Page 51 of Of Poison & Pumpkins
“I think I’m overwhelmed.”
A beat passes, then he says quietly, into my hair, “That’s what Tinsley said.”
“I don’t want to get arrested.” My body starts shaking again.
“Hey, hey. Don’t think about that right now.” His hands find my temples and massage them slowly. “You’re still stiff, Rynnlee, relax. You won’t break me. It’s okay to put your whole weight on me. It’s not like your skull can crush my godly muscles.”
I snort in laughter, then do as he says, finally giving in to the stability he’s providing. Closing my eyes, I let a little whimper escape because the massage feels so damn good.
“Imagine Goosie’s kittens on your legs right now, sound asleep in a heap of fur, all purring madly.”
Goddess, the little circles he rubs on my temples are the perfect pressure, not too hard or soft. It’s taking away the anxiety while also keeping me alert.
“Now, imagine them wearing knitted boots. You wouldn’t even have to make them if it’s too much work. I’ll custom order twenty tiny paw-covers.”
I smile, and endorphins must be flooding my blood, because the worries melt away.
“Are your eyes still closed?” he asks, while his hands move into my hair, sculpting a masterpiece on my scalp. “I’ll take that moan as a yes. But Rynnlee, you need to stop massaging my thighs, pretty please.”
“What? I wasn’t.”
“Okay then.” He chuckles deeply. “Now pretend you’re in bed, on a soft blanket, with warm fuzzy socks on, and those kittens are still with you, but now there is a fire crackling in the fireplace and magic fills the room. You can taste it.”
“Like cinnamon.”
“Of course, cinnamon is the best type of magic. And you inhale your favorite smell.”
“Your skin in the rain.”
His hands stop massaging.
“I mean …”
“Rynnlee? Have you been smelling me without permission?”
I roll away and try to stand.
“Wait, I didn’t mean for you to leave.”
When I manage to get to my feet, despite feeling like my brain is floating in a fog, Elias gazes up at me in wonder.
“You’ve sniff-catalogued me.” He stands too, more fluid. “I knew it! There’s a tiny little journal filed away in your brain of my scents, and you’ve memorized them, haven’t you?”
I swig the rest of the water and check the store for Tinsley.
“She left to pick up Maya. Said she’ll text you.”
“You don’t know what I was thinking.”
“Was I wrong?” His nuclear smile murders me yet again.
Ugh. This man. What am I supposed to do with him?
“I need to lay down,” I say.
“I’ll come with.”
“No, Elias, I need you to sleep somewhere else.”
