Page 29 of The Most Wanted Witch

“Getting annoyed with her and grouslies attacking her are very different, but I understand. And I’m sure she’s fine.”

She nodded as Hawk walked in, Gilli cocooned in his arms, her one arm wrapped around his neck. Her fingers were getting very familiar with his shoulder, rubbing back and forth, as if she were petting him. Her cheeks were a healthy, glowing pink. Her smile nearly split her face in half as he carried her to the couch.

Bibbi came and stood beside me, nudging me with her boot. When I glanced her way, she wasn’t looking at me but at Gilli’s hand on Hawk’s shoulder.

Bibbi had a point. Did Gilli really need to be carried?

Don’t be petty.She’d been attacked, and even though I was able to get past the stiffness in a day without too much trouble, everyone was different. She might be struggling. He couldn’t very well let her crawl downstairs.

Well…

No. He couldn’t.

But…

No.

Bibbi kicked me again, as if once wasn’t enough for the spectacle before us. She stood without a glance my way and a smile plastered on her face as she walked over and said, “Gilli, how are you feeling? Can I get you tea or cocoa? It won’t be as good as yours, of course, but maybe you’d like something?”

Gilli glanced up from where she was sitting on the couch, the look on her face slightly off. “I prefer Gillian, if you don’t mind? And a tea would be wonderful.” She searched the area. “Is that okay, Hawk? Can I have tea?”

Hawk was already halfway across the room. “What?”

“Is it okay for me to have some tea?” Gillian asked, clutching the throw around her.

“Yeah, that’s fine. You can eat and drink whatever you want,” he said, before walking out.

“Then a tea, please, Bibbi.”

“Here, I made you a nice plate of everything you might want.” Bertha dragged a small table over in front of Gillian and piled up plates. Oscar managed to get a biscuit before everything was rearranged, but just barely.

“Thanks. This looks wonderful,” Gillian said, as she lifted her hands so that Bertha could put a napkin on her lap.

It should. Bertha had made a smorgasbord like I’d never seen, and that meant a lot when you were talking about Bertha and cooking.

Gillian was already eating when I made my way over and sat on the other end of the couch. “I talked to your employee Verrey last night. She said she’d work the schedule out and they’d handle the shop for you for a few days.”

“Oh, that’s wonderful. Especially since after I get on my feet I might need a day or two to get my stuff over here. Although I’m sure Hawk will help me and have his employees pitch in as well.”

There were too many things wrong with that to swallow all at once. Over here? What was she talking about? There were too many people here already. And his employees would move her? I sat silently, afraid to speak until my thoughts were under control.

Gillian nibbled at a scone-like pastry. “Bertha, this is amazing. But you know what would really hit the spot? If we added some of my chocolate chips to it. What do you think?”

“Yes. I’m sure that would be good.” Bertha looked like she could use a minute to sit silently beside me and get her words organized. She was white-knuckling the kitchen towel.

“Here’s your tea,” Bibbi said, and then squeezed onto the couch beside me. “So does that mean you’re moving in?”

“Hawk insisted. Said we all needed to stick together during these times.” Gillian took a sip of tea and then made a face.

“Is there a problem?” Bibbi asked.

“No, not at all. This will do.” Gillian put the tea down, not drinking anymore.

I glanced around the room, but Hawk had already gone to the office. What was he thinking, moving her in?

She finished the scone that would’ve been better with her chocolate and moved on to some strips of meat. She picked up her tea and then held the cup out. “Bibbi, would you mind adding a touch more sugar? It’s so hard for me to walk, and I’m used to tea that’s not quite so bitter.”

“Of course not.” Bibbi’s smile was near scary, not that Gillian seemed to notice.

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