Kindling Flames: Granting Wishes (The Ancient Fire Series Book 5) Read Free Page B

doesn’t make you happy, don’t let it slide. Fay are bad at living up to the letter of the law but not the spirit.”
    “Umm. Okay.” Now Mitzy was starting to worry Cathren. Did she really think Patrick could be a real leprechaun?
    Mitzy pulled the mostly empty beer bottle out of Cathren’s hands “Now, why don’t you go give him a second chance on those waffles?”
    “But I haven’t seen him since he stopped in to the shop,” Cathren protested as Mitzy pulled her to her feet.
    “Then now’s the perfect time to go see him.” Mitzy steered her towards the door. “He’s had time to think about how he’s going to grant your wishes. Besides, tonight is game night. He’ll be at the shop until dawn.”
    “Wait.” Cathren dug her heels in, making Mitzy stop. “You know this guy?”
    “Yes.” Mitzy shifted her grip on Cathren, forcing her to start moving again. “And if you want a say in who your true love is going to be, then you had better get over there before Patrick ropes some sorry sucker into dating you.”
    This got Cathren’s feet moving. She didn’t just want any man forced into being her true love. She wanted someone that wanted her!
    ***
    The front of Hats and Soles looked like any other store in the small strip mall. The name of the shop was delicately painted on the inside of the large, glass window and a display of hats and shoes filled the open space. The sign on the door said closed, but Cathren had just watched a tall, well-dressed man come out and get into some expensive car. He hadn’t stopped to lock the door, so she knew it was open. Gathering up her courage, Cathren got out of the car. She hesitated as her fingers touched the cold handle of the shop door. She pulled her hand back, second-guessing her choice. Saying you were going to go visit a possible insane man and doing it were two different things. Mitzy’s words flashed through her head, strengthening her resolve. She did want a say in who her true love would be. Reaching out, she grabbed the door and pushed it open before she could change her mind again. A bell chimed, announcing her entrance.
    “Did you decide to agree to my offer?” Patrick’s voice drifted in from the back of the shop. “She’s really a nice girl.”
    “Ummm, hello?” Cathren was sure Patrick thought she was the man that had just left coming back.
    “Cathren?”
    Cathren’s breath caught as a silhouette blocked the light coming from the doorway in the back.
    “What are you doing here?” Patrick moved so he was no longer backlit. He was dressed in the most amazing red jacket. For a moment, he had a mystical look that made Cathren almost believe he was the fay he claimed he was. It had something to do with the way the light reflected off the gold buttons that marched down the front of his coat.
    Actually seeing him standing there kicked in her good sense. “I’m sorry.” She backpedaled the few steps she had taken.
    “Wait,” Patrick cried as he raced across the room and placed his hand on the door, stopping Cathren from leaving. He reached out and took her hand from the doorknob, turning her to face him. “What brings you to my door, cailín?”
    Cathren blushed and looked down at the lapels on Patrick’s coat. She picked at some lint as she tried to find an excuse to be there. “I don’t know,” she finally admitted after smoothing his jacket down. “I went out to the club, but I just wasn’t feeling it, and Mitzy suggested I stop by, and… I don’t know” She looked up to the amused look on Patrick’s face. “I’m sorry. It’s late. I should go.” She tried to turn, but Patrick would not release her hand.
    “It’s all right,” he said, pulling her farther into the shop. “I’m glad you came.” Wrapping her hand up around his arm, he escorted her through the darkened shop to the lit doorway. “I was just seeing what I could do about your wishes.”
    Cathren had never seen anything like the back of Patrick’s shop. The