Page 74 of Bewitched & Bewildered
As a neighbor, of course. After a long night, I have to remind myself that’s all I am to her.
I slide my hand down her arm, my fingers brushing against her soft skin. When I’m at the bottom, she’s reaching for me. Her fingers interlace with mine. She squeezes hard—tight enough for me to feel the pressure but not enough to hurt.
I squeeze back.
“Youwillbe okay,” I say.
Her eyes flicker open, and she meets my gaze with more softness than I would ever expect. “How do you know?”
“Because I know you. I see you.”
“I don’t want to be seen.”
“Too bad.”
Her lips part again, and her hand is still in mine. She could let go, but she doesn’t. I could too, but I won’t.
I know I can lean in and kiss her—and I want to—but I won’t do that either. Not right now. It’s not what she needs.
The night has me feeling bold. I take another risk, brushing my lips against her forehead instead.
She lets out a soft, sweet gasp.
“Get some rest,” I murmur. “Everything will be clearer in the morning.”
Chapter 17
Juniper
We kissed,and he kissed my forehead. We held hands. I have my reasons for avoiding Ozan over the upcoming days.
Work is hellish. Everyone who comes into the shop is whispering, and it’s probably about us. I can’t convince myself otherwise.
The shop is busier today. I can’t tell if it’s because of the rumors going around or the marketing efforts from the festival. Either way, I don’t want to be at the apothecary. What I want is to disappear.
The sentiment is especially true when Ozan steps into the shop.
I grimace. I’m probably supposed to be nice to him now, but it’s more complicated than ever. I spent days pushing away the feelings the potion brought to the surface, but it’s impossible.
I’m thinking of his lips on mine. The feeling of his rough fingers brushing against mine is stuck, playing on repeat, and I can’t turn it off. It’s all so overwhelming.
Being in the same room as him, breathingshared air… his presence engulfs me. My heart threatens to break free from my chest. My hands ball into fists as I fight the urge to touch him.
“Aw…” Ozan leans against my counter. “Don’t look like that.”
He’s so easygoing, which has always annoyed me, but now it’s infuriating. Our kiss changed my life; it transformed how my mind is wired. Did it mean nothing to him?
“Like what?” I ask.
“Like I’m the last person you want to see.”
“You are.” My heart picks up speed, a sign I’m lying.
His long, thick fingers drum against my countertop. He’s wearing rings—one with an emerald, one with a ruby. Thankfully, there is not a wedding band in sight.
I shake my head, lifting my gaze to meet his. It takes me a moment to notice Ozan is…a little off. His hair is messy, his expression looks frazzled, and his shirt has a dark stain.
“What happened to you?” I ask.
