Page 76 of Kiss and Spell

She let out a squeal and took them from him. “Please, come on in.”

Xavier watched as she got a vase from underneath the sink. He glanced over at the plants that lined the windowsill. “I should’ve gotten you another plant.”

She filled the vase from the kitchen’s faucet and arranged the flowers. “No, these are lovely.”

He studied her. She wore the dress. That dress. The aquamarine dress she’d shimmied and danced into his life in that fateful spring evening. It looked even better now in the late afternoon night. He couldn’t stop staring. She sparkled like a gem in a glass jewelry case. He pressed his fingers into his palm to keep from reaching for her. Last week he acted—too eager, too free.

Ursula glanced over her shoulder at him. He stilled. You’re still staring.

“Whitney had it cleaned for me,” Ursula said by way of explanation. She did a little spin, showing off the dress and flashing a bit of her juicy thigh. Xavier bit his lip. How in the world did the glimpse of a thigh make him weak?

“Gwen let me keep it, so I figured it would be perfect for tonight.”

“It is. Thank you for cooking for me. It’s very sweet of you.”

Ursula held up a hand. “Don’t thank me yet. I’ve never made this meal before, so this might be an experience for both of us.”

She winked at him. He’d gladly eat sea glass if she served it to him on a silver platter. Ursula set up the table while he kept an eye on the simmering food. She lit the long candles and arranged the plates and glasses on the tablecloth. He opened the bottle of sparkling cider and poured their drinks. She served them plates filled with sautéed mushrooms and cheese polenta with a side of spinach.

“I read somewhere that fae like mushrooms,” she said.

“That’s correct,” Xavier said. He leaned over and inhaled the savory scents. Lovely. As he scooped a huge bite into his mouth, he became instantly wide awake; he tasted the absolute love she’d put into this meal. He’d been served literal nectar and the leftovers of gods, but nothing had been made with such detail as this meal. As their eyes met over the table, he felt a shock run through him.

I want you to know all of me. I want you to have my name. He stared, speechless, at her.

“Is it good?” she asked.

He pushed through his shock. “It’s great.”

She poured Xavier another glass of sparkling cider. He took a long sip from his drink. The fruity bubbles tickled his tongue and the sweetness rushed through his veins. She tilted her head to the side. “How are you?”

Ursula deserved honesty, so he told her. “I’m missing my family today.”

“You can always talk to me about it,” Ursula offered. “Have you seen any other fae from the Realm here?”

“Yes, Beltane’s a huge day for fae to come and visit.”

Ursula winced. “I forgot. The veil’s thin enough to pass between worlds. You could’ve gone home today for a quick visit, but—” She shook her head. “You should be with your family or with Whitney.”

“I could say the same for you, Madame,” he said gently.

A knowing gleam entered her eyes. “You’ve made your point,” Ursula said. “I’m enjoying your company. Besides, I’m going to see them at this month’s moon gathering. We get together to cleanse our crystals and make moonlight tea.”

“That sounds like fun.”

“It’s a good time. You’re invited to come with me,” Ursula said warmly.

Xavier nodded. He placed his empty glass on the table. “I have a gift for you.”

Ursula finished her drink and sat up. “I thought the flowers were my gift.”

“I want to give you something else.” His words came out with quiet assurance. He knew what he wanted her to have and keep safe.

Ursula held a hand against her cheek, a teasing smile on her face. “Please tell me you brought dessert.”

“I want you to know my true name,” Xavier said. His voice was firm, final. Ursula let her hand fall from her face, then peered at Xavier. Her lips were pressed shut so no sound would burst out.

He’d never told anyone—human or fae—his true name. The gravity of this moment wasn’t lost on him. Xavier might as well be cutting off a piece of his soul for her to keep. She let out a sharp breath and stood, not bothering to look at Xavier. She gathered up the dishes, cleaned them off in the garbage, and placed them in the sink, averting her eyes from him. You really messed up; she won’t even look at you.

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