Captivated by Nora Roberts Page A

“We might as well have some fun with it.” To prove her point, she covered the entire confectionary landscape with heaping clouds of whipped cream. With a flourish, she set the bowl in front of Sebastian.
    “No nuts?”
    She slapped a spoon into his hand. “I don’t like nuts, and you’re sharing.” After sitting again, she dug deep into the sundae. “You’d probably like him,” she said with her mouth full. “Nash. He has that relaxed sort of arrogance men think is so manly.” Which, of course, it was, she thought resentfully. “And, obviously, he has a very fluid imagination. He’s good with animals—Pan and Luna reacted very favorably. He’s a big fan of Mother’s, has a nice sense of humor, a good brain. And he drives a very sexy car.”
    “Sounds like you’re smitten.”
    If she hadn’t just swallowed, she would have choked. “Don’t be insulting. Just because I find him interesting and attractive doesn’t mean I’m—as you so pitifully put it—smitten.”
    She was sulking, Sebastian noted, pleased. It was always a good sign. The closer Morgana got to anger, the easier it was to slide information out of her. “So, have you looked?”
    “Of course I looked,” she shot back. “Merely as a precaution.”
    “You looked because you were nervous.”
    “Nervous? Don’t be ridiculous.” But she began to drum her fingers on the table. “He’s just a man.”
    “And you, despite your gifts, are a woman. Shall I tell you what happens when men and women get together?”
    She curled her fingers into fists to keep from doing something drastic. “I know the facts of life, thank you. If I do take him as a lover, it’s my business. And perhaps my pleasure.”
    Happy that she’d lost interest in the ice cream, Sebastian nodded as he ate. “Trouble is, there’s always a risk of falling in love with a lover. Tread carefully, Morgana.”
    “There’s a difference between love and lust,” she replied primly. From his spot under the table, Pan lifted his head and gave a soft woof.
    “Speaking of which . . .”
    Eyes full of warning, Morgana rose. “Behave yourself, Sebastian. I mean it.”
    “Don’t worry about me. Go answer the door.” The bell rang a heartbeat later. Chuckling to himself, Sebastian watched her stalk off.
    Damn it, Morgana thought when she’d opened the front door. He looked so cute. His hair was tumbled by the wind. He carried a battered knapsack over one shoulder and had a hole in the knee of his jeans.
    “Hi. I guess I’m a little early.”
    “It’s all right. Come in and sit down. I just have a little . . . mess to clear up in the kitchen.”
    “What a way to speak about your cousin.” Sebastian strolled down the hall, carrying the bowl of rapidly depleting ice cream. “Hello.” He gave Nash a friendly nod. “You must be Kirkland.”
    Morgana narrowed her eyes but spoke pleasantly enough. “Nash, my cousin Sebastian. He was just leaving.”
    “Oh, I can stay for a minute. I’ve enjoyed your work.”
    “Thank you. Don’t I know you?” His gaze changed from mild to shrewd as he studied Sebastian. “The psychic, right?”
    Sebastian’s lips quirked. “Guilty.”
    “I’ve followed some of your cases. Even some hard-boiled cops give you the credit for the arrest of the Yuppie Killer up in Seattle. Maybe you could—”
    “Sebastian hates to talk shop,” Morgana told him. There were dire threats in her eves when she turned them on her cousin. “Don’t you?”
    “Actually—”
    “I’m so glad you could stop by, darling.” A quick jolt of power passed as she snatched the bowl out of his hands. “Don’t be a stranger.”
    He gave in, thinking it was still early enough to stop by Anastasia’s and discuss Morgana’s current situation in depth. “Take care, love.” He gave her a kiss, lingering over it until he felt Nash’s thoughts darken. “Blessed be.”
    “Blessed be,” Morgana returned automatically, and all but shoved him out the door.