Page 38 of Kiss and Spell

Friday nights were for rom-com double features at the Jewel Box Theater, where they watched two romantic films for the price of one. He held back a grin when he caught Ursula mouthing the romantic declarations of one of the leads and cheering when the two lovers finally, predictably reunited. When the big movie screen kiss moment arrived, Ursula grabbed his arm and pressed. Her innocent touch froze his heartbeat mid-thump.

“Take notes, Your Highness,” she insisted.

He stared at the screen, the swell of the romantic music, the dynamic lighting, and the frantic, passionate lip-lock searing this moment into his brain. Meanwhile, he felt her touch through the layers of clothing and willed his heart to start beating again. Once the kiss ended, Ursula pulled away from him. His heart picked up its rhythm, but he yearned for her touch.

Saturdays were a surprise. Last week they’d gone to the farmers’ market, but the week before they’d managed to find a handmade-art festival being hosted by the local hardware store, Home and Hearth. He spent hours discussing woodworking and carpentry with the friendly shop owner, Mr. Giddings, and picked up a brochure for the local woodcraft group. Ursula introduced him to a few lady friends of hers whenever they went out on the town, but he wasn’t interested in talking to anyone else when Ursula was around. Even though she was his self-proclaimed wingwoman, he didn’t feel right talking to anyone else when she was by his side.

When they were together, he wasn’t just the second son or an Alder heir, but a man discovering new things every day. He liked salt and pepper fries with ketchup, enjoyed talking about the beauty of bronze sculptures, and knew the difference between walnut and oak wood. It was as if he was digging for and discovering new parts about himself he’d hidden away from the Realm. Despite all these outings, Xavier hadn’t scored a date, but he found himself becoming increasing bewitched by Ursula.

One question kept turning in his brain. Why not her?

Those three words had kept him up past midnight for weeks. It had kept him from opening EnChant and starting his profile until last night. He didn’t want to test the fragile, precious connection that they had for the possibility of a kiss that may or may not be perfect.

To kiss Ursula would be like cracking an opal—the action wouldn’t change its beauty, but it would alter a precious thing almost behind repair.

He didn’t want to alter someone so beautiful.

For that reason, he ignored how a simple brush against her hand sent a jolt through him whenever they touched. He pretended not to notice how her perfume lingered on his clothes and made him think of her smile hours later.

Xavier scrubbed a rough hand over his beard to try to reset his brain.

Enough daydreaming. It was time to get to work.

He opened EnChant on his phone, liking profiles and messaging any pixie or elf that looked interesting. Xavier kept waiting for a swipe, a text, or a like. Nothing. Happened. Soon, the screen blurred before him, and his eyes felt like they were being rubbed with sandpaper. The more he searched the site, the more doubt bubbled within him. There were so many other choices. So many interesting beings.

Who would pick an enchanted fae prince over a hipster zombie?

A voluptuous woman in a Night Sky shirt, an apron, and jeans approached his table. She held a strawberry drink and two muffins on a plate.

“I’m Gwen, Ursula’s sister.” She put the treats down on the table.

“I’m pleased to meet you.” Xavier creased his brow. “I’m afraid I didn’t order anything.”

“Ursula texted. She told me to take care of you.”

He stared at the items as if she’d delivered edible gold. It was a small act of kindness that lifted his gloomy mood. It seemed that Ursula was indeed a true lady.

He spoke through the lump in his throat. “Thank you very much.”

Gwen strolled away. So far, his inbox was empty. His plate and heart, however, were not. He ate but saved Ursula the bigger muffin for when she arrived. Xavier was in the middle of changing his avatar picture when he heard the front bell jingle.

He looked up from the screen, and time slowed to a crawl.

Ursula walked into Night Sky, clutching an empty iced tea in her hand and a tote bag slung over her shoulder. She waved to Gwen at the counter, then glanced around the bistro sitting area searching for him. Xavier took her in. That lump in his throat now felt like he swallowed a whole sunflower. She wore a bright yellow dress, a strawberry-patterned sweater, and ballet flats with a pair of sunglasses that made her look like a glamourous movie star. He perked up when she spotted him, as light-headed as a teenager waiting for his cute lab partner to sit with him. Her loose curls bounced around her face as she approached, giving her an impish appearance.

How would she look twirling in the forest with flowers in her hair?

Xavier blinked rapidly. He reined in his thoughts. They were acting like free-range unicorns whenever it came to Ursula, running wild and free all over his sanity.

“Good morning,” she said as she sat down across from him at the table. Her fingers played with the empty cup, rattling the ice around.

His nerves felt just as jumbled whenever she was around him.

He cleared his throat and returned the greeting. “I saved you a muffin.”

Ursula lifted her sunglasses on top of her head and smiled. Her eyes looked a little tired, as if she didn’t get much sleep last night. Concern fluttered his chest. “Thanks! I’m glad you got your food. I can’t believe it’s mid-April. Time’s flying. We’ve got to get your kiss soon.”

“That’s old news.” Xavier leaned back in his seat. “Is there anything new with you? How’s the local Sweetheart?”

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