Page 29 of Magic and Muffins

“What kind of curse is it?”

“My boyfriend’s happy hammer is out of commission. It’s supposed to take a thousand attempts to get it working again. We’ve made over two hundred attempts so far, and I’m about to break him.”

“Dreadful curse,” the woman said sympathetically. “To not be able to fulfill your desires and cravings. I can only shudder at the thought.”

“So, can you help?”

“Of course.”

“How much will it cost?”

“Free.”

Vena and I shared a look.

“Why is it free?” Vena asked.

“I don’t need money. I’m rich enough for several lifetimes. Since I’m assuming it was one of my kind who committed the atrocity, I’m happy to lend a hand. When can you come?”

Vena smirked. “Anytime.”

“Good. And your name?”

“Vena.”

“A beautiful name. I’ll text you the address. We can fix this problem right away.”

Vena thanked her and hung up. “Did you hear that, babe? Your water gun is going to squirt again. Let’s go.”

I cringed but still said, “I’m going with.”

“Okay, but why? I thought you wanted to bake.”

“I do, but you remember what happened at Enticed, right? A little fae energy and you were on the table and I’m scarred for life. What if there are other people around? You need a censor.”

She tried to wave off my concern, but Cross agreed they shouldn’t go alone.

“Vivian is still out there,” Cross said. “And Anchor will be distracted.”

“Then hurry up. My man’s muff missile is overdue for a visit to Pound Town.”

“Give me a minute.” I hurried to the master bedroom and pulled a cute tote bag from one of the closet shelves, silently thanking Cross’ personal shopper for the forethought. I grabbed an empty spray bottle from my vanity, added water, and stuck it in my bag.

Payback, Vena.

We piled into the red SUV, and Cross drove to the address the guy had texted Vena. I made Anchor sit up front with Cross because I didn’t trust Vena and Anchor in the back seat together.

“This is going to be great,” Vena said when we were on the road. “Anchor, what position should we try first once we’re home?”

I glanced at Anchor and saw he was looking out the window, his face flushed.

“Vena, stop teasing him.”

“I’m not. This is a monumental occasion. I’ve been waiting for years.”

“Days,” I corrected.

“Feels like years. And I can’t just lay there in missionary and take it.”

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