Page 68 of De-Witched

“Whose house do you think this is?”

“Right.”

Before Leah hefted herself up, Peggy asked, “How was the kiss?”

“Hormones go kaboom.”

“That’s what I thought.”

The next couple of weeks were busy and Gabriel was grateful for it. Offering more hours to the shelter to cover Leah’s need for extra time to arrange the gala, he managed it so they rarely spent more than an hour together—and always with company.

Not that the kiss was forgotten. He woke from dreams of soft skin, hot friction, hard and aching, and nothing he did could dredge her from his system. She was in there, in his blood, his need for her increasing despite spending less time with her.

Through the shelter grapevine, he’d heard that arrangements for the dinner had progressed well. She and Emmaline had hooked sponsors, had sent out invites to Chicago’s best and brightest, and had secured an exquisite ballroom for their just shy of five hundred guests. He’d also been doing the rounds, dropping the Goodnight name when needed and using his limited magic to speed up the booking process. In this, he’d accepted the cost gladly. The shelter needed the money and he was only there for a short time; it needed to happen soon. And soon it was—next week.

In lieu of Leah’s company, he’d been tugged along for a few “men’s nights out” with Mitch and Frankie. He surprised himself by enjoying the time. He liked learning about Mitch’s extensive knowledge of Native American history, Frankie’s obsession with every Motown hit and the stories behind the label. He liked them, and he looked forward to their “hang outs” more and more.

And of course, there was Chuck and his stubborn refusal to be trained to keep Gabriel busy. He’d somewhat mastered sit, though four times out of ten, he’d roll onto his back instead. Gabriel couldn’t figure out why that charmed him.

Now he stood and watched Chuck nose about the yard and lift his leg. He’d called Chuck’s name thirty seconds ago, and while the Labrador was on his way over, he’d taken the scenic route.

“Gabriel.”

The unexpected voice had dread sinking claws into his heart. Society mask on, Gabriel took a discreet, steadying breath before angling his head toward his uncle’s PA. “Will.”

Short in stature, studious by nature, Will was a bespectacled brunet, always in a suit tailored to his skinny frame. He’d begun working with August a decade ago, fresh from school, and had unswerving loyalty to both him and the company. Gabriel had never minded him. Now he itched under the skin at Will’s mere presence.

At least Leah wasn’t at the shelter.

“Good to see you.” Will cast him an easy smile. “It hasn’t been the same without you around.”

Gabriel noticed Will hadn’t said he was missed. “Is everything well at the company?”

“Very much so. All special projects are proceeding as your uncle wishes and Marketing are already pulling plans together for the hundredth anniversary of Goodnight’s founding for next year.”

A stab of pain caught Gabriel unaware. He murmured something noncommittal and turned his attention to the dog.

Chuck’s head had come up, a predator scenting new prey. With a joyful bark, he rushed toward the newcomer.

Will froze him in place with one hastily thrown-up hand. “Holy Goddess!”

Gabriel resisted the small laugh that tried to escape. He nudged Will over, breaking the holding spell. “Chuck,” he ordered. “No.”

Chuck’s legs pinwheeled as he tried to change direction toward his original target and rammed straight into Gabriel. It took several seconds to sort out limbs and paws, another few to convince Chuck not to try again.

Will was watching them both, wide-eyed, when Chuck finally sat with a small whine. “You speak dog now?”

“More like I’m teaching him to speak human.” Gabriel set a calming hand on the vibrating dog, soothed.

“Are you...taking him to be your familiar?”

“No.” He didn’t feel the instant connection that witches and familiars felt on sight. Not that he needed the big dumb dog tearing up the family manor, shredding the four-hundred-year-old couch, knocking over lamps that had been there his whole life.

“So, you just spend time with him?” Will’s voice was curious, startled.

Gabriel withdrew his hand, feeling too seen. “Part of the job.”

Will, still eyeing Chuck as though he were a grizzly bear, nodded. “And how are you finding interacting with humans?”

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