Sentinel: A Light Mage Wars Novella (The Light Mage Wars) Read Free

men wasn 't being an ass. This territorial bit from Jerald was new. And unwelcome.
    Before Caro could try to smooth over his curtness, Moore continued, still in an easy, relaxed voice, "Ms. Dare, I particularly like the one called Spring . The color gradations are subtle and engaging, and the song that inspired the work, The Cypress Knees' 'Georgia Morning,' is a favorite of mine."
    " A lot of people like it. That's why it's a hit on the indie charts," Jerald muttered.
    Ignoring him, she responded, "Make it Caro, please."
    " Thanks. I'm Rick to my friends. How did you choose that song for the work?"
    The warmth in his voice wrapped around her like a buffer against Jerald 's mood. Smiling at Moore, she admitted, "'Georgia Morning' is a family favorite."
    Griffin especially liked it. She'd played it whenever she worked on the Spring tapestry. Every color she'd chosen for that particular piece, every bobbin of thread she'd wound, had been with him in mind.
    " There's a lot to be said for family favorites," Moore observed.
    Jerald cleared his throat. "Sorry to interrupt here, but–"
    " Then don't." Caro kept her smile in place despite the urge to drive her stiletto heel into Jerald's toes. Maybe Moore was only being polite with his compliments, but he sounded sincere.
    " I'm here to do a piece for Georgia Arts Monthly , as Belinda said," Moore told her. "I'd love to talk to you about your work when it's convenient."
    " Really?" Delight bloomed in her heart, fast and deep, and her cheeks heated.
    The outline of Moore in her magical awareness nodded, then tensed, as though he realized she couldn 't see any detail in his reaction. "Yes," he said. "This is truly amazing, and the response you're getting shows that there would be interest."
    Wow ...but...Reporters tended to pry at doors best left closed. Caro swallowed a sigh.
    " I'm sorry, but I don't give interviews." With some regret, because she liked him and she did want her work to make a splash, she cooled her voice. "It's family policy."
    " I see." Although Moore still sounded relaxed, his deep voice carried a tinge of disappointment. "If you change your mind, I'd be glad to send you the questions by email ahead of time."
    Before she could refuse again, he added, "And now I'm sure there are others who'd like to talk to you. It was nice meeting you, Caro. Layton."
    His shape and his footsteps receded into the swirl of life energy in the gallery. Too bad. He'd seemed like such a nice guy.
    But she couldn 't let down her guard, even for the sake of her career. Too many people wanted to write sordid stories about Griffin or his family. Because he was a painter, even Mundane publications like Peachtree Arts Bulletin had glommed onto her "missing" brother, supposedly homeless and mentally ill.
    Caro swallowed a sigh. Best to guard her privacy and steer clear of any reporters. Even part-time ones. And especially charming ones. They always wanted something.
    #
    Rick had known getting Caroline Dare to talk to him wouldn't be easy. He'd even expected vigilant parents. After all, it was a big night for her, and this event would stir up talk about her brother's absence. But he hadn't figured on the hostile boyfriend.
    He should have. After all, she was a lovely woman.
    A lush fall of black hair framed her rose -and-cream complexion. Those classical, elegant features like her mom's, combined with her dad's gray eyes, presented a pleasant picture but an unremarkable one. The real appeal came from the sparkle, the life, in her face. He'd stupidly failed to realize a blind woman's face could be so animated.
    His mistake.
    So of course there was a boyfriend. The guy wouldn't be at her side forever, though.
    Rick shrugged. He'd mentioned his article to show her he was harmless, possibly even helpful, but it hadn't worked. He'd just have to regroup and try again. Up his game.
    By all accounts, Caroline had been close to her brother. She very well might know why he'd acted as he did and, with a