Page 6 of Kiss and Spell

He glanced around, looking for a sign. Ursula knew there were none by the waterfront. Gnomes were always stealing them.

“We agreed to meet on the boardwalk. This is Ocean Avenue, right?”

Ursula rocked back on her heels. “Yes, but probably not the one you’re looking for.”

Xavier looked at her, his forehead wrinkling in surprise. “There’s more than one?”

She looked at the landmarks that dotted the Grove beachfront. “Well, this is Ocean Avenue North, and Ocean Avenue South is the other way.”

It was a common mistake for out-of-towners to make. Springtime usually attracted visitors to the Grove who were looking for enchanted mischief. Ursula had dealt with plenty of lost folks who came into the shop asking for directions. She motioned to the twinkling low building in the near distance, aglow with lights and shadows of suspended galloping horses.

“Walk toward the carousel, look to the left, and you’ll be there in five minutes.”

He nodded. “Thank you for your help.”

Xavier gave her another once-over and started heading south. His attention was pulled toward the crash of the waves and a possible siren’s song, and concern washed over Ursula. There were so many lovely diversions in the Grove. He’d probably end up walking right into the ocean and having dinner with a mermaid or three. She sighed. It wouldn’t be the first time. Right now, Lucy was probably living her best life with the merman of her dreams. Ursula couldn’t leave this bright-eyed stranger to a watery fate.

There was another part of her that didn’t want to let him go just yet. This fae, like a piece of old jade, radiated an unspoken vitality that drew her to him. She didn’t want to think any deeper about why she was suddenly drawn to Xavier. There wasn’t any harm in walking him over to the carousel.

“Hold up,” Ursula called out. “I’ll walk you over there. I’m headed in that direction.”

He nodded. “That’s very kind of you.”

If only he knew. After all the hurtful things Ursula had done last year, she was relearning how to be kind to everyone, herself included. Xavier waited for her to join him, and when she did, he offered her a grateful smile.

“Let me properly introduce myself. I’m Prince Xavier Alder of the Alder Fae and you are…?”

Hold up. Did he just say “prince”? Ursula blinked slowly. She glanced around for any cameras in case she was secretly being recorded for an online prank show. Nope. They were alone.

Ursula tried and failed to hide the disbelief in her voice. “Seriously?”

His smile broadened as he held out his hand. “I assure you I am.”

She looked down at his hand, not moving to take it. Ruth’s warnings played in her mind. “Well, Your Highness, I’ve got to be honest with you. My nana warned me about giving my name to the fae.”

Amusement lit up Xavier’s handsome features. “Tell me why.”

Ursula lowered her voice. “You might bewitch me and whisk me away to your castle.”

He stepped closer so that there was only half a foot between them. His cologne, a sweet mix of pepper and fresh flowers, made her lean in a little closer. He peered down into her eyes and didn’t look away. “I might, but only if you wanted to come with me.”

Well, damn. When was the last time anyone asked her what she wanted? Mayor Walker told Ursula what to do for the wedding. Lincoln left all the decision-making to her and didn’t ask. Even Dad, busy with his perfect life in Meadowdale, told her what steps she needed to take to get her life together. Lucy cared enough to ask her, but it was too late for Ursula to do anything to break the spell. She’d given up her voice to be accepted by the people she wanted to impress. What did she want? She blinked up at His Highness.

Well, against common sense, she wanted him to know her name.

She took his hand. “I’m Ursula. Ursula Caraway.”

His gaze roved over her and quickly appraised her outfit. “I assume you go by the title Madame Caraway.”

“Ah, yes.” Ursula ran her free hand over the fortune-telling costume. After today’s nonsense, she wanted to shove it underneath her bed with her unicorn slippers when she got home. However, with Xavier studying her with that interested gaze, she might consider keeping it out for another day.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Madame.” His hand held hers gently, and small green sparks emitted from their connection. A hot shiver ran through her as the sparks bounced between their joined hands. Ursula inhaled sharply. It was like holding a sunbaked limestone in her palm. She hadn’t realized how cold she was until she touched Xavier, his magic warming her skin.

A voice rattled in her brain, interrupting this feeling.

This man is not your date. Ursula took her hand back quickly. Had he felt it too? Xavier cleared his throat and looked away from her. His throat seemed to tighten. The paper wrapped around the flowers crinkled as he clutched them tightly to his side. Without another word, they started strolling, their footsteps echoing along the boardwalk. The wind picked up, causing a chill in the air. Ursula shook her hand out by her side to rid herself of the electricity of his touch. No luck. Her body was buzzing more than a neon sign left on all night long. He stood so close she could extend her hand and touch his arm to see if he was real.

Stop it. Her inner voice snapped. He’s meeting someone else for dinner. Ask him about that.

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