No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission from the publisher LazyDay, with the exception of quotes used in reviews and critical articles.

  Dedication

  I dedicate this book to all my fans. If it weren't for you, I would not be able to continue my dream of writing. I am forever thankful for everyone I have met along the way of my journey.

  Chapter One

  Taylor McKnight made her living, as small and pathetic as it may be, convincing people she was a modern-day witch. She had grown a pretty decent reputation and had a fairly large client base. It was not that she truly knew any real witchcraft, she had just mastered the illusion. It was all image, staging, make believe. But for the sake of her pocketbook…she created the atmosphere of magic.

  She took a match and lit several candles to help set the mood. A puff of smoky aroma danced its way upward in small spirals. A fusion of vanilla, cinnamon, and rose mixed with the already heavily-scented room. She had learned that smell helped sales. If people liked the aroma, they would seek to purchase the same scent for their homes.

  Taylor looked around the store at all the people browsing and decided it was time to work her so-called magic and try to make her commission in sales. She ran her hand through the haphazard brown curls that she allowed to cascade down her back, adjusted her cleavage in the tight-fitting, leather bustier, and smoothed her ankle-length skirt. She definitely dressed the part.

  She took a deep breath and released it slowly. "If there is anything I can help with, let me know." She knew it would only be moments before she was surrounded by people who wanted to be "cured."

  Taylor offered her clients her diagnosis, her witchy insight and her advice as to what would fix all their problems. Whatever reason brought them to her, Taylor tried her best to give them their money’s worth. She did not see it as a con. She saw it as a way to give them hope and positive thought. If it eased their fear, anxiety, and pain, then Taylor more than fulfilled her job.

  A frail woman was the first to approach. She quickly began to spew her entire medical history before Taylor could even open her mouth. Clients like these made her job easy. She would not have to be as vague or open with her so-called supernatural powers. Getting this woman to buy any tea, potion, or crystal of Taylor’s choosing would be a walk in the park. If she was really good, she would manage the sale of all of the above.

  As the woman continued to talk, Taylor could not help but notice a man wearing a cowboy hat in the corner of the store. A quick glance showed the curve of his lip lifted in amusement. Could he see through her guise? She could have ignored him, but it was people like him that were bad for business. He needed to be addressed.

  She quickly guided the frail woman in the direction of the most expensive herbs in her store and snapped her fingers, with her bracelets jingling, to get her shop assistant’s attention to help close the deal. Her assistant could handle this one blindfolded. Taylor had a skeptical cowboy to deal with.

  Gliding her way as seductively as she could, she made her way to the man in the corner. He was fingering one of the glass balls with laughter in his eyes. Without a word, Taylor lifted his rough-callused hand with hers. The size and strength of his made her own seem elfish in comparison.

  He seemed startled for a mere moment, his eyebrows questioning. She had dealt with men and women like him before. She had found that facing them head on usually caused them to back away and ultimately leave the store. Her confidence was always too much to bear.

  Releasing the cowboy’s hand, she acted as if she had been burnt. "Oh…ahhhh…there is a fire within you." Keeping the drama was crucial.

  She swayed her hips and softly closed her eyes. "I can feel the burn. I can almost taste the liquid heat that is melting your soul." She almost giggled as the sentence left her mouth. Taylor knew she was laying it on thick, but she needed to make this skeptical cowboy uncomfortable so he would leave her store. She had clients anxiously waiting for her attention, and money to be made. The last thing she needed was to have this man mess with the mystical vibe she worked so hard to keep.

  The cowboy snickered brashly enough to be heard by all. Taylor opened her eyes and swallowed down the anger building inside. Damn, this was not going to be as easy as she thought. She could see in the corner of her eyes that customers were watching her every move. She could not let this arrogant ass win.

  She let out a soft moan. "The pain…the pain is in your back." It was a good guess on her part, considering it was obvious he was a working cowboy. The mud on his boots and the dust on his jeans were a real giveaway.

  "No. The pain is in my ass," his husky, abrupt voice cut in.

  Taylor tried not to let the hint of intimidation win over. Six feet of rugged, tightly muscled man with dark wavy hair set against sun-kissed skin was not going to do her in. Although his piercing blue eyes that looked more dangerous than welcoming may just do so.

  Her reputation was on the line. Taylor had no choice but to continue on, "An old injury made worse by your daily living." She could feel his gaze burning right through her. She had no choice to avoid eye contact as a shiver worked its way through her. He was winning. "Being a cowboy…" she paused to sneak a peek at his rigid jaw line.

  He crossed his arms against his chest and took two steps toward her. Closing any distance they had between them. "Lady, how much of a fool do you take me for?" He looked around the store and laughed. "You’re full of crap."

  "What?" she gasped, throwing daggers with her eyes.

  A wave of fury coursed through Taylor's body as she stared into the most unyielding pair of blue eyes she’d ever seen. He was winning, and she had no choice but to turn her back on him and offer her assistance to her other clients.

