Page 20 of Kissing Potions and Elves
Isobel smiles. “Thank you, Brakkus.”
When she steps outside, an older woman calls out to her in greeting. I’ve seen her at the café many times, but her name escapes me at this moment.
Taking advantage of Isobel’s momentary distraction as she talks with the woman, I walk back inside to speak to Brakkus. Reaching into my pocket, I pull out a pouch of gold coins, far more than enough to cover the repairs.
Brakkus arches a curious brow. “What’s this for?”
I press the pouch firmly into his large palm. “Please take the necklace to the jeweler,” I say in a low voice, for only his ears. “Make sure it’s repaired properly. Spare no expense. I’d prefer this remain between you and me. You may keep the extra for your time and trouble.”
Brakkus studies me closely, eyes narrowing. His gaze flicks to Isobel, outside, and then back to me. “Why are you doing this, Lyrion? Are you and Isobel…” His voice trails off, waiting for me to fill in the rest.
“We’re friends,” I tell him. “Nothing more.”
It’s a bit of a stretch. Weweremere acquaintances before last night, but I don’t tell him that. Besides, we’ve kissed, so we’re definitely no longer strangers to one another.
He crosses his arms and levels an assessing glare at me. “Are your intentions toward her honorable, Elf?”
I stiffen, a bristling retort rising swiftly to my tongue at his audacity. But as I meet his steady gaze, my defensiveness melts into respect. It’s good that he’s protective of her. I’m glad she has someone looking out for her interests.
“My intentions are honorable. You have my most solemn vow.”
“Good.” Brakkus nods. “Because she deserves nothing less.” He pockets the coins. “I’ll return the difference to you.”
“There’s no need.”
“I insist.”
I nod in agreement and then glance at the counter. Errol is still speaking with Ember. “Errol,” I call out. “It’s time to go.”
He exchanges another friendly head rub with Brakkus’s cat, bidding her farewell, before he saunters back over to me and climbs into the satchel.
When I step outside again, Isobel’s laughter rings through the air, warm and carefree as she hugs the older woman goodbye.
She turns to me, eyes bright with a lovely smile on her face, and it’s as if I’m staring into the sun.
An unbidden thought crosses my mind:I’d do anything to see that smile every day.
In truth, it’s part of the reason I frequent The Enchanted Teacup Café so often. Just being near Isobel somehow lessens the intensity of my headaches, even without Tressa’s magical tea.
As much as I don’t want to admit it, I’ve been attracted to Isobel since the moment I first entered that place. But I quickly dismissed the attraction. After all, she’s human and I’m a High Elf. We’re from two different worlds.
But stars help me, if we don’t find a way to undo the potion’s effects, I’m not sure how long I’ll be able to ignore the pull I’ve felt toward Isobel since the first time I saw her.
Clenching my jaw, I resolve to do whatever it takes to break this spell. The last thing I need is a distraction. I glance at Isobel once more. Even if it is a very lovely one.
CHAPTER 10
LYRION
As we weave through the bustling town square, the sweet, inviting scent of freshly baked honey cakes drifts through the air, pulling my attention toward the crowded stall. Recalling the wistful way Isobel looked at them earlier, I find myself walking toward the vendor without even thinking.
Isobel gives me a puzzled glance. “Lyrion, what are you doing?”
“Hilda enjoys honey cakes.” My ears grow warm as I lie. I’ve never seen her eat one, and I have no idea if Hilda actually likes these or not. I select a large, golden cake dripping with sticky honey, its sweet fragrance wafting enticingly. “We can get one for dessert for this evening.”
“Excellent choice,”Errol says. “Honey cakes are Isobel’s favorite, though she rarely gets to indulge. Everyone knows the way to a female’s heart is through her stomach.”
I scowl down at Errol’s furry face peeking from the satchel, silently retorting,“I’m not trying to win anyone’s heart. I’m simply buying a dessert.”
