Page 24 of Spookily Yours

“It was fine before.”

“Yeah, well, before, you were acat.”

Smirking, I leaned in closer towards her. “I can go back to being a cat if you want.”Ididn’t want that, but I knew there wasn’t a chance I was leaving her. Not like this. Not after last night. “And I still owe you a favor.” For helping me. Freeing me from being stuck in that form.

“That’s not how this works. We didn’t make a deal. You don’t owe me anything.”

“Willow.” I sighed. She was so stubborn, and damn it, Ilikedthat. It was joining my ever-growing list of things I liked about my little witch. “I just…” I looked around her house. What was it about this place that made me feel so athome?“Just for a few weeks, and then I’ll be out of your hair. We can be… roommates.”

“Roommates?” She raised an eyebrow. “What’s the magic word?”

I grit my teeth.You’ve got to be kidding me.What was I, a five-year-old? “Please.”

Her light brown locks framed her face, somehow making that little scowl she was wearing look endearing. I liked it. More than I wanted to admit.

“Okay. You can sleep on the couch,” she finally agreed, crossing her arms over her chest, doing her best to look menacing. It failed, because no matter what she did, the little witch managed to look adorable.

The couch. I snorted. “Fine.”

Willow’s lips widened, her teeth peeking out as she gave me a dazzling grin. “That was easier than I thought.”

“What?”

“To have you begging me.”

You’d like that, would you? Me on my knees for you.

“All you have to do is ask, witch.”

“Mm. You’d like that, would you, demon?”

My hand curled around her bicep. “Be careful what you ask for.”

Something passed between us. Her eyes flickered from my hand on her arm, up to my face, and down to my lips. I didn’t think I missed the heat there, but as much as I wanted to…No.

It was too soon for that.

Prying my fingers from her skin, I turned back to her kitchen. “So… What do you want for breakfast? I’ve fried up a mean egg or two. As long as it’s not seafood. I don’t have much of a stomach for that. Not after so long as a cat.”

When I looked at her again, she was still standing frozen in the same place, her eyes wide. “You’re really staying?” Her words were quiet, barely more than a whisper.

“Do you want me to?”

Maybe that was the more important question.

Her eyes met mine, and she gave me a small, single nod. The movement was almost too slight to catch, but I couldn’t miss it. Not when I was so focused on her.

“Okay. It’s settled then.” I crossed my arms over my shoulder. “I’m staying in Pleasant Grove.”With you,I didn’t say.

Clearly unfazed by my statement, Willow just gave me another dip of her head to acknowledge my response before turning around. “I’m going to shower.”

“What about breakfast?” I shouted after her, willing my feet to stay put. Not to follow her into her bathroom. Not to think about Willow in the shower.Fuck me.

“We’ll eat in town!” She hollered back. “I have to go to the bakery, anyway!”

A moment later, I heard the shower water turn on, and I sank into the chair.

What the hell was I doing?

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