Page 6 of Boss Witch

With effort, Clem managed not to roll her eyes. “That’s because she knows you’re a viable target. She could send me texts all day long, and I wouldn’t budge unless I was genuinely interested. And she also knows that if she pushes me too far, I’ll draw the line. I mean, I blocked Barnabas’s number, and he’s my biological father.”

Danica blinked. “You did not.”

“I’m serious.” Producing her phone, Clem showed her cousin the log, revealing four blocked calls today alone. “That’s his number.”

“He’s persistent,” Danica said. “Are you sure it’s okay to ignore him like this? It seems like it might be important.”

“Well, it’s also important for you to get to work on time,” Clem snapped, not wanting to discuss Barnabas.

She was trying not to be grumpy, but her cousin wasn’t carrying her share these days, and that made it tough because Clem had to work longer hours. Seeming to read Clem’s mood, Danica murmured an apology, but she didn’t promise things would change.Saying sorry doesn’t fix a problem, does it?Clem nodded and let it go.

As she headed out, she exchanged flirty texts with Gavin:

Clem:Be honest. How long have you been waiting for me to text?

Gavin:Hold on, checking my papers. I’m 35. When I was a tyke, I didn’t have a mobile, so let’s call it 25 years, give or take.

Clem:Wow, no pressure. I hope I’m worth the wait.

Gavin:Something tells me you will be.

Operation Witch Hunter wouldn’t be getting off the ground until Sunday when she’d finally carry out her threat to take him to Bluestar Farm. They’d missed the window for the barn dance she had mentioned, but the other stuff was available.

***

Sunday afternoon, Clem met Gavin at the café near the shop because if he registered the wards layered all over her house, it was game over. He would probably take it as the natural caution of a single woman who didn’t want to invite a relative stranger over to her place just yet. If they kept hanging out, there would come a point when her reticence became an issue, but that was a problem she could put off—­and she would.

Today’s outing didn’t lend itself to sexy dresses or stiletto heels, so she rolled with it, dressing in khaki shorts and a white sleeveless top that laced up the back. She completed the look with a pair of walking sandals, pleased with the coral polish that still looked decent on her toes. She arrived at the café ten minutes early and bought a bottle of water. Gavin showed up five minutes later, and he’d heeded her instructions. Today, he still had on the ripped jeans and battered boots, but he’d opted for a plain, blue T-­shirt in place of the biker gear.

“Do you want anything?” she asked, twirling her drink.

“Will you get it for me if I say yes?”

“Sure. It’s all part of the service.”

“The complete package,” he agreed with a smoldering look. “Pity, I’ve never cared that much for coffee. And iced tea is just…wrong.”

“Too hot for a proper cuppa?” she teased.

“Entirely. But I wouldn’t decline a lemon twister.”

That was essentially a fresh lemonade mixed with sparkling water; such a wholesome drink order from an intimidating man struck her as amusing. Clem nodded as she sauntered to the counter and got his beverage, then she beckoned Gavin to the door, handing over the drink when he joined her.

“Here you are. I’ll drive since you don’t know where we’re going.”

“I can’t leave my bike on the street,” he protested.

“You think it’ll be safer somewhere else?” Clem laughed quietly. “Quit worrying. The meters are free today, and downtown St. Claire is secure as a bank vault.”

Gavin sighed, seeming to follow her against his better judgment. As she climbed in on the driver’s side, he folded into the passenger seat, belted in, and set his drink in the cupholder. “It seems that I’m putting myself in your hands.”

“For better or worse?”

“That’s not how I’d put it,” he said. “Uncomfortably close to certain vows, isn’t it?”

“Relax, English. I’m teasing you. Drink your lemon twister and chill. There will be Nigerian dwarf goats at the end of the ride.”

“Promise?” The deep and husky intonation drew Clem’s gaze as she backed out of the choice parking spot in front of the café.

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