Page 86 of Witch Please

“That’s what I’m talking about. Try to keep it down, you two. Remember there are minors in the house.” With a cheeky grin, Maya headed off to Lucy’s room.

Titus led the way to Jared’s room. It was a typical teen boy lair, posters of bikini girls sprawled over shiny cars and sports team memorabilia scattered throughout. There was also gear unique to Jared, related to swimming, goggles, eye drops, and a whole drawer full of Speedos. Not that he planned to show those to Danica.

“This must be the stepbrother’s turf. I’m afraid I don’t remember his name.”

“Jared. He’s road-tripping and will be off to college after. I suspect they’ll turn his room into a nursery. Or maybe Lucy’s.”

Danica made a face. “She’s not thrilled about getting a younger sibling and being used for free childcare?”

“I wouldn’t be either,” Titus said.

“My parents are together, so it’s not a problem I’ve dealt with. But I admire you for helping Lucy. I meant it when I said I’ll do whatever I can to make her feel at home after the move. I wasn’t just kissing up.”

“That so?” he teased.

She stretched up on tiptoe, bracing her palms on his chest, and her touch seared through his shirt. Immediately, he wanted more, more than he could have in a lifetime. Even then, when she was old and gray, a mischievous old woman like Mrs. Carminian, it still wouldn’t be enough. With every beat of his heart, he knew—heknew—that he would die, still hungry for her.

“Are you a witch?” he asked.

She froze. “Excuse me?”

“Because it really feels like you’ve cast a love spell on me.”

Her laughter had a strange, strained note, but then she kissed him. “Mmm. Your sister’s right. I want the makeup sex, but we need to wait. It would be weird to do it here. Can you behave if we sleep together?”

“What’s the other option?”

“I could crash on the couch.”

“Forget it, I can keep it in my pants. And I want to hold you.” “Want” was the wrong word. “Need” was the right one, twisted up like barbwire, as if it would wound him physically to let her go.

It has to work this time. Has to.

She kissed him again. Again. Her mouth was magical, sweet and salty at the same time. “When we get home, it ison. Don’t make plans for three days.”

“What about work and food?”

“I’ll take it under advisement. Do you want to shower first or should I?”

“You can. It’s next door on the left.”

It was best for them both to wash up tonight, avoid the rush in the morning. Maya preferred morning showers. If Lucy did too, there might be a jam-up, delaying whatever Susan had planned. Fortunately, his stepmother drove a minivan, so they would all fit, no special accommodation needed to add Danica to the party.

Danica grabbed her bag and ducked out with a quick kiss. When she came back, she smelled soapy clean, her hair falling in wet tangles. She flipped it over one shoulder with an adorably sheepish look.

“I forgot to pack a brush.”

“Want to use my comb?” Before she could answer, he got it out of his backpack and started slowly working out the knots from her damp hair.

“That’s even better,” she said, tipping her head back.

“I’m so glad you didn’t hesitate. Nobody’s ever made me feel like I was worth chasing before. It’s…” He let out a slow breath, wishing he could find the right words.

“Just wait,” Danica whispered, casting him a simmering look. “I’ve barely begun to make it up to you. Look forward to it.”

Titus groaned, his gaze locked on hers. “You know it’ll be Monday night before I can enjoy what those eyes are promising, right?”

She smiled, all joyous temptation as she traced a teasing fingertip down the center of his chest. “Oh, trust me. I know.”

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