Page 21 of Magic on the Prowl

Instantly, a vivid scene filled her mind’s eye. She and Roarke were walking hand-in-hand along a moonlit beach, the warm Caribbean breeze tousling their hair. Roarke pulled her close, his amber eyes reflecting the starlight above as he lowered his head to capture her lips in a searing kiss. Daisy’s heartbeat quickened, the love and devotion between them palpable even in the dreamlike vision.

As the scene faded, Daisy’s eyes blinked open, a wistful smile curving her lips. Her friends leaned forward expectantly, eager to hear about her experience.

“It was beautiful,” Daisy sighed. “A romantic getaway full of love and promise. I think Roarke and I have a bright future ahead.”

The ladies collectively “aww-ed,” raising their glasses in a toast to Daisy’s happiness.

“We’ll do everything we can to help Roarke feel welcomed and at home here,” Ivy promised. “He’s already becoming a cherished part of our quirky little community.”

The rest of the evening passed in a blur of laughter, heartfelt conversations, and a few more cupcake-induced visions that left the women in stitches. By the time they hugged each other goodnight, Daisy’s heart was full to bursting, her excitement for her upcoming date with Roarke reaching new heights.

FOURTEEN

Roarke settled into his seat at Hartley’s Brewery, the rich aroma of hops and grilled burgers filling the air. Bram, Reed, and Kade joined him at the table, their faces alight with easy smiles and camaraderie. The brewery was alive with the buzz of conversation and the clink of glasses, a warm and inviting atmosphere that put Roarke at ease.

As they waited for their orders, Reed leaned back in his chair. “So, Roarke, how’s life treating you in our little slice of magical paradise?”

Roarke chuckled, taking a sip of his cold, frothy beer. “It’s been quite the adventure, I have to admit. I never thought I’d find myself in a place like Whispering Pines, but I’m starting to feel like I belong here.”

Kade nodded, his grin wide and knowing. “It has a way of doing that, doesn’t it? One minute you’re a lone wolf, the next you’re part of a pack.”

Bram clapped Roarke on the shoulder, his laughter booming through the brewery. “And what a pack it is. Between the witches, shifters, and ghosts, there’s never a dull moment.”

The men shared a laugh with the shared experience of living in such an extraordinary town. Roarke felt a sense of kinship he’d never experienced.

As their burgers arrived, steaming and piled high with toppings, Roarke cleared his throat, his expression growing thoughtful. “Can I ask you all something? About relationships?”

Reed, Kade, and Bram exchanged glances. “Of course, man,” Reed said, leaning forward. “What’s on your mind?”

Roarke fiddled with his napkin, his brow furrowing as he tried to find the right words. “How do you know if you’re ready for a relationship? I mean, with Daisy... I care about her, more than I ever thought possible. But I’m not sure if I can be the man she needs or if I can give her my best.”

Kade’s expression softened, his eyes filled with understanding. “Roarke, the fact that you’re even asking that question shows that you’re ready. No one’s ever completely prepared for a relationship. It’s a learning process, a journey you take together.”

Reed nodded, his hand resting on Roarke’s arm. “Kade’s right. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being willing to try to grow and be there for each other through the good times and the bad.”

Bram chuckled, his mouth full of burger. He swallowed, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. “And trust me, there will be plenty of both. Just last week, Tabitha and I got into this huge argument over whose turn it was to do the dishes. I swear, I thought she was going to set my paws on fire again.”

The men roared with laughter, the tension in Roarke’s shoulders easing as he listened to their stories. Kade leaned forward. “Oh, that’s nothing compared to the time Celeste caught me sneaking a bite of her famous triple chocolate cake before dinner. I swear, I’ve never seen her so mad.”

Reed snorted, taking a swig of his beer. “What did you do?”

Kade grinned, his cheeks flushing slightly. “I did what any smart man would do. I apologized profusely, offered to do all the dishes for a week, and then I baked her an even bigger cake to make up for it.”

Bram shook his head, his laughter echoing through the brewery. “That’s the key, isn’t it? Groveling and bribery. Works every time.”

Reed chuckled, his expression turning wistful. “You know, with Ellie being so far along in her pregnancy, her emotions are all over the place. Just the other day, she burst into tears because I forgot to put the toilet seat down.”

Roarke’s brows shot up, his eyes wide with surprise. “Really? Over a toilet seat?”

Reed nodded, his smile turning rueful. “Oh yeah. But I’ve learned a few tricks along the way. As soon as I saw those tears, I dropped to my knees and started rubbing her feet. I swear, it was like magic. She calmed right down and forgot all about being angry.”

Kade grinned, raising his glass in a toast. “Ah, the power of a good foot rub. It’s a skill every man should master.”

Bram leaned in, his voice lowering to a conspiratorial whisper. “And don’t forget the food. A well-timed snack can diffuse even the most explosive situation. Trust me, I speak from experience.”

Roarke chuckled, shaking his head in amazement. “So, let me get this straight. The secret to a happy relationship is groveling, bribery, foot rubs, and snacks?”

The men laughed. Reed clapped Roarke on the back, his smile wide and genuine. “Well, it’s a start, anyway. But in all seriousness, Roarke, the most important thing is to be there for each other. To listen, support, and love, even when things get tough.”

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