Her hands stilled on a pink lantern. “Has he?”
“Mm-hmm. Keeps glaring at the stove like it personally offended him. Burned two batches of his signature chili yesterday.” Nina’s lips twitched. “We’re taking bets on how long it will be before he cracks.”
“What do you mean, crack?”
“Nina! Sara!” Posy’s cheerful voice rang out across the hall. She was weaving through the crowd with two steaming cups, her purple hair catching the light. “Break time! I brought hot chocolate.”
She accepted her cup gratefully, wrapping her cold fingers around the warmth. Posy plopped down in a third chair, crossing her legs and surveying the organized chaos around them with satisfaction.
“Speaking of tricks…” Posy’s eyes slid to Sara with unconcealed curiosity. “How’s the situation with your neighbor?”
“There is no situation.”
“Sure there isn’t. That’s why you practically floated home from the tavern last Friday.”
She groaned, dropping her head into her hands. “Does everyone in this town know my business?”
“Pretty much.” Posy’s grin was unrepentant. “Small town, remember? And you’re the most interesting thing that’s happened since Mrs. Abernethy’s cat got stuck in the clocktower.”
“I don’t see how my non-existent love life is more interesting than a cat in a clocktower.”
“The cat was rescued in twenty minutes. Your love life has been developing for weeks.” Posy took a sip of her hot chocolate. “Much better entertainment value.”
She couldn’t help the laugh that escaped her. “You’re terrible.”
“I prefer ‘invested in my friend’s happiness.’” Posy leaned forward, her expression softening into something more serious. “But really, how are things?”
“He’s been…” She searched for the right word. “Careful. Very careful. We talked about his past, about why he’s been holding back. He said he needs time to be sure his feelings are real and not just instinct.”
Nina made a sympathetic sound. “That sounds like Ben. He overthinks everything.”
“It’s sweet, in a way.” She stared into her hot chocolate. “He’s so worried about hurting me. But it’s also frustrating. I just wish…”
“Wish what?”
“I wish he could see what I see. I see someone kind and protective and stubborn and good, even when he’s being infuriating.”
“Have you told him that?”
“I’ve tried.” She shrugged. “But he doesn’t believe it.”
“Men are idiots,” Posy declared. “All species. It’s a universal constant. Varek was pretty damn stubborn too.”
“So what do I do?”
“You know,” Posy said eventually, “you could just seduce him.”
She choked on her hot chocolate. “What?”
“I’m serious! If he’s worried about his instincts being in the driver’s seat, take control yourself. Show him it’s not about him chasing you—it’s about you choosing him.”
“I can’t just?—”
“Why not? You’re a grown woman. He’s a grown rabbit. What’s the problem?”
“I’m afraid he’ll blame himself afterwards.” She set down her cup, frustration bleeding into her voice. “He’s spent six years convinced he can’t trust himself around women. If I push him into something before he’s ready, he’ll find a way to make it his fault.”
Posy’s eyebrows rose. “Wow. You really have been paying attention.”
