Chapter One
The streets of Salem, Massachusetts were bustling as Ember approached the Broomstick Tavern. She was used to this sort of activity. It came with living in a tourist city, and while she knew some locals didn’t care for it, she loved it. She loved the culture, loved the vibes, loved how lively it was. It was why she’d moved here nearly ten years ago.
Well, that and because Ember adored anything and everything to do with horror, the supernatural, and goth fashion. It was also the perfect location for her boutique.
Between this town, her shop, and finally buying her dream house, everything was going great in her life.
Except when it came to dating.
But that wasn’t stopping her from trying. Tonight, she was on her way to meet a guy she’d recently matched with on an online dating app.
God, am I really doing this again?
You never know, Ember. Maybe this will be it. Maybe he’s the one.
Who could say? Trent was cute, and based on her conversationswith him thus far, he seemed like a good guy—withseemedbeing the key word there. Though Ember had gone through this routine a few times already, she’d yet to have any luck.
She was thirty-two years old and still single. But it wasn’t like she was going to find someone unless she tried.
If true love is going to happen to me, it’s sure taking its sweet time.
Her boot heels tapped on the sidewalk, and the September breeze caressed her legs, which were on display thanks to her green satin and lace open-front skirt. Reaching the tavern, Ember came to a stop near the door and took a moment to pull out her phone, turn on the camera, and give herself a once-over. Her makeup still looked good, so she tucked her loose hair behind her ears before shooting Trent a text.
Me: I’m here!
Trent: already got a spot inside
Ember smiled. He wasn’t late and had already secured a table. Those were marks in his favor.
Taking hold of the handle, she pulled the door open and stepped inside. She walked into a cacophony created by overlapping conversations, laughter, and the sounds of people eating and drinking. The establishment was dark, illuminated by the orange glow of black lanterns hanging from the ceiling and walls and perched upon the tables. The brightest light came from the big screen TVs mounted behind the bar. Large straw brooms and framed art of witches decorated the walls.
As she scanned the tables, her brow furrowed. Trent wasnowhere to be seen. Did she have the right place? She was sure he’d told her to meet him here.
“Amber!”
Ember turned her head toward the shout to find Trent sitting on a stool at the bar, grinning. His short blonde hair was slicked back, and he wore blue jeans and a white baseball jersey with red trim.
Wait, did he just call me Amber?
And why was he sitting at the bar? Hadn’t he said he?—
He said he had a spot inside. Not a table.
Okay, that’s not a huge deal. The bar is fine. As for my name…
It wasn’t like he’d misheard her. Her name was written plainly on her dating profile. Maybe she’d misheard him over the noise?
He waved, and as though they weren’t making direct eye contact, called, “Over here, Amber!”
Nope. I heard him right.
Letting out a calming breath, she made her way toward the bar, weaving through the tables and patrons.
Trent slipped off his stool as she neared, and his brown eyes dipped, taking her in. He didn’t bother hiding the lust in his eyes. “Wow, you’re hotter than in your picture.”
Ember inwardly cringed. Definitely not off to a good start. She smiled and gestured at him. “And you…look like you!”
He smirked, running a hand over his hair in an obvious attempt to show off his muscled bicep. “Pretty good looking myself, huh?”
