“What if she doesn’t forgive me?” I ask in a voice smaller than I’d like it to be.
But Maverick doesn’t tease me or poke fun at my question. He simply rubs the back of my neck, then kisses my forehead. “If she doesn’t, that’s on her. She has that right. But you have an obligation to apologize and really mean it. She deserves that.”
“I know. It’s just…Blossom is scary.”
Maverick chuckles. “Yeah, she is, but I like her. I think I saw her take some guy’s voice when we pulled up, but from the way he was bowing up at her, I think he earned that. It seems like she doesn’t arbitrarily punish anyone, she only does it when she’s pushed. I don’t know her, but she seems fair…even if she trapped you for decades. Be honest, though. If you had an end date, would you have been sorry for what you did?”
I shrug, though I know the real answer. I can never keep anything from Maverick, so I tell him the truth. “I would have counted down the days until I was free, then got away from Blossom as quickly as possible, but I would have been sorry for what I did. It was wrong.”
“Now you get to make it right.”
Sighing, I nuzzle up closer to him and watch the world pass me by.
For the past week, Maverick and I have been spending all of our time together—talking, studying, kissing, fucking, planning for our future. It’s all been perfect. Maverick is perfect.
But he reminded me last night when he was cuddled in my arms that I had to go to Blossom and apologize. Enough time has passed since I’ve been freed from the curse, and I can’t wait any longer because I’m afraid to face my past.
He’s right, but it won’t make this trip any easier. Fear coils around my gut, wrapped around like a vice. What if she thinks my apology is shit and curses me again? I can’t go back to being a full-time recliner, not after I found my mate, not after I know what life is like with him in it.
The ride share pulls up to Blossom’s deceptively small house and lets us out. I know for a fact it’s larger inside than it looks, mainly the garage. I give that part of the house the side-eye, skirting away from it as we walk up the sidewalk.
Maverick laces his fingers through mine, feeding me his strength. “It’ll be fine…I think. She seems like a nice woman.”
“Thank you,” Blossom’s sweet voice says as she rises from a chair on the porch. Both Maverick and I jump, not expecting her to be there. “I’m glad you’ve come so soon, Cade. I thought you’d still be deep inside Maverick since you were trapped as a recliner for so long.”
My mate blushes prettily as he looks away. I smile at him, then look back at Blossom. “No, I wanted to come see you. To…talk to you. To apologize.” I stuff my free hand in my pocket, looking down at the ground and kicking a rock from the walkway in front of me.
When I look back up at her, she’s smiling softly, friendliness dancing in her eyes. “Thank you. Come on in. We can have tea.”
Maverick smiles and practically skips behind Blossom, dragging me along.
We step inside her house, and it’s as beautiful as the witch is herself. The decor is bright and edgy, vibrant and modern. It also smells heavenly inside. Like flowers and sunlight, happiness and joy.
Blossom gestures for us to have a seat, then goes off to make tea. Maverick looks around, his eyes dancing with merriment. “Wow, this place is amazing!”
“I only ever saw the garage,” I say morosely.
Maverick nudges me. “Don’t let it get you down. You’re free now.”
Blossom returns with a tray laden with tea, cups, and cookies. “I know you’re a pastry chef,” she says, glancing up at Maverick with a wink, “but I think these cookies will still taste pretty good.”
Maverick’s mouth drops open. “How did…” he cuts off and shakes his head. “Never mind.” He picks up a cookie and bites into it, then closes his eyes and moans. “Jesus, these taste amazing! What did you add?” He pauses, then taps his chin. “Cinnamon and…orange?”
Looking pleased, Blossom pours him a cup of tea. “Orange extract, yes. You have a wonderful palate. Most people never taste either. An old recipe I got from my great-grandfather.”
“I’d love to learn if you’re willing to share the recipe. Not to share with the masses, just so I can enjoy it every now and again.” Maverick’s eyes grow wide, then he practically shouts, “Or you can come over and bake them with me!”
Blossom grins widely. “I’d like that. I see you haven’t worked on that volume control.”
Cheeks pink, he says, “Sorry. I get this giddy, excited feeling when I’m around you.”
“It’s known to happen.” Her eyes slide away from Maverick and land on me. “And how are you doing with your freedom, Cade? Is it everything you wanted it to be?”
I nod. “Yes. It’s…better than I thought it would be.” I grab Maverick’s hand, clutching it tightly to pull just a bit more of his strength. Meeting her eyes so she knows I mean it, I say, “Blossom, I’m so sorry for what I did. Your owls didn’t deserve that.Youdidn’t deserve to worry about them. I was a grown man, and I knew better, but I chose to send your owl?—”
“Buttons,” Blossom interrupts. “His name is Buttons and his mate is Stormy.”
I incline my head, vowing to remember their names. “I chose to send Buttons to an island that didn’t exist, knowing he wouldn’t give up until he delivered my missive. I was wrong and I’ll always regret that.”
