Page 35 of Kiss and Spell

Gwen studied the labels. “Which one of these candles will bring me money?”

Ursula playfully rolled her eyes. “You can buy a lotto ticket. These candles are for giving good vibes.”

“Okay, so which one has ‘give me money’ vibes?” Gwen asked.

The doorbell jingled, effectively interrupting their conversation. Ursula’s stomach dropped when she saw Quentin Jacobsen, current head of the Freya Grove Alumni Association, cross the threshold. His mouth was thin with a probing twist to it, and his inky black eyes were assessing. He was of medium height and build but carried himself with a commanding air of confidence. Hide your secrets and lies. There wasn’t a rumor that he couldn’t hunt down or a scandal he didn’t spread.

If knowledge was power, then Quentin was an earl or at least a duke.

“Welcome to Light as a Feather, Quentin. How can I help you?” Ursula said in her most professional voice. A nosy customer was still a customer.

He gave them a polite smirk. “Good morning, ladies. I’m here for a little sandalwood and a chat,” Quentin said. “You know Lincoln’s back in town.”

He went over to the essential oils and bath section. Ursula cut a quick look to Gwen, who took a protective step toward her. It was only a matter of time before someone scurried over here to tell her about Lincoln’s return. Quentin picked up a bar of soap wrapped in paper and held it in his palm.

“I know. I saw him,” Ursula said. She walked over to the counter, wanting to get some space. Quentin had Terminator vision and with one quick scan could determine a person’s background, weaknesses, and possible actions.

He peered at the soap label. “So, you’ve spoken to Mr. Walker.”

“We’ve talked,” she repeated a bit more forcefully.

He looked up from the label and watched her. “So, you know he’s not alone.”

Oh, come on. The Hubble Telescope could see that Lincoln wasn’t alone. Quentin knew this, but he wanted to know Ursula’s opinion about this development.

“I’m aware and it’s none of my business,” Ursula said. She wanted to be left alone about this topic, but he was still a customer. “Do you want to pay now, or are you still browsing?”

“I’m still looking.” Quentin, item in hand, moved over to the crystal shelf, his attention focused on an amethyst geode. “You know I’m running Smitten by the Shore.”

Gwen congratulated him.

He nodded as if the job was a forgone conclusion. “I figured they’d ask for my help. Since the last alumni reunion was so successful, the Chamber of Commerce hired me. I noticed that you didn’t attend the reunion last year.”

“I was busy.” Yes, Ursula had been busy trying to drag her way to the altar.

“I remember.” He approached the counter with his item. “Well, I must come clean. I didn’t come in to just shop and chat. We need to talk business.”

“Okay.” Ursula stiffened. She was ready to throw glitter in his face and run upstairs. He might be fast, but she was crafty.

Quentin stood tall and placed his item by the register. “I’m pleased to tell you that you are an official Smitten Sweetheart nominee. Over two hundred people personally named you.”

She clutched her rose quartz necklace, trying to come up with the right response.

“The ballot’s only been open two days!” Ursula said.

Well, she wasn’t expecting this news. She expected Quentin had come in ready to tell her that Lincoln was going to propose to Zoe via skywriting or something that would make her feel even more haplessly single.

“I know. You broke a voting record.” Quentin lifted his hands in surprise.

Gwen clapped and bounced on her toes. “You’re a winner, baby!”

“Why did you ask all those questions about Lincoln?” Ursula asked.

“I wanted to know if you were over him,” Quentin said with a clever smirk. Was he gleeful? “You can’t waste this Smitten bait on your old guy. You’re catching a new fish.”

“Bait?” Reluctance squeezed her belly.

Quentin gave Ursula a sideways look. “Once we announce that you’re the first nominee and your personal preferences, folks are going to be knocking down your door to woo you.”

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