“You don’t have to thank me at all, Ms. McFay,” he said stiffly, picking up on my tone. “It’s my job. Shall I come back first thing in the morning … or maybe not quite first thing?”

I bristled at the implication that I might have company that early. “First thing will be fine, Bill,” I replied, matching his formality.

He nodded, put on his baseball cap, and turned to go. I bit my lip to keep from calling him back to apologize for kicking him out. I waited until I heard the front door close and then watched him drive away in his truck. I felt bad about going all “Lady of the Manor” on him, but I didn’t want him to be here when Duncan arrived. I didn’t want an audience for what I had planned.

I decided to lay a trap for Duncan to find out for myself if he was the incubus. It bothered me that I couldn’t tell. If we were true lovers, like Liam had said in my dream, shouldn’t I have already swooned in his arms? I certainly shouldn’t be falling into my handyman’s arms.

I headed for my bedroom to take a quick shower before Duncan arrived. I needed to look my best. Shucking off jeans and t-shirt in my closet I heard a clink as my jeans hit the floor. The Aelvestone rolled out of my pocket. I knelt down and picked it up. It pulsed in my hand like something alive. I knew I’d already absorbed too much Aelvesgold from the spell circle, but I couldn’t resist closing my hand around it.

Instantly a wave of warmth swept through my body and buckled my knees. I sank to the closet floor, my back cushioned by a soft quilted suitcase that held winter sweaters and scarves. I let my head sink back on the bag, the smell of wool and lavender bringing back memories of being little and hiding in my mother’s closet.