Page 5 of Extra Witchy

“Fine, I’ll go again.” Leanne almost got it the second time.

Trevor gave it his best too, but he had even less rhythm than she did. But when he stuck out his butt, she cracked up and slapped her own ass, then his. Vanessa beckoned Leanne toward the kitchen.

“I’ll bring her right back,” she called to Trev.

“No worries,” he said easily.

“Everything good?” Leanne whispered, her gaze fixed on the witch hunter who was hovering unnervingly close to Clem.

Vanessa shook her head. “No idea. This is most nerve-racking party I’ve ever attended. I’m trying to act natural, but damn. Latest tea, the council is planning…something, but I can’t get a read on what. Gladys is so cagey, she wouldn’t even give me a hint.”

The witch’s council was the governing body that regulated the witch community, and it was made up of anonymous members to keep all judgments impartial. If witches didn’t know who was on it, they couldn’t lobby or push their own agendas. It was good that they seemed alert to the potential powder keg of a witch hunter in St. Claire, but the council might not act fast enough to protect everyone involved.

Worry nibbled away at her buzz. “Let’s not fret about it tonight.”

“Deal,” said Vanessa.

Her friend got a drink and winked as she headed off to chat up an attractive, black-haired man who had been introduced earlier as Calvin Wu. Leanne spotted Trev still watching her, and she rejoined him. He was still her first choice for an entertaining interlude.

As she reached his side, the song changed to a slower tune, and she took it for granted that they’d keep dancing, just up close and personal this time. She looped her arms around his neck, not even pretending she meant to slow dance right. This was an excuse to rub against him, and from the flare in his hazel eyes, he knew it. Pretty eyes, she decided, understated, shimmering flecks of brown and green and gold, sort of tawny and deep, fringed with gold-tipped lashes. Close up, she could see he had long lashes, but they disappeared due to the lightness at the ends.

“Wouldn’t you rather find someone else to talk to?” he asked.

“Like who? You’re the only one in my world right now.” She rubbed her nose against his, deciding he would enjoy careful moves rather than overt ones.

He grinned, seeming reluctantly amused. “Wow, that’s a great line. How often does it work?”

“Eight out of ten lovers recommend,” she said, winking.

“Seriously, though. There’s a room full of people, and I happen to know that both Calvin and Dante are currently single. I don’t understand why you went right forme.”

“You need to work on your self-esteem.” Leanne kept her tone gentle because she could tell he was genuinely puzzled, and her heart twinged. Hard. Odd, ordinarily her emotions didn’t engage when she was trying to hook up with someone. “But to answer your question, I like your smile. And your hair. Your eyes are a little sad, but that means I’ll enjoy making them sparkle. Doesn’t hurt that you have anexcellentass.”

He swallowed, his throat working visibly. “You get right to the point, huh?”

“Candor gets me what I want faster.”

“And you wantme?” His tone caught her attention.

On any other night, she’d give a flirty response or say something like “For an hour or two,” but the way he was looking at her, full of desperate yearning and hope, made her pause. Then she simply said, “Yes.”

No qualifiers.So unlike me.

But she didn’t back off the statement. It was true, even without making any promises. Tonight, she did want him. And she chose not to think about how she was on course to repeat her mother’s mistakes. If she wasn’t careful, she’d end up alone, just like Junie. Hell, Leanne’s situation might be worse since she wouldn’t even have a kid to pester later on. She’d never trustedanyoneenough to reproduce with them.

Why am I even thinking about this crap? Bathroom hookup, remember? You’re here for a good time, not for a long time.

Trev skimmed his hands down to her hips. “It hasn’t quite been half an hour, but you don’t seem impaired. You really think we should—”

“Definitely.” She grabbed his hand and towed him toward the downstairs bathroom before doubts could get the best of her.

What are the odds?She’d picked this one because he looked the most like a fuckboy out of everyone else in the room, but instead, he was turning out to be unexpectedly sweet and sensitive. Maybe they’d just end up making out a little, but whatever. She needed spontaneity and to stop thinking for a while.

Thankfully, there was nobody in the half bath, and there was another bathroom upstairs if someone had to go. She flipped the light on and locked the door behind them. Trev eyed her like he didn’t know what to expect.Looks like I’ll be driving tonight.Leanne didn’t mind that either. She nudged him against the door, pressing her body to his.

With her heels on, he only had a few inches on her, so it was simple to cup his face, tilting his head for a kiss. His lips were soft but slightly chapped, and he breathed through his nose like he didn’t even know how to kiss.It’s been a while.For some reason, that sent a bittersweet feeling through her, leaving her sad and satisfied at the same time.

Eventually, he relaxed and wrapped his arms around her, making a quiet sound into her mouth. She teased her tongue against his. Trev tasted like mint toothpaste since he hadn’t even taken a single drink before she’d decided to have her way with him. He ran his hands over her back as they kissed, shaping her body in slow, luxuriant strokes. The pace didn’t feel like a frenzied quickie, more like he wanted to take his time.

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