Page 16 of Extra Witchy

What am I supposed to say? Thanks for giving me life, but I don’t enjoy hanging out with you. I’m also haunted by the prospect of turningintoyou—do not want.

“Why don’t we compromise and watch a movie?” Trev suggested.

Junie gazed at him with transparent appreciation. “That’s a great idea. I don’t mean to be intrusive, but I want to spend time with both of you now that I’m here.”

“What’s your favorite type of film?” he asked.

That was a more cunning question than it seemed because Junie had a lot of opinions about rom-coms, and she rambled on while Leanne put away the leftovers and stacked the dirty plates in the dishwasher. Trev came in to help without being asked, rinsing the glasses and cutlery before handing them over. Junie was still talking about10 Things I Hate About Youand finally finished her lecture with, “They don’t make movies like that anymore.”

“I don’t know,” Leanne said. “Streaming services are bringing it.”

They settled on a rom-com none of them had seen, and Trev sat between Leanne and Junie on the couch. Stretching his arm out along the back of the sofa, he offered Leanne a cuddle with a crook of his elbow. She surprised herself by leaning against him. This was the first time in recent memory when she’d literally Netflix’d and chilled instead of using it as a euphemism.

Once the movie ended, she scrolled through More Like This until they found something else. It was surprisingly not a terrible evening, pretty relaxing all told.

But it was late when they wrapped up. Junie yawned and stretched as she rose, bestowing a benevolent smile. “Don’t let me keep you. I’m sure you usually stay over, and I’m a heavy sleeper. Just carry on like I’m not even here. I’ll stay for a few days and then…figure out my next move. I’m just so thrilled things are finally on track in LeLe’s private life. She’s got it all together career-wise, but—”

“Good night,” Leanne cut in.

Junie waved and headed into the guest room, leaving Leanne to face Trev. He was smiling slightly, still sprawled on the couch. She’d never met anyone so easygoing in her entire life. By now, he ought to be demanding explanations as to why she’d dragged him into all this, but instead, he was just…waiting. For what, she had no idea.

“So that happened,” he finally said. “Guess I should sneak out before she decides to read us a bedtime story.”

“You could stay.”

Trev stared at her, evidently as stunned to receive that offer as she was to be making it. Hastily, she added, “If you’re seriously okay with helping me out, it would sell the lie. Do you have anything pressing to do first thing tomorrow?”

“I can rearrange my schedule.”

“Then let me get you a toothbrush,” Leanne whispered. She’d bought a value pack and hadn’t worked through them all yet, so she gave Trev the blue one, along with a washcloth and towel. “Do you usually shower at night?”

“I did before I came over.”

“Then you can use the bathroom first.”

It was weird as hell hearing him move around in her en suite while she changed into a nightgown. This reminded her of being married the second time. Her first husband, Garrett, had hardly even been home, while the sequel husband, Malcolm, tried to force a functional relationship, but the more he pushed, the more uncomfortable Leanne became. He had been so determined that they made sense together, as if logic alone could create a lasting bond. But then, of course, leaving proved so easy for him in the end: another rational decision, a foregone conclusion.I could spend years in therapy figuring out my emotional damage.

When Trev came out, she had the bed turned down. A queen seemed like a ridiculous luxury for sleeping on her own, but now she was glad for her foresight. The mattress was new, so nobody but her had ever slept in this bed. It had seemed like an auspicious decision, sweeping out the old to make way for the new. He’d stripped down to his boxers, and she bit her lip. Tonight, she’d had nothing to drink whatsoever, and he still looked damn fine. Not cut, but his arms were thick, and his shoulders were surprisingly broad, probably from when he did lawn care.

“This okay?” he asked, cutting into her vaguely steamy thoughts. He gestured to his attire or lack thereof.

Leanne shrugged. “It’s fine. We’ve already slept together naked.”

“Glad I’m not the only one still thinking about that. I’ll get cozy. Come to bed whenever you’re ready.”

Why does that sound so damn inviting?

***

The next morning, Trev woke to find Leanne already gone.

Using some arcane sorcery, she’d slipped out from under his arm—he’d stirred at some point in the night spooning her—and gotten ready without bothering him. It was weird as hell waking up in a strange place; he could hear Junie moving around, and he braced himself for the most awkward morning after ever.

Except they hadn’t done anything but sleep, too aware of Junie in the guest room. Plus, Trev wasn’t even sure what was going on. It didn’t seem accurate to say they were dating, but since they’d hooked up, this wasn’t a friendly favor either. However it happened, he’d basically agreed to act like Leanne’s boyfriend, one serious enough to be talking about cohabitation. He stretched, sliding his hand across the wrinkled white sheet. It was high-quality cotton, so smooth, it felt incredible. Everything about the room was luxe and high-end. The furniture was light, and there weren’t many colors; this style might be considered Scandinavian.

Mentally shrugging, he cleaned up in the bathroom and got dressed then made Leanne’s bed. Just good manners when he was the last one out of it. Junie was eating Corn Pops from a big yellow bowl with her legs folded like a little kid, watching some court TV show. Former roommates were arguing about who had to pay for damages after the tub overflowed.

“Good morning,” she chirped brightly. “Want some cereal?”

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