  "Sweetheart, if you’re a witch, then I’m Jesus himself." He followed her as she tried to escape his hostility. "What you are is a liar. You manipulate your way into their wallets and cheat good people out of their money." His voice was stern, but never once was he yelling.

  Taylor fiddled with the ruby pendant around her neck. Her hand shook as she tried to regain some composure. "Sir, I’m sure there is a…saloon down the street that may be more your style." She smirked. "If you don’t believe in witches, spells, and magic, why are you here?"

  "Because I’m here to give you a warning." His voice lowered. "You picked the wrong person to try to con, and I won’t let you fool an innocent girl."

  "What? Who is this girl I supposedly tried to con?" she asked.

  "My sister, Mandy Winters. She’s…naïve. You stay away, ya hear?"

  Stepping closer to him, she stood within inches of this sexy yet infuriating man. Masculinity overpowered her senses, a crisp smell of pure testosterone. "If I can remember correctly, your sister is a grown woman. I will do, and say, whatever I choose. Ya hear?" She could not help but give a contemptuous sneer.

  "My sist
er is easily taken advantage of and I’ll not allow someone like you to do it. This is the only time I’m going to tell you. Leave my sister alone, or I’ll make sure your little fairytale shop is closed down."

  Taylor no longer noticed or cared about the patrons that were staring in awkward silence. Any hope of rebounding from this day was futile, but she was not going to let this man bully her.

  "And how do you plan on doing that? I’ve committed no crime. I have done nothing wrong. The only thing I’ve done is wasted my time talking with you. So if you don’t mind, I would like you to leave my store. Now," she demanded.

  For the first time since meeting, his face softened. There was a twinkle in his eye as he took a step closer. He reached his hand out and slowly ran it down the length of her arm. His touch caused her long-denied body to shudder. What was it about this man?

  "Darlin’, I don’t take demands from a phony, a cheat, and a…witch." He leaned in and softly whispered in her ear, "You don’t want to mess with me. You may think you’re strong. But I’ll always be stronger."

  With one last glance of the store, he strolled out the door. Leaving nothing behind other than the desire that lingered in Taylor’s body.

  Chapter Two

  Jason Winters knew his sister believed everything anyone said. Sheltered, gentle, and fragile ever since the death of their parents, Mandy was Jason’s responsibility. She had never recovered after the boating accident fifteen years ago. Repeated doctors had said that the trauma had been too much for her. Her mind had shut down in such a way so that she could cope. She lived in a self-created world with no hate, no fear, no sadness, and no harsh reality. Mandy laughed, she played, and she lived life as if she were still a child. Facing the world as an adult was too much, so Jason had no choice but to face it for her.

  As she heard Jason walk in, Mandy looked up from the velvet poster she liked to spend hours coloring with her markers. Her tiny body seemed dwarfed by the huge oak table she sat at. "Hi, brother!"

  He sat down in the old, wooden chair across from her. He smiled at her angelic appearance. Dressed in a white, summer dress with her blond hair resting on her shoulders, she seemed so soft. As much as her mental condition could frustrate him, he almost envied her pure joy in the simple things. She was lost in reality and needed constant direction. But in all actuality, it was Jason who truly needed Mandy. He would be lost without her kindness and her unconditional love.

  "What are you doing home so early?" Mandy asked as she focused her attention back to her coloring.

  "I went to that witch’s den."

  Mandy’s head snapped up and her light blue eyes stared with shock. "Did you see the…" Mandy looked around the room, leaned forward on the table and whispered, "the witch?"

  "Yes."

  "She’s really pretty, huh? I thought all witches were ugly."

  "Pretty" was an understatement to describe that woman. Even in her ridiculous costume, her curves made Jason’s mouth water. Her curly hair made her appear sensual and seductive. Her perfect pouty lips just screamed to be kissed. His loins throbbed as he remembered the way her green eyes darkened with her anger. Her temper was undeniably sexy.

  Jason leaned back in his chair, trying to get the vision of the most beautiful woman he had ever seen out of his mind. "Listen, Mandy. I don’t want you going back to that store again. Are we clear?"

  Mandy lifted her chin and squinted her eyes. "Why? I like the witch."

  "She’s not a witch."

  Mandy crossed her arms against her chest and pouted her lips. "Yes, she is. You don’t know everything."

  Jason took a deep breath. The need to protect his sister, mixed with the growing frustration of his sister’s naivety was almost too much for his temper. "I don’t want to see you taken advantage of. Stay away from the store, and stay away from that woman. I mean it, Mandy."

  ****

  Taylor looked up as the tiny bell rattled above the door to see the young lady, Mandy, walk in.

  "Mandy, you’ve come back."

  The young woman in white timidly crossed the threshold and approached Taylor at the counter. "I needed to speak with you," Mandy said.

  "I’m surprised you’re here. Your brother came in yesterday and demanded that I never have contact with you again. I’m not really sure you should be here."

