Page 35 of Spookily Yours

His eyes swept across the view before settling back on me. “It’s nice.”

“When I was younger, I used to come out here and just people watch. It was nice, even when things got busy, to come here and just… slow down. Appreciate life.”

Tilting my head, I watched him. I wondered what sort of life he’d led. If he’d ever experienced any moments like that. Blissful peace—quiet happiness. It was a strange thing to ponder, but the tortured look in his eye made me think maybe he hadn’t.

Maybe that was one reason he talked little about himself or his life.

“Are you hungry?” I finally asked, breaking the silence.

* * *

That was how we ended up sitting at the bar ofThe Enchanted Cauldronfor lunch. We’d both ordered burgers, and if I was being honest… it surprised me at how normal it felt with him by my side. Even in college, I’d never felt this comfortable with another person besides Luna or the other members of my coven.

Maybe it was because of the way he’d watched over me all night when I’d passed out. He could have just left. Instead, he didn’t leave my side.

I happily chowed down on my burger, noting the look of satisfaction on Damien’s face as I ate.

He finished his before mine, though that was partially due to how many people came over to say hi to me. I’d always been a chatty person, and knowing almost everyone in this town didn’t help with that.

They were all curious about the man seated by my side, even if they hadn’t said it straight out.

“Do you want me to scare them all away so you can eat?” He grunted, taking a sip of his drink.

“No, it’s okay. They’ll stop eventually. They’re just curious about you.”

My cheeks warmed at the thought that he cared enough to do that. That he seemed to want to take care of me.

Iwasstarving, though, even though I’d definitely eaten a muffin and a few scones while I’d been at the bakery. Even I had to admit that Damien’s glares at the other patrons helped to stave them off.

“Thanks,” I finally said after I’d finished the last bite of my burger, sucking the extra ketchup that had spilled onto my fingers. “That hit the spot.”

Damien looked at his empty tray. I still had a bunch of fries left, but he’d already eaten it all.

“That was… surprisingly good.”

I scrunched up my nose. “Were you doubting it would be?”

He chuckled. “No. It’s just… the other communities I’ve been in weren’t like this. And they didn’t have food nearly this good.”

“That’s Pleasant Grove for you,” I beamed. “It might not be much, but… It’s home.”

I looked around the bar. The Enchanted Cauldron had been around for generations. Despite the foot traffic this place saw—on account of it being one of the few restaurants in our little community, let alone our only bar—it was still in good shape.

They’d hung all sorts of witchy paraphernalia in here over the years, some as gags, and some that dated back to the Salem Witch Trials themselves. The low lighting from the various lanterns created a cozy atmosphere, and the old-timey portraits on the back walls added a touch of history to the room. There were candles on the shelves that looked like they’d burned and had melted into place—like no one had ever bothered to clean up the wax. But my favorite part was the Morgans, who’d bought the bar last year and spruced it up, had even added little cauldrons filled with succulents to each table.

“I can see why you love it.” His words brought a smile to my face, and I couldn’t stop myself from beaming. “Thank you for showing it to me today.” Damien said it like he knew what it meant to me.

“It was my pleasure,” I said, blushing. “So, what do you think? Still want to stick around?” I nudged him with my shoulder, scooting my barstool closer to his.

Part of me was hoping he’d say yes. That he didn’t want to leave, either. That for the first time I could go to the festival with someone at my side.

Maybe it was too soon to be thinking that way, but when he slipped his hand into mine, squeezing it slightly, I knew I wasn’t imagining things.

“Yes, Willow,” he said, a slight chuckle accompanying his words. “I still want to stay here.”With you.He didn’t say it, but I liked to think I could hear it in the tone of his voice. In the depth of his eyes. Even if he’d glamored them at my insistence.

“Okay.” I turned my attention back to my fries, shoving a few in my mouth to hide my smile. “Just making sure,” I mumbled under my breath.

We had some time to kill before we headed out to the farm for the festival. I needed to help Luna set up our table, but I already couldn’t wait for everything.

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