Page 24 of Magic on the Prowl

He cleared his throat, adopting an exaggeratedly serious expression. “Roses are red, violets are blue, I may not be a poet, but I sure can grill for two!”

Daisy giggled, her heart fluttering at his silly, endearing attempt. “Bravo! I think you’ve missed your calling, Roarke. The literary world is surely missing out.”

As their laughter subsided, Daisy found herself sharing stories and pieces of her heart she’d long kept guarded. The words flowed freely, her trust in Roarke growing with each passing moment.

“When I was a little girl,” she began, her voice soft and reflective, “I used to sneak into my grandmother’s attic and look through her old spell books. I was so fascinated by the idea of magic, of being able to create something extraordinary with just a few words and a bit of intention.”

Roarke listened intently, his gaze never leaving her face. “That sounds like the perfect beginning for a powerful witch like you.”

SIXTEEN

Daisy’s heart thudded hard. Could he be any sexier? Giving her such sweet compliments and all the while looking her straight in the eyes. She smiled, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. “It wasn’t always easy, though. Learning to control my magic, to harness it for good... there were times when I doubted myself, when I wondered if I was cut out for this path.”

“But you persevered,” Roarke said, reaching across the table to take her hand in his. “You’ve built an incredible life here, Daisy. Your shop, your friendships, the way you bring joy and light to everyone around you—it’s truly remarkable.”

Daisy squeezed his hand, her heart swelling with emotion. “Thank you, Roarke. That means more to me than you know.”

In return, Roarke opened up about his own past, sharing snippets of his life before Whispering Pines—the hardships he’d endured, the walls he’d built around his heart, and the longing he’d always felt for a place to truly belong.

“I’ve always been a bit of a loner,” he admitted, his voice low and tinged with vulnerability. “Moving from place to place, never quite fitting in... it made it hard to let people get close.”

Daisy’s heart ached for him, for the loneliness and isolation he must have felt. “But you’re here now,” she said softly, her thumb tracing gentle circles on the back of his hand. “You’ve found a home in Whispering Pines, and we’re all so lucky to have you.”

Roarke’s eyes shone with gratitude and a hint of something deeper, something that made Daisy’s pulse quicken. “I’m the lucky one, Daisy. Meeting you has definitely brought a new light into my life.”

As the evening wore on, the connection between them deepened, their souls baring themselves in the warm, intimate space of the cabin. Daisy knew with a certainty that resonated in her very core that she was falling irrevocably in love with the complex, captivating man before her.

She leaned in closer, her voice low and playful. “So, Mr. Easton, now that you’ve wooed me with your culinary skills and your poetry, what’s next on the agenda?”

Roarke grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Well, Miss Bloom, I was thinking we could move this conversation to the couch, where we can get a little more comfortable and see where the night takes us.”

Daisy’s heart skipped a beat, excitement and anticipation thrumming through her veins. “Lead the way, handsome. I’m all yours.”

Daisy and Roarke settled onto the plush sofa, the crackling fireplace casting a warm glow over their features. Cradling mugs of fragrant herbal tea, they delved deeper into their pasts, slowly peeling back the layers of their lives.

“You’ve brought color and joy into my life in ways I never knew I needed.”

Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes, moved by his heartfelt admission. Reaching out, she laced her fingers with his, marveling at how perfectly they fit together.

“I’m so grateful our paths crossed,” she whispered. “You’ve become such an integral part of my world, Roarke. I can’t imagine navigating this crazy, magical life without you by my side.”

Roarke’s gaze held hers, the intensity and depth of his emotions stealing her breath. Slowly, he leaned in, his hand coming up to cradle her cheek as he captured her lips in a searing kiss. Daisy melted into his embrace, her heart soaring with the certainty that this was exactly where she was meant to be.

They broke apart, slightly breathless and grinning like lovesick fools.

“Roarke?”

He met her gaze and held it. “Yes, beautiful.”

“I want…you.”

He gave her that predatory grin that made her toes curl. “Good. I want you too.”

“Now?”

“Right now.”

She sucked in a breath and was caught off guard when he pulled her into his arms and carried her to his bedroom.

---