Summer Magic Read Online Free

massive creatures.   Tomorrow would be her first day on the job.

    "Congratulations on getting inducted into the Circus Hall of Fame," Lisa told Ed.   "You and Ebony deserve it."

    His white moustache twitched before he finally broke into a full grin.   "Thank you, my dear.   But I give most of the credit to Ebony.   She's the best liberty horse I've ever owned."

    Lisa nodded.   Last year Michael had explained that liberty horses were trained to perform "at liberty"--without reins and sometimes without riders.

    Michael's father reached for a scrub brush, speaking to them over his shoulder.   "My son is giving you a proper welcome, I trust?"

    "Certainly."   She felt the warmth rise to her cheeks.

    "I'm sure Lisa is eager to touch base with Dr. Woodstock," Michael interrupted quickly before his father succeeded in embarrassing both of them.

    Give Lisa a proper welcome?   God only knew from the very first moment he saw her again, he'd wanted to crush her mouth with his, press her close to him, feel her sweet softness against him.   But he couldn't keep kidding himself, he was playing with fire.   Though Lisa claimed she understood what Doc Woodstock expected of her, there would be other problems too.   The trainers would also regard her with a jaundiced eye.   Unlike Pop, who seemed to have taken to Lisa, they'd call her "the first of May," inexperienced and naive.   She'd crack under the pressure, then most likely up and leave--and he couldn't follow her.   No, he'd already decided.   He'd never leave the circus again.

    "Doc Woodstock had to drive into the next town to pick up some supplies for the leopards," Ed Figaro said.   "I expect him back any minute now, though I'm afraid he won't have much time to visit."   He gave the hose a quick snap.

    "That's all right," Lisa said perhaps a little too quickly.   Meeting the veterinarian first thing tomorrow would be soon enough.

    On the way to Michael's dressing room, they slipped inside the back entrance to the coliseum.   Several men were hard at work.   Some were checking equipment on the ground while the others were climbing to the top of the rope ladders.   The two closest to the door were speaking to each other in a foreign language.   German, Lisa quickly surmised.

    "Who are they?" she asked Michael.

    "They're called riggers.   Some of the most important guys in the circus.   They check and recheck the high wires and trapeze to make sure everything's safe."

    "Hey, Michael!"

    Out of the corner of her eye, Lisa caught sight of a strikingly tall woman striding purposefully toward them. With her honey-blond hair drawn back in a long French braid and her sleek black leotard and tights, the woman was the epitome of elegance.

    "Claudette?" she asked Michael under her breath.

    "Yep.   I'll introduce you in just a sec."

    "What are you doing, still dressed in your street clothes?" Claudette called to her brother.

    "Hold on, Claudette.   There's still over an hour."

    She looked steadily at Michael, never once glancing in Lisa's direction.   "So I see the little veterinarian girl has finally arrived," she said.

    "Yes, she has."   Michael's voice was strained, but controlled.   "Sis, meet Lisa Prentice."

    Claudette folded her arms across her chest, forcing herself to meet Lisa's gaze.   "Hello."

    "Hello, Claudette."   Lisa extended her hand, but Claudette didn't take it.

    "Lisa's got a slight problem," Michael went on, ignoring what had just happened.   "I think maybe you can help her out."

    "Oh?"

    Michael went on to explain about Lisa's lost luggage. "Maybe you have a few things on hand you wouldn't mind lending Lisa," he said.

    "And exactly what is it she needs?"

    He was beginning to look a little exasperated.   "Ah come on, Claudette.   How should I know what you women need to get through a normal day?   Jeans, a blouse or two, maybe--"

    "Okay, okay.   I get it."   Claudette cut him off with a wave of her hand.   "I'll see