Page 12 of It's In His Hiss

“Depends on the trouble,” I reply, feeling reckless. “Some kinds are worth the risk.”

“Then maybe…” She trails off, leaving the invitation hanging in the air between us.

“Maybe,” I echo, the word circling us like a promise. A promise filled with the unknown, with risks andwild chances.

But for now, I step back because as much as I want to leap, I need to be sure it’s safe for her when we land.

“We need to figure out if you’re a witch or… something else,” I say, my voice rough with the effort of restraint.

I hope she’ll let the moment pass, even if it’s the last thing I truly want. I need to get myself under control before I can even think about kissing her. Or anything else.

Alice nods. “I think it’s time we visit my parents. Find out if I’m a witch or if I really am the world’s biggest jinx.”

I sigh with relief. She’s letting it go. For now.

So why does that make me a little sad when it was exactly what I wanted?

Chapter 6

Alice

The Mini Cooper’s engine purrs as Gordy navigates the narrow streets of Screaming Woods. My palms are sweaty, and I keep wiping them on my jeans like that will help.

“Going back there is not exactly my idea of a fun Friday night,” I confess, glancing at Gordy, whose shoulder almost presses against the car's roof. His knees are crammed under the steering wheel, and he has to hunch slightly just to see the road. It's like watching a Greek god stuffed into a sardine can. But he seems unfazed, focused on the road like this is the most normal thing in the world.

“Fun is overrated sometimes,” he says, shootingme a quick look that somehow manages to be reassuring yet filled with mischievous charm.

“Says the guy driving a clown car,” I mutter.

“It’scompact,” he replies, indignant. “Efficient. Urban-friendly.”

“Gordy, you’re six-five with a head full of snakes. You need a tank, not a teacup with wheels.”

He grins. “You try parallel parking in Screaming Woods in a tank. I like a challenge.”

“Right. And I’m sure the snakes love being squished into your hat like a bunch of angry spaghetti.”

A soft hiss echoes from beneath his knit cap, and I smirk. “See? Even they think you need an upgrade.”

“I’ll have you know, this car has personality,” he says, patting the dash. “Besides, she gets me from point A to point B without turning anyone to stone.”

“Barely,” I mumble as we take a sharp corner and one of the snakes pokes out from under the cap like it’s gasping for air.

He rolls his eyes. “One more jab and I’m making you ride on the roof.”

I snort. “Please, with your driving? I'd be safer on a broomstick.”

“Tempting offer,” he says with a wink. “But I don’t share my…broomstickon the first few dates.”

I shake my head, but I’m laughing now, the tension easing in my chest just a little. “Easy for you to joke, Mr. ‘I’m-Not-The-One-Confronting-My-Rich-Controlling-Parents.’”

“True,” he admits, his grin softening. “But I am the one who gets to see you put them in their place.”

He glances over at me again, and this time, his smile isn’t teasing—it’s warm, solid, grounding. It’s like a bolt of comfort straight to my heart.

“Besides,” he adds, “they can’t ignore you forever, Al. You’re an adult. You get to make your own choices.”

“Adult is a state of mind,” I mutter, but I can’t help returning his smile.

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