Page 3 of Hex and the Kitty

“Celeste said to tell you—no escape today.”

Molly rolled her eyes but couldn’t respond without risking her precious cargo.

The community center loomed ahead, decorated with colorful banners. Inside, voices buzzed like a hive of excited bees.

“Excuse me, coming through,” she called, nudging the door open with her shoulder and stepping into the crowded hall.

Tables draped in spring colors lined the walls, laden with treats from various community members. Fairy lights twinkled overhead, and a large “Mates & Muffins” banner stretched across the far wall.

Molly spotted Daisy’s bright pink hair in the crowd. The pharmacy owner stood with Ellie and Tabitha near the punch bowl, all three scanning the room. They caught sight of her and raised their hands, but couldn’t reach her through the crush of people.

“Almost there,” Molly breathed, weaving toward the dessert table. The trays grew heavier with each step, her arms trembling.

A loud rip cut through the chatter.

A corner of the “Mates & Muffins” banner broke free, the large cloth fluttering down like a sail directly toward her.

Molly froze, unable to move without dropping the cupcakes. From the corner of her eye, she saw someone stride forward—a tall figure in a dark uniform moving with fluid grace.

“Watch out!” a deep voice called.

She turned toward the sound and collided with a solid wall of muscle. Strong hands steadied her just as the banner draped over them both, tangling them together.

The trays tilted dangerously, and Molly tipped her head back to see who had caught her. Her breath caught in her throat.

Golden eyes with flecks of amber looked down at her—the unmistakable gaze of a tiger shifter. His face, all sharp angles and strong jawline, hovered inches from hers. Dark brows drew together in concentration as he held her steady.

Warrick Shaw, Whispering Pines’ new fire chief.

The man Celeste had specifically mentioned.

Her heart hammered against her ribs—from surprise, she told herself. Not from the way his hands felt on her shoulders, warm and secure through the thin fabric of her dress. Certainly not from how his scent—woodsmoke and citrus—wrapped around her as surely as the fallen banner.

The room fell silent, dozens of curious eyes watching. Trapped against his chest, Molly couldn’t move. Her arms, still clutching the cupcake trays, pressed between them. His hands gripped her shoulders, keeping her upright.

“Um, hello,” she managed, suddenly aware of how close those golden eyes were.

Heat crept up her neck. No wonder her friends had insisted she stay. They’d planned this—or at least hoped for something like it. Matchmaking witches never rested.

“Ms. Hues.” His voice rumbled through his chest, deep and controlled despite their awkward position. “Seems we’re in a bit of a situation.”

That voice. Like honey poured over gravel. Molly swallowed hard, unprepared for how it resonated through her.

“You could say that.” She gave a nervous laugh, her mind racing for something witty to say. “I’d offer to shake hands, but...”

A hint of a smile tugged on the corner of his mouth, transforming his stern features. The smile reached his eyes, crinkling the corners, and something fluttered in Molly’s stomach.

Oh no. No, no, no. She was not going to be attracted to the serious fire chief just because he had nice eyes and a voice that could melt butter.

Around them, people began moving forward, tugging at the banner. Celeste and Daisy appeared at the edge of the crowd, exchanging high-fives without even trying to hide their delight.

“I see you met our newest resident,” Celeste called, eyes twinkling. “Isn’t it nice when people just fall into each other’s arms?”

“Technically, we fell into a banner,” Molly shot back, mortification competing with the strange electricity still zipping through her from Warrick’s proximity.

As the banner finally peeled away, disaster struck again. One cupcake toppled from its place, flipping through the air before landing squarely on Warrick’s chest.

The frosting—infused with that revelation spell—immediately began to glow. Not with the usual subtle shimmer, but with a bright, unmistakable golden light that signaled genuine attraction.

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