My favorite scent.
Did he know?
“I’m sorry,” Bo mutters. “I should’ve asked first.”
In theory, yes, he should have. But in practice, the piece is wondrous, and I have no notes.
“How?” I gasp the question.
“Well, you know, Ophelia is good with glass. She makes it with her fire and sand. And she partnered with this werewolf, Manny, who welds these metal art pieces. Learned how from Novac, turns out. Plus, Manny is mated to a witch named Blossom, and she loves your library.” Bo clears his throat. “Anyway, I sketched out what I thought you might like, and they were kind enough to help. Worked all day yesterday, and I installed it while you were out. Wanted you to come home to a fixed house.”
“That design”—I point up at the rose—“you came up with that?”
He scratches the back of his neck and stares between his boots. “It’s simple. But I thought … just thought maybe you’d like looking at it.”
This man. This insecure, wonderful, amazing monster does not realize how lovely he is, which only makes him even more appealing.
“That is the most beautiful window I’ve ever seen in my life, and I am honored to have it in my home.”
“Oh. Um … good then.” Every inch of his skin I can see has started to take on a rosy tint. “And I asked Ame to read this for me.” He holds up a grimoire. “’Cause of your records, it looked like this might be one with protection spells. She found one that makes structures sturdier.” He flips open to a page marked with a ribbon. “I thought maybe you’d want to try casting it on the roof. And the walls. And the whole house really. Just in case.”
Oh no. Gods, if this monster keeps going, I’m going to fall in love with him.
That is, if I haven’t already.
And as he rambles on about protection spells, I realize how—even in this small town—the world is still dangerous. Any day could be my last. That tree branch could have done me in, and I never would have experienced what it was like to kiss someone who I actually like.
If the Dark One gather’s me into her cosmic embrace tomorrow, I will have to leave this world never having known the joy of romantic love.
Bo is younger than me.
He is my employee.
He’s still figuring out his place in the world.
And if any or all of those reasons have him choosing not to be with me then that’s his decision to make.
But right now, my choice is clear.
I can’t let another moment go by without telling him the truth.
34
Mor
“Bo Folan,I am attracted to you.”
I’m not a coy person. Nor am I secretive.
I’m forthright, and I would rather deal with Bo’s clear rejection than the hazy possibility of him not feeling the same.
I’m an information seeker, and even if the answer is not what I would like, I still want to know it so I never have to doubt.
Bo’s emotional grid flashes Technicolor as his face goes slack. I do my best to press my magical insight away, not wanting to intrude on his private thoughts without his consent.
“Physically,” I clarify. “Though the attraction arose from an emotional place first. Basically, I trust you, and that has now allowed me to desire you.” I gather my hair in a bun, then let it fall back down when I realize I don’t have a hairband on me. “At least I think that’s how it works. I’m kind of feeling this out for myself at the moment too. But however it came about, I am now—officially—attracted to you.”
His eyes are focused on my hair, which I’m now twining around my fingers because I need to do something with my hands.
