Page 32 of Kiss and Spell

“So, this is a mini reunion!” Zoe trilled. “You’ll have to come to Linc’s birthday party. We’re having it at Night Sky.”

“We know that place,” Ursula said. “Right, Xavier?”

He nodded. “Great coffee.”

Zoe reached over and pinched Lincoln’s cheek. “His birthday’s coming up!”

“Oh, I remember,” Ursula said with a clever smile. “It’s April twenty-third. He’s the best and worst of a Taurus. Strong, but stubborn.” Zoe chuckled and they shared a quick laugh. Lincoln looked between the two women and frowned sightly. It seemed that he didn’t like Ursula and Zoe getting along. He wrapped an arm around Zoe and held her close.

Lincoln’s voice was cool when he spoke. “You sure there isn’t a full moon that night? We don’t want to interrupt any of your spell work.”

“No, I checked my lunar almanac,” Ursula said brightly. “The full moon falls on the sixth. I don’t know if you’re aware, Zoe, but I’m a witch.”

“Really?” Zoe’s eyes widened. Her mouth dropped slightly.

Xavier glared at Lincoln, who watched the scene unfold with an uncomfortable grimace. Why was he uncomfortable? He’d been the one to stir up the punch bowl and didn’t like the flavor. I barely know you, sir, but I don’t like you.

Zoe clapped her hands. “That’s so cool. My brother swears he can see ghosts. I can’t, but I think it’s awesome.” She bounced in her seat.

“You do?” Lincoln said flatly.

She shot him a glance. “I never missed an episode of Charmed! You must join us.”

Lincoln scowled. “We hope you can fit us in your schedule. You and your boyfriend are absolutely invited.”

He said the word “boyfriend” with the same energy one said “unicorn poop.” Even though he was mistaken about their relationship, Lincoln had had an attitude with Ursula since he sat down with them. What was his problem? Xavier seethed with fury. That was no way to speak to a lady.

“We’ll be there, but he’s not my boyfriend,” Ursula countered. “He’s my friend.”

Her declaration wrapped around him with an invisible tenderness.

Lincoln glared at Ursula but stayed quiet.

Zoe, seemingly eager to move on from the awkward moment, held up the menu.

“Now, who wants to order some pretzel bites?”

Ursula raised her hand. The two ladies started chatting over appetizers and complimented each other’s jewelry. Lincoln watched them with a puckered brow. There was a thread of trust in those three words He’s my friend, as delicate and beautiful as handblown glass. He didn’t want to break it by being careless or let her down by holding back a simple truth about his enchantment. No one knew what he said to the Queen, because he’d been so ashamed to say those words out loud.

What would she think of him if he told her how he truly felt about love? The way she wholeheartedly believed in love humbled him. As a fae prince, he was expected to not only believe in love, but also effortlessly deliver a happily-ever-after to the lady he selected as his intended.

How was that possible? So, he didn’t find his perfect kiss tonight. He glanced over to Ursula laughing at something Zoe said. Once Xavier heard her sweet laugh, in his soul he knew he’d found someone special.

Yarn flower garlands hung from budding trees. People staggered around clutching coffees in wrinkled clothes and dresses. Sidewalks were covered in wilting flower petals scattered from a previous night’s celebration.

Put on your cutest underwear and open your heart. It was Smitten season.

Ursula sat near the gargoyles sleeping on the Gothic façade of the Freya Grove Public Library. She wasn’t due back to the shop until the afternoon shift, so she decided to return a few books to the library. Ursula did a little research on spring charms and slow-cooker recipes at the computer center. There was nothing like late March weather with the light breeze, crystal blue sky, and fluffy clouds greeting her. She even saw a ladybug as she walked out of the building—the red and black spotted beauty flew right past her.

The wish left her lips before she could stop it: Send me something sweet.

Ursula hadn’t found her groove yet almost three days into Smitten. She hadn’t even gotten a chance to partake of Gwen’s specialty menu yet. Mama’s shop had been slammed with customers eager to find the perfect candle or oil that would give them a confidence boost. Xavier’s perfect kiss avoided him, but he faithfully attended regular events with Ursula.

She checked her phone for any unread messages. She had three waiting for her.

One was from an unknown number.

Hi! This is Zoe! I enjoyed meeting you and Xavier. We’ve got to go shopping. I need to know where you got that necklace. Rose quartz is my jam.

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