Mary Kendall, A Ghost Story

Mary Kendall, A Ghost Story
Attraction

Lee is used to working out daily as well as meditating. Meditation has been easy to do. But, the workouts have been sparse other than jogging. Jamie suggests Lee visit the town gym for an intense workout. The martial arts equipment Jamie ordered has arrived, but is still in boxes. “I’ve been a little busy since getting back.”

Lee nods his head in agreement. “Yes, it has been hectic, and your relationship with Bekka and Damien is of most importance right now. I can set up the equipment for you. I will enjoy doing it. I think going to the gym is an excellent idea, so I will definitely do that this morning.”

“That would be terrific! I appreciate it so much. I would love some instruction from you as well if we can find the time. You know, it might be good for Damien to practice martial arts. It would be beneficial for his job as a PI, as well as helping him meditate to soothe his soul not having Mary here.

“I agree. I will offer to instruct him.”
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Lee approaches Layla before leaving. “I’m going to the gym in town. Would you be interested in accompanying me?”

Layla smiles in delight. “I would love to go with you. I need a few minutes to change clothes.”

She finds herself enjoying Lee’s company very much. She wonders, ‘is he just being nice asking me to join him? It has been so long since I’ve been interested in a man that I don’t know how to read him. He is unlike anyone I've met before. I feel like I've known him forever and yet we just met a few days ago.’ She looks down the staircase and notices he is watching her. 'Hmm, I wonder what it would be like to kiss those very kissable lips. By the Fates bones, I can't believe I just thought that!' She scurries up the stairs blushing red even though no one can see or hear her thoughts.
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Lee watches as Layla climbs the tower stairs to her room. ‘I am so used to being solitary and enjoying my solitude. Yet I keep approaching Layla to join me in activities. I really enjoy her company and want to get to know her better. Is she just being polite in accompanying me? I’ve focused on my studies, learning all I can about magic and helping others. I know very little about women. She seems to enjoy my company even though I’m not very exciting and actually am downright boring at times. At least, that is what I’ve been told in the past.' Lee notices Layla looking down at him. He feels that fluttering in his chest that seems to happen only in her presence or when he thinks about her. 'How would her lips feel joined with mine?' He daydreams about that while waiting for her.
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The gym in town is state of the art with modern equipment as well as trainers to help those who want to improve their abilities. Layla loves yoga and finds the yoga studio easily as it is on the ground floor.
Lee watches her as she gracefully performs the movements. He could watch her all day, but finally goes upstairs. Deciding on weight training he sets the weights and begins his routine. He finds his mind slipping back to Layla. He closes his eyes thinking of her as he does the weights.
After completing her yoga routine, Layla finds she is not as relaxed as she would normally be. She can't keep her mind off Lee. She goes upstairs and finds him finishing up his weight routine. She is surprised at how much weight he is pulling and realizes his muscles are not just for show. He knows how to use them and keeps them toned.
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A trainer tells her about the new outdoor jogging track and she invites Lee to check it out with her. They stretch at the rail before starting to jog. Lee enjoys the views from the track as he goes around the building. Layla lags behind him enjoying her personal view.
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After completing the jog, they walk together around the circuit talking comfortably about their lives. Layla stops, admiring the view of the inlet. "This really is a beautiful town. I could learn to love it, if I had not already experienced the frigid winter."

Lee is watching her and not the view and remarks honestly. "Yes, the view is truly lovely." He is curious as to her aversion for cold. "Why do you not like a cold winter?"

"I grew up in Al Simhara, and we don't have snow or cold winters. The temperatures are cool in winter but not cold enough for snow. We barely wear jackets. After becoming the Oracle, I went back to Al Simhara and settled there."

"Could you live anywhere else?"

"Easily if the reasons are compelling enough. I've lived in several other places but have to admit none were as cold as this town."
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They continue walking, and Lee is enjoying their conversation. He loves being in her company. As they continue to walk, he tries to come up with a way to let her know he is interested in her as more than a friend. Everything he thinks of seems trite or corny. He wants her to admire him, not laugh at him. He stops walking suddenly as he grumbles to himself in frustration. Layla turns to him, her brilliant blue eyes shining as she looks at him. He reaches out to her and touches her face gently and with awe in his voice. "Layla, you have the most beautiful eyes I've ever seen. I know I am drowning in them."

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He can't stop himself. He wants to hold her in his arms. He knows he must kiss her. He puts his arms around her waist. She doesn't resist or pull away from him. She is smiling at him, those vivid blue eyes sparkling in the sunshine. He embraces her, kissing her with all the pent up feelings in his heart. She kisses him back! He looks at her as he loosens his hold. His heart is pounding, partly with fear that she will reject him. She is looking up at him, but not with disgust. Her arms wrap around his waist, pulling him towards her. As they kiss this time, he knows she is his and he is hers. He is no longer afraid or nervous. They are meant to be one.
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They finally stop kissing and yet he doesn't let her go. Standing there on the gym track in one of the most unromantic places possible, he found his soulmate. His other half. The one destined to complete him. He gently places his hands on either side of her radiant face. "You are the one, the only one. Please tell me, you feel it too."
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"Oh yes Lee. You are my soulmate. My destiny. I now know why you felt so familiar. Your soul was calling to me. Mine to yours."
Layla and Lee marvel at Fate sending them both to Hidden Springs separately to help Mary and yet find each other.
"I think if I ever see that pixie that cursed me, I will grant him a philosopher's stone."
Lee shudders. "My dear, you almost died. I'm afraid you are being excessively generous to him. Perhaps just a money tree."
Layla giggles and nods her head. "You are quite right, my dear Lee. A money tree it shall be."
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Lee and Layla kiss and cuddle until they notice the sun setting and decide they need to go home before the gym trainers toss them out. Layla sends a text to Bekka asking if she could perhaps blink a larger bed into Lee or her room. She explains Lee is her soulmate. Bekka squeals reading the text. 'I knew something was going on between you two. I even mentioned it to Jamie. How about some privacy tonight for you two? The key to my place is under the left lamp on the porch. I'll work on the bed situation tomorrow. Enjoy! I'm so happy for you both.'
Layla is thrilled with Bekka's solution and Lee is happy as well.
Lee and Layla enjoy the soulmate bonding in private many times. They both realize that missing part of them is now complete.
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