Page 39 of Kiss and Spell

She slid the muffin plate over to her. “We had the Sweetheart Mixer last night. It was going great until someone suggested we go to Atlantic City. Suddenly, I find myself on a party bus speeding down the Garden State Parkway with Quentin and my fellow nominees.”

Xavier blinked. Well, he didn’t expect that answer. He’d read about the coastal resort town nicknamed the World’s Famous Playground, but he’d never been there before.

“What happened next?” he asked.

He listened raptly as Ursula explained how she ended up next to a roulette table drinking rose lemonade and playing something called the penny slots.

“So, listen to this,” Ursula said in a low voice. “I’m on my last dollar and a cute demigod comes up my machine. He says he likes my smile and gives me the rest of his pennies.”

“Okay.” His mouth turned downward. Envy, deep and fiery, bubbled within him. He wished he could’ve been there to compliment her and make her blush.

She placed her cup on the table. “The moment I play Hecuba’s—that’s the demigod’s name—pennies, I hit the jackpot! I never win, but I did. I tried to give him half but turned it down. I treated Hec and everyone with me out for late dinner instead. I forgot how good buffet food could be, but it was delicious.” Ursula clapped her hands excitedly. “We just got back a few hours ago.”

He let his gaze roam over Ursula, taking in her seemingly effortless beauty. Hecuba must have been spellbound by her presence. Did he really expect no one to notice this gem of a human being? It was only a matter of time before another man or fae would see how lovely she is, but Xavier didn’t expect it to happen so soon.

“Are you going to see Hecuba again?” he asked.

Ursula wrinkled her nose. “I don’t think so. Quentin invited him to the Sweetheart Ball in June, but he didn’t seem interested. Demigods are fine as hell, but they don’t really do commitment.”

Xavier knew that Hecuba was indeed a fool for letting Ursula go. Xavier spied the lingering stares from interested men and supernatural beings whenever he and Ursula attended Smitten events. They studied her with open interest, while Xavier had to steal glances of her when she wasn’t looking. He couldn’t let himself like her too much. He had an enchantment to break and didn’t want to make promises he couldn’t keep. He couldn’t stay.

Her face creased. “Is everything all right?”

No. I couldn’t get you off my mind.

“I’m just feeling anxious about putting myself out there online,” he said.

Ursula nodded. “I hear you. Dating is hard enough without adding block buttons and emojis. I can give you some feedback if you like.”

“Absolutely, Madame.” Xavier handed the phone to her. She scrolled through it, making some indecipherable sounds. Did she like it? Was he too cringe? Maybe he shouldn’t look up slang on the internet anymore.

Ursula read aloud. “‘Ill-fated prince looking for perfect spell-breaking kiss. Be the one who breaks the spell.’” She gave a pained look. “Oh, Xavier.”

“I should change it from ‘spell’ to ‘enchantment.’ Is there too much repetition?”

She scoffed. “Yes, and are you trying to scare off dates?” Ursula pointed to his phone as if it insulted her shoes. “If I saw that profile, I’d say thank you, next. I’d burn frankincense to ward off bad energy. I’d cleanse my browser history.”

“You’ve made your point, Madame.” He lifted his chin. “My dates need to know what to expect with me.”

She narrowed her eyes. “Has anyone clicked on your profile yet?”

He worked his jaw into a circle. “No, but give it time.”

“Forgive me for being rude, but is time on your side?” she asked gently.

His chest burned at her blunt question. He shook his head.

“Give them a reason to click on you,” she said. “Hint at the fairy tale.”

His gut burned. Everyone loved the fairy-tale kiss, but no one ever asked what happened after. He’d witnessed how something that started sweet could quickly sour over time. Xavier counted the chocolate chips that dotted his muffin to keep from letting out a very ungentlemanly yell. He believed in being as honest as possible, not wanting to mislead anyone about his magical status.

He forced himself to look back at her. “Do you suggest I lie?”

If he had to mislead an innocent lady to get this so-called perfect kiss, he didn’t want it.

“Wait until the first date or coffee date to talk,” Ursula said. “Give her a chance to decide whether she wants to try to help you break the enchantment. I mean, you told me.”

“Yes, but… you’re magic,” he said smoothly.

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