Page 83 of Bewitched & Bewildered
Silence passes.
“Thank you,” I murmur, incapable of meeting his eye.
I can’t remember the last time I had someone to bring me food and drink—to bring me a potion instead of asking me to brew it. I bite at the inside of my cheek. Telling him how nice this feels, how new it is… I can’t do that.
But I can thank him, and when he looks at me through dark eyes, I think he may be reading between the lines.
“Don’t thank me,” he says. “Stay.”
Why shouldn’t I? I can stay. It doesn’t mean I’m giving him anything—not my heart or another night. I’m here to enjoy his bed and his snacks. Nothing else.
“Okay. I’ll stay.”
Chapter 18
Juniper
It feltnatural to collapse in his bed the evening before, but when the sun shines, I realize I’ve overstayed my welcome. It isn’t Ozan who makes me feel this way. He’s still snoozing next to me when I rouse, and he was welcoming the night before.
My back presses to his chest now, with his arm draped over me. His fingers dig into my plush hips, and he mumbles something under his breath.
I need to leave, but the idea of staying is tempting. Our night was the most fun I’ve had in years. It doesn’t matter. I have to go.
There’s enough time to run home and change before work. Opening the shop is supposed to be my responsibility. I can’t get caught up in nights like this, especially not with him, and?—
Of course, my sisters all know. Laurel will ask me about it once I see her, and Maple will congratulate me with a cake. I would rather disappear than face either of them.
The shop should be a pleasant distraction, but it’s not. It’s been empty all morning, and no matter how muchmarketing Laurel and I do, people don't want to stick around. We have a few hundred followers on social media, but…
It isn’t enough.
I don’t know what I’m doing wrong. It feels like the answer is everything. At this point, what am I doingright?
The actual issue is that I don’t care. I can’t stop thinking about him. He’s on my mind when I’m sweeping, brewing, and counting cash. It would be in character for Ozan to visit me, but he doesn’t.
Maybe that’s for the best. I need a second to fall apart. I can only let so much pile up before I lose it, and that’s precisely what is happening on this blustery afternoon.
I’m supposed to be alone. This should be a safe place to cry.
“Juniper?” A voice calls through the shop.
It’s Maple. Gods, what is she doing here?
My little sister can’t see me like this. I rush to hide the tissues under the desk and wipe my eyes on the back of my hands.
“In here!” I call.
“Afternoon!” Her shoes click against the wooden floor as she enters. She’s still dressed in her work outfit.
My mood takes another tumble.
Some people have actual problems. Maple is a hard worker. She has an asshole boss and a high-stress job. There’s no way she wants to listen to me whine, even if she’s too nice to say it to my face.
“How was work?” My voice sounds pathetic and broken, even to my ears.
Her smile disappears. She rushes to my side, taking my icy hands in hers. “What happened?”
“Nothing.”
