Page 17 of Boss Witch

“True. I’m taking up the gauntlet. I’ll see you day after tomorrow at 7:00 a.m. Any tips regarding how I ought to present myself?”

Clem thought he was asking about a dress code. “Just wear comfortable clothes, nothing you mind getting dirty.”

“Now there’s an intriguing statement and one that’s likely to keep me up tonight.”

There weresomany ways she could respond, and she damn well deserved a prize for not rabbiting down the path of filth immediately. “I refuse to take responsibility for disturbing your sleep.” Clem paused judiciously before deciding to acknowledge the heat flaring between them. “Though there may come a time when I will.”

“Tease,” he whispered in a deep, deep voice.

She hung up before she could say somethinghighlyill-­advised.

***

The next morning, Clem remembered what Gavin had said about wishing for a pet and decided to surprise him.If he doesn’t want it, I’ll keep it.As distractions went, this one should be top-­notch, but she would need Priya’s help to pull it off. The local pet store opened at eight, so she had time before work. Clem headed in and picked out a white mouse with coal-­black eyes, along with all the necessary accessories, then she headed over to Priya’s place, hoping Kerry would already be at work, because she’d likely view this as a ridiculous idea.

Thankfully, Priya answered her knock and widened her eyes at the bags Clem was carrying. “What’s all this? You know I need to leave in like fifteen minutes, right?”

“The witch hunter wants a pet, but he travels all the time, so most animals are out. I thought maybe a mouse would work, but they’re easily stressed. If you talk to the little guy…” She’d gotten a male mouse because she read they could live alone happily and would form a deep bond with their caregiver. “Explain the situation and bolster him a bit with magic, hopefully he won’t mind all the traipsing about as much.”

“I can do that,” Priya said slowly. “But…how does this factor into your master plan?”

At that gentle question, Clem’s bravado collapsed. She didn’t burst into tears, but it was a near thing. She squeezed her eyes shut, breath coming fast, and Priya pulled her into the apartment, hugging Clem as she nudged the door closed behind them.

“I don’t even have one,” she admitted in a rush. “I have absolutely no idea what I’m doing, and I’m scared to death.”

“Oh dear. Let me call the office. I don’t have a nine o’clock appointment anyway, so let’s talk this through.”

“Will you still help with the mouse?”

“Absolutely,” Priya promised.

***

Gavin didn’t see Clem or hear from her for a whole day.

That shouldn’t bother him as he went about his business. Yet it did.

The following day, he parked his bike in front of Java House at ten minutes to seven, silently amused at his own eagerness. Nothing was open at this hour except the convenience store, and she deserved better. He couldn’t even grab Clem a drink to earn a few brownie points. Not that he needed them.

Or do I?

A few minutes later, Clem arrived in a rideshare, surprising him. He’d expected her to drive again, but it seemed like she trusted him to take her out on the Duc. Gavin liked that idea a hell of a lot. He never let anyone on the back of his bike, but for her, he’d make an exception. Briefly he pictured her snuggled up against his back, arms tight around his waist.

Fuck yeah.

“Morning,” Clem said.

She had on a backpack, a pair of gray jeans, trainers, and a sleeveless top in bright blue, revealing the graceful curve of her arms. Her skin held a faint sun bronze, making her dark eyes even prettier in contrast. Clem’s short hair looked as if she’d simply run her fingers through it—­endearingly spiky, but somehow instead of looking untidy, she gave the impression of sexy dishevelment.

“Slept well?” he asked.

“Not bad. Hand me your phone.”

It came across as an order, and he complied before it occurred to him that he might not want her poking around in there. But she only pulled up the map function and input an address then handed it back.

“You’re driving today, fair is fair.”

Gavin couldn’t contain a smile. “But you won’t tell me where we’re headed, I gather. You certainly do enjoy your surprises.”

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