Tried-and-true gypsies, both of them, complete with the talent to go with the title. I'm glad all that mumbo-jumbo skipped me.

* * * *

Like a tornado, Gavin Myers swept into town at four that Friday afternoon, the first day of his ten-day vacation. By five-fifteen, a group of adoring ladies surrounded him as he drank a cola while sitting on a concrete bench in the park. His grin spread wider with each lovely woman that joined the group.

"Oh Gavin, you're just perfect. Just what any woman would want." A pert blonde named Sarah clung to one arm while a stunning brunette named Lana held his other arm captive. "You're so handsome."

"And you're funny," Lana added, referring to a joke he shared earlier.

"Oh my, yes, you're quite witty," a third beauty added.

"And charming," a fourth asserted, as she batted long black eyelashes at him.

Day one and I have them eating out of my hand already. Charming? Like a snake charmer.

* * * * 

"There's no harm in talking to a beautiful woman."

"Look, mister, I'm not beautiful, and I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't say that." Years of Megan Jones' harsh criticism welled up in Miranda and spilled out in bitter words.

* * * *

Though she didn't want to listen, she did. And sympathized with the women Gavin used. Men had taken advantage of her when she was younger. Her mother might have taught her manners, but she never told Miranda about men and how easily they could talk you into doing what wasn't the best.

* * * *

"Miranda, do you feel safe with me?" He looked straight ahead, not at her.

That made it easier to answer. Her earlier anger over his cavalier behavior had given way in the last hour to the desire she experienced when she first saw him.

* * * *

Down on one knee in front of her, Gavin took both of her hands and squeezed them gently. "Miranda Jones, there is no other woman for me but you. How this happened so fast I don't know. Magic I guess. You're the most exquisite creature I've ever met, and I'd like to know you better. Much better. A lifetime worth of better maybe." His eyes pleaded with her. "Would you think about that? Please?"

Silence, heavy and pregnant, filled the room for several seconds. "Yes, Gavin, I'd like to know you better if that is what you want. And magic..." She left the sentence hanging because Spellfire was bursting with magic. If falling in love could happen on sight then this was the place where it could occur.

* * * *

"Go to hell, Gavin Myers. I don't want to see you ever again."

"But you love me, and I  love you." He begged with open palms and sorrow in his glance.

"You're wrong. Your lie, your dishonesty...that was the truth that lay hidden. The one to be revealed." Not a tear marred her face as she stepped around him.

"You don't love me." Two steps further and she tossed her words over her shoulder, "And I don't love you. And you know what, Mr. Myers?" She broke into a run. "I wish I weren't a gypsy."