Page 74 of De-Witched

Okay, there might be some feelings. But she’d like to meet the person who wouldn’t fall just a little for Gabriel Goodnight. It didn’t change her mind. She had to see this through, be with him in every way she could. While she had him.

She dressed for seduction: black lace, garter, stockings. And an utter dream of a dress. A spill of baby pink, the floor-length gown was halter neck and dipped in a perfect curve to the small of her back, with shimmering pink-and-silver beading that caught the light and gleamed.

She left her curls down, arranged over one shoulder, jamming in enough pins to ensure it, and went heavier on her makeup. Finally, she stepped into silver strappy heels that would give her enough height to comfortably tangle with a tall warlock.

Here’s hoping.

The doorbell went and Rosie and Delilah took off, Delilah yipping as they charged down to greet who Peggy let in.

Gabriel must have come to escort her. He’d made it obvious he didn’t like her walking these perfectly safe streets alone. Such a father hen.

Her pulse scrambled as Peggy called up. “Leah, there’s an attractive man here for you.”

The beading pressed into her fingers as she held her jumping belly. This was it.

She turned off her bedroom light and headed for the stairs, slowing to a dramatic walk—she didn’t want to trip over her heels and make a swan dive—and descended to greet her escort.

The man’s hair was dark, but not black, and while he was unfairly handsome, this man didn’t have intense green eyes, a sharp face and a mouth slow to smile.

Her own mouth dropped in surprise as she stopped halfway down. “Kole. What are you doing here?”

Emma’s brother grinned charmingly, outfitted in a tuxedo that had Peggy panting by the window. As she caught her eyes, Peggy pressed a hand over her forehead and pretended to faint.

Unaware of her roommate’s antics, Kole held out a hand to help her the rest of the way. “I’m here for you.”

Leah accepted his escort, holding up her gown so she didn’t tread on the delicate fabric. Confused, she glanced from where her dogs were sniffing his tux to his face. “But you’re supposed to be out somewhere doing secret spy things.”

He snorted. “I’m not a spy.”

“Sure.” She winked dramatically. “You’re not a spy. I get it.”

“Give me strength.” He lifted their joined hands and made her twirl. “And the tongue back in my head. I’m an old man, Leah. Have some compassion.”

“Is it your heart or your knees?”

“You have one already, could have me on the other in that dress.”

She crowed a laugh and smacked his chest with her clutch. “Seriously, what are you doing here?”

“Em called, said you’d need some backup.” His face stayed casual.

Annoyance scraped down her skin. “She’s called in the big guns because of Gabriel, hasn’t she?”

“Please, enough flattery.” Kole posed, biceps pumped so his muscles were outlined in the tailored jacket. Peggy moaned. “More medium. Bigger applies elsewhere on my body.”

“I don’t need a brother.”

“I thought I was the spy who loved you.”

“Try Dr. No. Because that’s my answer: No to a chaperone.” She shook her head in disbelief. “I’m twenty-eight, for Christ’s sake. I don’t need a babysitter.”

“Maybe I’ll just...leave you guys alone for a minute.” Peggy smiled awkwardly as she backed toward the kitchen.

As soon as she was out of sight, Kole lost the grin. “What were you thinking? Playing around with Goodnight? You know he could recognize you from the balcony.”

God, that was so long ago; she’d almost forgotten. He’d become so much more than the beautiful masked stranger fulfilling a fantasy. Now he was...Gabriel.

“If he hasn’t by now, he won’t,” she said, evading the question. “And it’s my life, Kole. I don’t need another helicopter friend.”

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