Stevie gives me a huge, beaming smile. She’s the only person in our coven that I actually care about. The rest of them are a bunch of tree hugging lunatics who run too closely on the side of happy-go-lucky. We have magic, we’re magical beings. Witches shouldn’t be wasting our power on dance circles around a fire and growing strawberry plants. We should use it to the benefit of our species, and well, our own personal benefit.
I’m the only witch in our coven who has a steady income. Between my restaurant, Hex, and a series of fortuitous investments, I’m the only one keeping the coven afloat. They all want to live out in the woods making moon water and shit, while I live out here in the real world making our lives possible. That’s fine. The least they could do is stop scoffing at my methods.
Did I fuck and bewitch multiple finance guys to get where I am today? Sure. Did they deserve to lose their own stocks and bonds in the process? Undoubtedly. I wouldn’t choose a human man who didn’t deserve it.
“I’ll make sure everything is perfect. Go to lunch, break up with the loser and come back so we can cheer to being single together again.”
Single.
The word tastes thick on my tongue. It’s not that I need to be in a relationship. I just need someone.
Stevie is pretty much my only friend, and it’s nice to have someone who likes spending time with me. My entire coven loathes me. Everyone at my restaurant thinks I’m a bitch. It’s just nice to have someone who actually enjoys spending time with me, or at least the version of me I’m presenting him with.
I grab my bag off the bar top and give Stevie a tight smile.
Ryan is a realtor and has multiple showings today, so I get to the cafe first and wait for him. I can do this, right? There’s no future here, he’s completely human with dormant magic, and well, I’m me.
“Hey, beautiful,” I hear behind me and see Ryan dressed in a navy suit, looking handsome as ever. He has dark hair, blue eyes and deep dimples that I’ve licked on quite a few occasions.
“Hey, yourself.”
“How’s everything at Hex?”
“Good. Stevie is making a bunch of new cocktails as we get closer to Halloween. I’ve been her taste tester.” I grimace.
“God, you have the cutest nose.” He leans over and kisses my nose before he takes his seat next to me. I feel like a schoolgirl when it comes to Ryan. It’s even more pathetic because he’s four years younger than me. It doesn’t make sense, I’ve never been this brainless over a guy before.
“How did your open houses go?”
“Great, I should have an offer by the end of the week.” He pulls out his phone and looks at something before he looks back at me and gives me his charming smile. I swear I don’t know how he’s anexsul. Surely, he should be a siren of some sort.
I blush, and I hate myself for it. I hate not really being myself around him. Well, except in the bedroom. Ryan likes to be dominated, but doesn’t like to return the favor. Doesn’t help that I can’t use any magic in the bedroom, either.
“That’s great, so um, I was thinking…”
“Oh, before you mention anything. My dad just moved to town and dinners with him are awkward at best. Would you mind coming with me tomorrow night?”
He wants me to meet his dad? I’ve never met a partner’s family before. Does he actually like me that much?
“Of course. I’d love to meet your dad.”
“You say that now, but he’s kind of a prick.”
“You mentioned he wasn’t around much.”
“He would always send money and birthday gifts and shit, but it always seemed like I was a disappointment to him. I’m not sure how a child could be a disappointment, but that’s how it always felt. At least my mom and my stepdad are great.”
“They live out in Arizona?”
“Yeah, so I don’t see them much.” He grabs my hand and holds it across the table. The touch is so domesticated and sweet, I can’t break up with him. We can keep this going a little longer. What’s the worst that could happen?
“What’s your dad’s name?”
“Dax. I’m not even sure where he was living before, but he said he would be staying in town for a few months and wanted to see me.”
“Do you want to get to know him?”
“Maybe. I mean, I don’t see us becoming best friends, but I think I’ll give him a chance.” I smile at him, and he smiles back. He leans across the table and places a gentle kiss on my lips.
