Page 14 of Feverburn

“Babe?”

He cocked an eyebrow.“Rosie.”I didn’t know if he was correcting himself or testing me. I also didn’t know why I liked it so much.

“What were you saying in Greek that you couldn’t say in English?”

“Can’t say. That’s why it was in Greek.”I stared at him, trying to make him cave.“Fine, we were discussing a pottery barn we’re building for Kaylee. But it’s a surprise, so don’t say anything.”

That warmed myheart. They were so cute to her. I picked up a cup and asked, “What are you drinking today?”

“Why should I trust you not topoisonit?”He pried off the lids of the paint cans, shooting me a wary look.

“Why would Ipoisonyou?”

“For starters, the back of your sweater says Bog Witch. It’s like Mr. Rogers and Elvira had a baby. Not super encouraging.”

Okay, now that was snarky. I liked it. “Good, consider it awarning.”

“People are saying you guys are witches over here.”

“That’s because we are.”

“What does that mean to you exactly? I have my assumptions, but I doubt they’re right.”

I couldn’t help noticing how thoughtful his phrasing was as I formulated my answer. “Kaylee and I both identify as Pagans and witches. Pagans have reverence for the earth and nature. Wecelebratethe seasons along with the moon and her cycles. And as witches, we can heal,”I paused, waiting for him to look at me,“and harm.”

He stared at me, unfazed, while jutting up his chin to say,“Go on.”

That made mybloodjolt.

“We use herbs, crystals, rituals, and meditations to tap into energy. We revere the old gods and goddesses, our ancestors, and the spirits of the land around us. It’s about living within the flow around you, observing nature and how you’re a part of it.”

His eyes crinkled in understanding.“Earthy spiritual stuff. No devil or children in cauldrons; all of that was bad press.”

“Exactly. But we’re completely tolerant of other religions. There’s a bit of truth in each one. We happen to find our truth in nature.”

“I can understand that. I’m not religious but feel more at peace in nature than anywhere else.”He scrubbed a hand over his chin in consideration.“That all sounds pretty reasonable.”

I pushed a mug across the counter.“You’ll find I’m very reasonable if given the chance.”

He gestured to the mug.“Not aDirtyReno?”

Butterflies fluttered in my stomach, thinking of how fun it had been to flirt with him.“Ah, so you saw my label?”

“I sure did. What is this today?”

I scooted the mug even closer.“Try it before I tell you.”

He clutched the white squatty mug, bringing it to his kissable lips in a testing sip. His eyes flashed with concern as he committed to another swig, fighting a gag as he swallowed hard.“I’m sorry, sweetheart, but that tastes like sour bongwater and regret.”I giggled while clutching the counter, secretly loving his deep voice calling mesweetheart.He sniffed it curiously.“Sweet lord, what did you put in this?”His handsome face pulled in disgust, making me laugh even more.

“Now I know you’re an honest man!”I slid his actual drink across the counter.“Try this.”

“You were testing me?”

“Of course! This is called a Flat White. Espresso, steamed milk, and a foam layer on the top.”

He grumbled and sipped the new drink, nodding that it was good.“I like it a lot. Why do I get the feeling you’re about to set me up with a crippling caffeine addiction?”

I leaned forward, bracing myself against the counter with a warm smile.“Oh, because I am.”Remembering I was supposed to be mad at him, I stood straighter while sipping my drink with his gaze on me. The space between us was suddenly too silent.

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