Page 25 of Extra Witchy

Chapter 9

It did something to Leanne, coming home to hear Junie complaining about her “hotel bland” home decor, and then—

Trev, defending her without a flicker of hesitation, like she was reallyhisperson, the one he’d back all the way to the wall. No questions asked, no explanations needed.I’ve never had anyone like that.She was the woman they wanted to possess—for a night or a week—but they rarely imagined what a future looked like with her. She was a conquest, not a life mate.

Fuck, whatever.

The kiss was awesome. He was red-cheeked and glowing when she pulled back, running her immaculately manicured nails through his shaggy hair. It was impossibly soft, silky, and she wrapped a lock of it around her fingers before giving it a gentle tug.Mine. I’m keeping you.

For as long as I need you, she added hastily.

She didn’t believe in forever, and they hadn’t discussed the duration of this agreement. They’d mentioned keeping it flexible, but no matter what Trev said about sticking around, he’d go eventually. It just couldn’t be before she got what she required out of the situation. Once the election was over, then they could reassess.

“I found a place to stay,” Junie said. “I’ll be out of your hair tonight.”

“Oh?” That was the best news Leanne had gotten since she found out the deputy mayor was taking a vacation and wouldn’t be around to ogle the admin staff for the next two weeks.

“I answered a roommate ad like you suggested. Blair is so nice, and we have a lot in common. They just got divorced and need someone to help with the bills.”

Leanne knew she shouldn’t, but she had to ask, “Are you still doing online tarot readings and…other stuff to earn a living?”

Trev’s attention seemed to sharpen when Leanne said “other stuff,” but he didn’t interject.

“Yep,” Junie said cheerfully. “Business is booming too.”

If it got out that her mom did certain things online for cash, Leanne could absolutely kiss the election goodbye. Maybe it would be better to control that revelation and disclose it immediately. The gig-and-hustle voters might not hold it against them, but the asshole demographic probably would.Maybe I have to decide between them.

It wasn’t a problem she could solve today, however.

“Is Blair okay with you moving in right away?”

Junie nodded. “I hope you don’t mind—I gave several of your…book club friends as references. Blair already talked to Ethel.”

“You’re in a book club?” Trev asked.

“Yeah, we’re pretty close. You met everyone at Danica’s party.”

“Can anyone join? I’m into reading, and I could use a wider friend circle.”

Oh wow.Usually, people heard “book club” and changed the subject because they either didn’t like to read or didn’t want to be toldwhatto read. She hedged, “Sure, but I need to talk to them first. We vote on it. Majority rules.”

“That’s fair.”

“I’m glad you see it that way,” she said.

Good thing Trev was so chill. Otherwise, he might get annoyed at the prospect of being vetoed. Junie cut her a look, and Leanne raised both eyebrows.What was I supposed to say? You’re the one who brought it up!

“What do you read? Is it heavy lit fic?” Trevor asked.

“Hell no. We pick sexy books or deeply touching ones. I think all our favorites to date have been romance or fantasy with a romantic thread.”

“No science fiction?” he asked, mimicking a space cowboy drawing a laser pistol, then he made thepew-pewnoise.

Damn, why is he so cute?

“Not so far, though we’d be open to it if there’s hot banging.”

“In space no one can hear you scream,” Junie said.

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