The day after she was supposed to have been married, Kira Fitzgerald sat with her back to her desk at the Pickering Foundation, systematically and symbolically ridding herself of the dick-wad she'd caught screwing her sister.
She emptied her purse of anything that reminded her of the jock. Then she tossed the debris into her metal trashcan with gratifying force, and broke a tiny but expensive vial of his favorite perfume with great satisfaction. She took each of the addressed, ecru parchment wedding invitations she'd been saving to torture herself, and tossed them as well.
Taking this job as Pickering's Coordinator of Special Events had been a first step in rising from the ashes of her life. Performing this spell was the second. She'd turn everything that reminded her of the snake into ashes as well.
She added a pinch of healing herbs from her pouch, lit a long tapered match, and touched it to the edges of her shattered dreams. "I hate jocks!"
As a number of pearl embossed calla lilies, and ridiculous, romantic words began to singe and curl, Kira raised her amethyst-tipped wand, tempted to give the jerk what he really deserved. "I wanna wither your Charlie, Penis!" But like any witch worthy of the title, she would harm none.
Kira wielded her wand with a flourish.
"Charlie Tillinghast
Reap what you sow,
Recall your faithless past,
Travel the row you hoe,
And grow a heart to last.
Though I wish you no ill,
Begone from screwing me.
This is my will,
So mote it be."
Whoosh! The fire flared to bright and vigorous life, releasing a sickly-sweet scent into the air. "Shit!" She’d forgotten perfume was flammable.
As the flames and the flowery smoke rose, Kira grabbed her consolation bouquet from beside her computer, rescued the yellow roses, poured the water on the fire, and doused the small inferno.
That was when she saw the crisp blue vellum invitation atop her stack of mail, sitting there, free of its envelope, mocking her.
"Cripes, not another wedding." She leaned forward to read it.
You Are Cordially Invited
to Jason Pickering Goddard's
Ghost & Graveyard Tour of Rainbow's Edge
Narragansett and Ochre Point Avenues
Newport, Rhode Island
Sunday Evening, October 30, 2006, 7 p.m.
Donation: $1,000 per person
"What idiot thought this up? There are no ghosts at Rainbow's Edge.
"Damn!" came a deep, sexy voice, "I should've thought of that."
Kira yelped and whipped about to gape at the hunk of manhood who'd materialized behind her, her heart beating double time.
How long had he been standing there?
He made her think of a wolf, hungry yet calm, every nuance of his aquiline features sharp, like the gleam in his silver-gray eyes, and the disapproving dimple cut deep in the center of his chin.
Like a lazy predator, he leaned against the connecting doorjamb between her office and the next, arms crossed, sculpted lips firm, an antique walking stick at his side.
Kira's heart shifted into overdrive. For half a beat, she thought he was gorgeous, flawless, but no. He needed a haircut, a bump spoiled the precision of his nose, and his square chin bore a decidedly stubborn set, not to mention that five-o'clock shadow at eleven in the morning.
The small scar that crossed his left brow intrigued her, but his lips-too perfect for a man-seemed carved in granite, and the orgasmic promise in his eyes should come with a warning label. Nevertheless, all the odd parts formed such an attractive whole, Kira had to catch her breath and rub her arms against a sudden chill. "How long have you been standing there?"
"Long enough to be glad my name's not Charlie."
"Shit!"
"Nice talk. Little hormone problem going on there?"
Kira bristled. "Little attitude problem going on there?"
"Sorry, geez but that penis talk was seriously-scary."
"Who are you?"
The intruder extended his hand with a grin that made her wonder why his teeth weren't sharp. "I'm the new Director of Special Events," he said. "And you?"
Just call me screwed.
Reviews For My Favorite Witch
"Annette Blair will make your blood sizzle with this magical tale ... a terrific way to start the new year!" --Detra Fitch, Huntress Reviews
"Blair's sexy contemporary mating dance, set in Newport, RI, entertainingly pairs two commitment-phobic individuals."-- Booklist
"Annette Blair writes with much wit & humor, gives Kira a strong outer personality, hides her soft inner thoughts, & gives Jason a twist on the popular jock, allowing tender emotions to evolve. Mixed with the fun, Ms. Blair shares the beauty of unconditional love ... Readers will experience many different emotions ... from laughter to tugs on heartstrings. MY FAVORITE WITCH contains strong words, true to the character types, & has many hot, explicitly sensual scenes, but none that detracts from the valuable lessons brought forth. MY FAVORITE WITCH is a great story of various kinds of love, & Annette Blair weaves her own spell on you as you reach the end." --Carol Carter, Romance Reviews Today
"Annette Blair's latest cast a spell over this reader from the moment I picked it up. Chemistry blazes between Kira & Jason & extends into all parts of the story ... very intriguing plot with spooky crows, ghosts, charming little boys, & an adventure in love sure to raise your temperature and soften your heart. Jason has warmth, charm & charisma, but it is the battered heart that beats within that turns the ice wizard into a man any woman would be proud to call the love of her life. Kira is an equally fascinating protagonist ... The cast of secondary characters makes for plenty of downright hilarious moments, which help build on the evolving relationship between Kira and Jason. My Favorite Witch sparkles with wit, romance, and a love so grand, no magic could ever hope to create it. [It's] from the heart, the truest magic of all."-- Sarah W. Fallen Angel Reviews
"A fabulous read! Kira & Jason are made for one another & their witty, teasing, sexy banter is laugh-out-loud fun. Ms. Blair has a gift for layering her characters & revealing them gently, cleverly, allowing readers to get to know them on a deeper level. She brings back old friends ... introduces adorable twin boys, & intrigues with a touch of the supernatural. MY FAVORITE WITCH - I agree!" --Paula Myers, Fresh Fiction
"Superb character interaction, sexy banter, a heart tugging plot ... lovable orphans & flawed protagonists learn to trust & take a chance on love. This book will keep you entertained while playing on your emotions ... Kira is a witch & there is no doubt she bewitched Jason as well as this reviewer. If you enjoy pure entertaining romance, this is the book for you ... highly recommended." --Betty Cox, Reader to Reader
"This warmhearted story is a delight, filled with highly appealing characters sure to touch your heart. The magic in the air spotlights the humor that's intrinsic to the story. A definite charmer!" --Jill Smith, RT
"Annette Blair charms her readers with the amusing MY FAVORITE WITCH... The lead couple is an enchanting pairing as the attraction intensifies in spite of dueling wands as neither wants to score with the other ... readers will enjoy this amusing bewitching sports romance."
--Harriet Klausner
"Light-hearted comedy, a touch of magic ... unexpected twists ...a romance that sizzles ... A great story sure to be placed on the prized keeper shelf!"
--Monica, The Romance Readers Connection
