Legend of Witchtrot Road by E.J. Stevens

Oh no. I had turned my ringer off while doing research in the library. After my sobbing episode last night, she was probably stil worried about me. I pul ed out my phone and winced. I had ten missed cal s. She’s going to kill me.
    I cal ed Emma and she picked up on the first ring.
    “You better be tied up and held captive by the J-team AGAIN, because I can’t think of another acceptable reason why you’d ignore my cal s today,” Emma said dryly.
    Son of a dung beetle.
    “Sorry,” I said. “I didn’t mean to make you worry.”
    “So you haven’t been kidnapped by Neanderthal footbal players who want you to resurrect their dead quarterback?” Emma asked.
    “No,” I said. Not today. “You know, when you say it like that it sounds kind of crazy.”
    I couldn’t help myself. The whole thing suddenly seemed so ridiculous that I started to giggle.
    “I’m glad someone thinks this is funny,” Emma said.
    “Sorry, the whole J-team thing just seems so surreal right now,” I said.
    “So where are you anyway?” Emma asked. “My shift ends in fifteen minutes. You want to do something? I could pick up Tofutti and Rice Dream ice cream after work and we could do some Internet research on Witchtrot Road.”
    “Oh em gees, that sounds awesome!” I said. “I’m not actual y home though. Want to meet me at the cabin? I’m on my way there now with Gabriel. He’s driving.”
    “You’re in that environment destroying, gas guzzling beast?” Emma asked.
    Gabriel looked at me encouragingly when I mentioned his name to Emma and I hoped that he didn’t hear what she just said. He had no idea how misplaced his heart was, but I guess that’s why they cal ed it a crush. Unless he traded in his Hummer for a Prius and completely revamped his selfish personality, Gabriel was going to receive a broken heart with this visit to Wakefield. Hopeful y, like the tacky t-shirts we sel to tourists, this souvenir would fade with time.
    Of course, there would probably be a lot of complaining first. I was already dreading the fal out.
    “Um, it wasn’t my idea,” I said. “I was doing a favor for Cal, but I’m on my way back to the cabin now. Meet me there?”
    “Okay, I’l be there soon,” Emma said. “We can do vegan ice cream later.”
    “You rock,” I said, smiling.
    “I know,” Emma said. “And Yuki…I real y was worried about you. Until we get this mess with the J-team straightened out, promise me you’l keep your cel phone on.”
    “I promise,” I said.
    I real y did have the best friends. Ever.

    *****
    Cal was standing in the cabin doorway, hands in his low-slung jean pockets, as Gabriel struggled to park his SUV without trampling any trees. Gabriel, who was worried more about his precious Hummer than the beautiful hundred year old oaks, final y brought us to a stop. I smiled at Cal who winked back with a toothy grin. I couldn’t wait to get out of The Bratmobile. I struggled with the handle and started to fal as I pushed open the heavy door.
    I was caught in Cal’s wel -muscled arms.
    “You fal for al the guys, or just for me?” Cal quipped.
    I gasped and looked up into his smiling face. He had been standing in the cabin doorway only moments before.
    Thank goodness for werewolf speed…and swoon-worthy muscles. Blushing, I looked up into Cal’s blue eyes.
    “Just you,” I said, breathless.
    Cal leaned in to brush his lips against my own. He teased me with a kiss at the corner of my mouth, but I turned my head to meet his kiss. It was a good thing he was stil holding me in his arms. I may have melted into a little puddle of happy right there in the Hummer’s shadow.
    Cal pul ed away with a little moan and rested his forehead against mine, breath ragged and warm on my face.
    Had it only been a day since I had seen him last? It felt as though we had been apart for an eternity.
    “I never did get to reward you for being my hero yesterday,” I said, wrapping my hands more tightly around Cal’s neck. I