Page 18 of Magic & Mochas
Though it had been over a year since I’d last seen her, my old friend looked the same as I remembered.Blue eyes sparkled in her heart-shaped face, and her fluffy fox ears blended in seamlessly with her silvery-blonde hair.She wore a cute sweater and skirt that allowed her four fox tails to swish freely behind her, tempting Silas to pounce with every flick.
At least my familiar hadfinallydeigned to use his new cat tree—though only after I had thrown out the box it came in.
“Sorry, Kana!Things have been so hectic lately that I can hardly remember my own name sometimes,” I explained with an apologetic grin.
Over a steaming cup of my latest coffee creation, which changed flavors with every sip, and some scones Kana brought me, I proceeded to tell her all about why I had come back to Willowmere, including how I had bought the building and my current arrangement with its sole tenant.She scowled and beamed at all the right places, and it was such a relief to get everything off of my chest.
“So where is this mysterious man of shadows?”Kana made a point of looking around my now perfectly-decorated coffee shop.
I laughed.“Thorne is picking up a few groceries for me this morning—I already have the supplies I need for the more typical drinks I plan to offer, but I want to experiment with some of my more seasonal and magical creations.”
Kana gave me a knowing look.“You can let your creativity shine here, unlike back in that stuffy office full of humans.”
“Very true.”I sighed ruefully.“I think I’m starting to realize that making a name for myself among the humans was never reallymydream.It was Rasmus’, and my parents’.I was never truly happy while I was chasing it.”
Kana placed her hand over mine.“At least you figured that out before you married that flaming douzledorf.”
“Figured out what?”Thorne asked as he came in the front door, a canvas tote bag filled with groceries on one arm.
Kana’s mouth made a perfect littleoas she drank him in.She then gave me a grin I could only describe as foxy.I lightly kicked her foot under the table before she could say anything impulsive.
She winked at me.“How good Clove is at making lattes.Youhavetried one, haven’t you?”
“Yes, just this morning, actually.”Thorne moved to the counter and began unpacking the bag.“The designs she makes with the milk are fantastic.”
I did my best to keep my hands in my lap, and away from my lips.Thorne was a surprisingly good kisser, and I’d been distracted all morning by the memory of our performance in the cider line.Though, that hadn’t stopped me from studiously compiling my menu.Now all that was left was to practice making the drinks.
“Kana, this is Thorne.Thorne, meet Kana,” I made the introductions.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Kana.”Thorne nodded politely in her direction.
“Oh, no.The pleasure is all mine,” she practically purred, her tails swishing excitedly.She lowered her voice to whisper to me, “I like this one much better.When’s the wedding?I’ll cater it!”
My ears turned pink, and I quietly shot back, “It’s not like that, Kana!Did you miss the whole fake relationship explanation?!”
“Does that mean I can date him next?”She gave me a saucy grin, and Thorne turned around abruptly and started coughing.
My face went ever redder.How good was that man’s hearing?!
“No!”I said without thinking, before clamping my lips shut.Why had I said that?After the month was up, Thorne was free to see whomever he pleased.
“Uh-huh.He’s a keeper, that one.Don’t let him get away.”Kana took another long sip of her coffee, watching me knowingly over the rim of the cup.
I had half a mind to hex her coffee so that it splashed up in her face.By the way she started chugging it, she could probably tell what I was thinking.
“Anyways, I think I will leave you two to your brewing session for those last couple drinks.After all, if I’m going to be supplying you with my bakery’s famous pastries and muffins for your grand opening tomorrow, I had better get to work!”With a wink and a wave, Kana sashayed out the door.
There was silence for a heartbeat, and then Thorne gave a rusty chuckle.“Well, she is quite the character.”
“You can say that again.”Despite my scowls at Kana earlier, my heart felt lighter after our conversation.Bringing my empty cup over to the sink, I asked Thorne, “Are you ready to try your first pumpkin spice latte?”
“Ready as I’ll ever be,” he said a tad warily, while rolling up his sleeves.
My eyes tracked the motion, and I noticed how his shadowy tattoos were engraved in a way that incorporated the scars on his arms.I wondered again what he had done for a living before he wandered into Willowmere.
“Don’t worry—it’s not too different from a mocha.Here, you can help me make it.”Picking up a pair of mugs, I moved in front of my precious espresso machine and started it up.“First, you brew the espresso.While I do that, would you bring over the pumpkin puree you got and the jar of cinnamon?”
He did as I asked, moving as silently as the shadows that almost seemed to wisp off of his form.I became acutely aware of his presence at my back as he reached to place both ingredients next me.
