Page 37 of Witch Please

Danica hurried to her cousin’s side and put a hand on her arm, shaking her head silently. Though Titus wasn’t sure about the undertones, he guessed that Danica’s cousin wasn’t a fan of being scolded after the fact. She probably already knew what she’d done wrong, and he hadn’t intended to make her mad, but there was certain verbiage he had to use in these situations.Not trying to be a dick. I should probably go.

“It can happen to anyone,” he said easily. “I went over to an apartment building recently where a college girl set her own TV on fire because she didn’t realize that candles on a lower shelf could burn that hot.”

Priya laughed. “Sounds like something I would do.”

“You would not. Stop acting like you’re not an absolute genius,” Kerry scolded.

“I’m also a bit of a ditz when I’m distracted.”

“Since I’ve done what I came to do, I should go,” he said.

Danica finally appeared to get herself together, apparently more shaken by the small fire than she’d let on at first. “I’ll walk you out.”

Chapter 11

“Sorry we pulled you away from family time,” Danica said.

At this moment, she didn’t know how she was supposed to feel. From the flickering curtains at Hazel Jeffords’s house, she guessed the old lady had called the fire department when she saw a little smoke. Gram’s special incantation couldnothave meant to summon Titus, yet that was exactly what Danica had done. What a colossal misfire. Her magic really couldn’t be trusted these days, and she had no damn idea what to do about it.

“I don’t mind at all,” he said. “At least I got to see your face and meet some of your friends. That’s time well spent.”

“You wanted to meet them?”

Oh goddess, I shouldn’t be happy about that. It makes everything more difficult.

“Of course, though I hope for better circumstances next time.”

Next time? No.She managed a smile and stretched up on tiptoe to kiss his cheek, wishing she could erase the ache in her chest when she faced certainty that this would be the last time they touched like this. While their paths might cross—it was a small town, after all—she couldn’t get closer to him. Not with her magic already going haywire.

Danica waved. “Say hi to Maya for me.”

“Will do!” Titus was already jogging back down the walk, lugging his bag easily, but he glanced back with a brilliant smile. It seemed to make him happy that she cared enough to greet his sister.

Family’s important to him. And he’s got that shitty situation with his dad’s new wife. I wonder if—no. Focus. You cannot get more involved than you already are.

When she went back inside, Clem, Priya, and Kerry were sitting in the front room with cups of tea. There was one waiting for her as well. She braced herself as she sat down, waiting for shots to be fired. Her cousin must have ten thousand words to share, none of them good. But the others sat quietly, sipping and waiting for her to speak.

“That’s him,” she finally said. “As I’m sure you already know.”

Kerry smirked at her. “Your fling is the CinnaMan! I can’t believe you kept this from us, you heartless—”

“Don’t tease too much,” Priya cut in. She touched her girlfriend lightly on the arm. “Not everyone is as lucky as we are.”

Their eyes met, held, and that melting look just before they kissed warmed Danica’s heart even as she despaired of ever having it for herself. Kerry and Priya were perfect together, and both families supported their relationship. When they were ready, they planned to use a witch-only sperm bank, and they’d each have one child with the same donor—imprinted with each other’s energy through vivimancy—to continue their bloodlines. No conflict, no sides to be taken. Just happiness, full partnership, and beautiful, magical babies in their future.

Danica let out a wistful sigh. “The spell didn’t work.”

Clem sat beside her and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “I know you’re worried, but it’ll be okay. Every problem has a solution. We just haven’t found it yet.”

Privately she admitted that ithurtto hear Titus described that way.He’s such a good person. He deserves someone who can treasure him.And hell, that hurt too.

“Definite ‘too much’ teasing,” Kerry said then. “But come on, nobody’s going to say it? Theobviousjoke about him arriving to put out Danica’s fire.”

Danica pointed at the door. “I need you to leave. Now.” But her stern expression was spoiled because she couldn’t contain the reluctant chortle. “It’s just so absurdly apropos, isn’t it? I swear, my magic has a sense of humor or the universe is screwing with me.”

“Could it be both?” Priya wondered.

She shrugged, leaning her head against Clem’s briefly. “Maybe. I don’t know about the rest of you, but evenI’mtired of my issues. Why don’t we hang out as we originally planned, eat some delicious food, and binge that show?”

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