Chuckling under my breath, I took another bite before I offered her the last of the honey bun. It was the center of the swirl—the softest part.
“Oh, no, you eat it.” She argued.
I just held it aloft and quirked my eyebrow.
“Okay fine, if you insist. You don’t have to twist my leg.” She snatched the center of the bun and popped it into her mouth. She hummed happily as she chewed. A bit of icing lingered on her bottom lip. I waited for her to notice it, to wipe it away, to capture it with that pink tongue of hers.
She didn’t.
“You’ve got a little…” I gestured to my own face.
“Huh?” She brushed her hands against her cheeks, looking confused.
I saw the opportunity in front of me. “I’ll get it.” I leaned forward, slowly reaching for her face. She held still.
I swiped the pad of my thumb along her plush lower lip. I lingered a moment longer than necessary, just enjoying the feel of her skin under my fingers.
And then I sat back. Slipped my thumb between my lips. Sucked the drop of icing from my skin.
A lovely flush crawled up her neck. I couldn’t help it—I smiled in satisfaction.
Kizzi cleared her throat before slipping out a quiet, “thanks.”
I enjoyed watching the way her flush crept up her jaw, over her cheeks, to the tips of her ears. I watched her from the corner of my eye as we drank our apple cinnamon teas, long enough for the flush to fade from her skin.
“Ready to continue our journey, or would you like to linger in Sunhaven for a while longer?” I asked.
“I’d like to make a stop or two, and then I’m ready to move on if you are.”
I nodded. “I was thinking the exact same thing—lead the way.”
Later, after visiting three different shops and securing a few parcels, we returned to the inn to grab our bags and head on our way.
I had purchased a bundle of cinnamon sticks, a few jars of honey, and a bag of dried mint leaves. All ingredients I was excited to introduce to my cider brews.
Kizzi had spoken with the shopkeepers in hushed tones, whispering into their ears as she asked for her ingredients. I wasn’t quite sure what she purchased, but it looked like some sort of insect. As well as a vial of honey that was much thicker than the stuff I bought.
Witches.
The carriage was exactly where we had left it, and it looked even worse in the glaring bright light of Sunhaven.
Daisy neighed happily when she saw us. Her belly was full, and she was prepared for another journey. I stroked her mane, letting the coarse hairs slip through my fingers. “You ready for another journey, pretty lady?”
She whinnied quietly.
After tossing a few silvers at the stable keep, we were on our way.
CHAPTER 21
Kizzi
My shoulder bumped constantly against Tandor’s side as the carriage rolled along the rough stone paths leading out of Sunhaven.
The carriage felt even more crowded than before, though the only change was the addition of a few parcels.
My skin hummed with awareness where it touched his tunic. I was achingly aware of how close he was. It took a valiant effort to keep my body still. I couldn’t decide if I wanted to lean into the contact or escape from it.
The carriage continued to roll.