  Telling Mandy this was difficult, since Taylor had developed a liking to her. There was something about this young lady that Taylor could not quite put her finger on. She almost seemed like a pixie of sorts, juvenile, mild, and in her own world. Taylor really enjoyed her company. Regardless of what her brother thought, Taylor would never take advantage. When Mandy walked in the door a few weeks back, an almost instant kinship was formed.

  Mandy smiled in a soothing way, unlike anything Taylor had ever seen. "My brother is really protective, and can't help it. He’s just really busy with a big project and he thought you were taking advantage of me, and well…my brother can be a little bossy." She looked down at her hands. "I’m sorry."

  "Don’t be sorry. I have a feeling your brother’s bark is worse than his bite."

  Mandy looked up with a broad grin. "I like you. Even if you are a witch."

  Taylor couldn’t help but laugh."I have a little secret to tell you." She leaned in to Mandy's ear and whispered, "I'm not really a witch."

  Mandy whispered back, "I know, silly." She giggled. "I was hoping I could still come see you. I don’t want to listen to my brother."

  Taylor nodded. "I don’t see anything wrong with being friends. You’re welcome here anytime."

  Mandy nibbled at her thumb nail for a second and said, "My brother works too hard. And he spends all his free time taking care of me. He’s just lonely. You would really like him if you just gave him a chance. His name’s Jason, by the way."

  Taylor shrugged, not really sure at what Mandy was getting at. "I’m sure your brother is a very nice man." Taylor was not convinced she really believed that, but she wanted to reassure Mandy that everything was all right.

  ****

  The blue truck pulled up in front of the store as Taylor was locking up. She looked over her shoulder and could see the cowboy had returned. The sun was just starting to set. Pinks, reds, blues, and oranges melded across the sky, setting a stunning backdrop to his arrival. Striving to control her emotions, Taylor straightened her back, lifted her chin, and made her way to the rolled-down window.

  "Can I help you? Jason, right?" She bent forward and placed her arms on the door and casually leaned in.

  "Get in." His order was sharp but not aggressive.

  She swallowed back an angry retort, and managed to keep her cool. "No, thank you."

  "Now."

  "I don't make it a habit of getting into strangers’ cars, but since I don’t think you’ll leave me alone..." She opened the door and slid in the passenger seat, wondering if she was careless, stupid, or both. What was it about this man?

  The leather seats were hot from the day’s sun. The truck smelled like pure masculinity, causing desire and arousal to build inside of her. What was going on with her? This man was infuriating and drove her crazy. But damn, if he wasn't the sexiest person she ever saw. Taylor glanced at Jason's chiseled profile in the luminosity of the setting sun. His look, his smell, his entire presence was downright erotic.

  "I asked you to stay away from Mandy."

  Taylor focused her eyes on his rugged hands grasped on the steering wheel and tried to fight back the sexual pictures trying to invade her mind. "She came to me."

  "I'm not going to allow this."

  "I wasn't asking permission."

  "Are you always this way?" he asked.

  "What way?"

  "Stubborn, pig-headed, and ridiculously headstrong?" Jason's jaw tightened and his eyes darkened.

  "Is that how you compliment a lady? I'm flattered." Taylor should have been angry, but only felt aroused. She couldn't stop imagining his hands on her body.

  He turned to face her, s
taring directly in her eyes. She took a steadying breath and decided to face him head on. Refusing to break his glare. He slid across to the middle of the bench seat so he was inches from her face. He sat so close she could feel the heat from his body, the intensity from his stare. They were having their own Mexican standoff and she was not about to let him win.

  Taylor wanted to kiss him. She wanted to make the first move, and throw all caution to the wind. She wanted to feel his lips, his hands and his body pressed to hers. She wanted to savor in the taste of this incredibly strong sexual attraction.

  Before she could muster the courage to lean forward, Jason grabbed her by the back of her head and pulled her lips to his. Tunneling his hands into her hair, he drove the kiss even deeper. The kiss was passionate, intense, and filled with so much promise of what else this chemistry could create.

  Jason slid his hand to her shoulder, softly running it down to her hip. She started to tense up, only to have Jason pull her body closer to his. Caressing her palms against his muscled chest, Taylor desperately wanted to remove the cotton shirt blocking her access to his silky skin.

  Without breaking the kiss, he picked her up, placing her over his lap so she was straddling his hips. His hardness pressed against her, driving her need to a whole new level. Jason reached for the buttons of her shirt and began to unbutton, causing a warning bell to go off in the back of Taylor's head. This was crazy, she barely knew this man. Impulsive, reckless, and absolutely insane were the only ways to describe what was happening.

  Jason kissed her neck and whispered in her ear, "Tell me what you want. Tell me exactly what you want."

  Taylor struggled to find her voice. Not sure if she wanted him to stop or continue on. She reached between them at the button of his jeans, tugging to release the confines, lowering her hands past his briefs, feeling the light touch of hair.