I risked reaching for Doug’s hand and was grateful he allowed me to take it. I cupped his hands in mine.
“I understand your pain, Doug. It’s not the same as mine, but I get it. And I understand the pressure you must have felt as a police officer to toe a specific line because I’m feeling pressured to be the kind of therapist Agatha was.”
I let his hand drop.
“But we’re different. We’re not human. And we’re not supernatural. We’re both, and we have abilities that alter the way we do our jobs. The way we feel love. Even the way we interact with strangers.” I swiped at my face, and the wet I felt cooling my cheeks.
I shrugged my shoulders up to my ears, then let them drop all the way down.
“It was never my intention to cast a spell on you, Doug Holloway. If I created emotions in you with my words, I’m well and truly horrified about that. And I’m incredibly sorry.” I swallowed, checking my throat. All clear. “Please useyourability to see how sincere I am.”
Doug cleared his throat, and I waited in case he was prepared to speak. When he said nothing, I rushed out the rest of my message.
“I’d like to help you find a way to manage your pain, Doug, without letting go of the parts of it that are you. I think your wife would like that. And I think you would, too. If that’s something you want to try, even if it means moving through a new, scary kind of pain, then I’ll see you tomorrow morning. But you should know, everything is going to look different.”
I waved and trotted down the stairs without waiting for a reply. I’d done what I could. Doug would have to take the next step.
Besides, I still had a lot of work to do. And my last sentence surprised even me. I rushed home, eager to see what my new therapy office was going to look like.
CHAPTER 28
Ethan was leaning against the front gate when I returned to the Magnolia. I clamped down on my disappointment. So much for seeing the new digs. I didn’t fully mind, though. Ethan was on my list. Plus, the man was easy on the eyes.
He wore a wrinkled concert t-shirt over jeans that hugged his hips just right. Worn sneakers covered feet crossed at the ankles. And a grin I could only describe as sheepish covered his face.
“Well, well, if it isn’t the pack leader of Louisiana justice.” I pushed his shoulder playfully. “You could have told me you were a wolf shifter when we first talked, you know.”
“I couldn’t be sure you would accept it.” He looped his arm in mine and followed me around back. “We never talked about magic back in high school.”
“That’s true. Seems like we all had secrets.” I gestured for him to come upstairs. The scent of fresh muffins wafted toward us when the door opened. “Looks like House knew you were coming.”
“Best house ever.” He patted the wall like it was an obedient puppy. “House is looking better. Fresh coat of paint. New windowpanes. Pretty sign.”
House preened in its own way, adding a sparkle to the chrome fixtures in the breakfast area as Ethan sat.
“House feels better about itself. Did you see the new garden boxes inthe backyard? I hope I’m not expected to tend to them. My thumb could not be more brown.”
Ethan strolled to look out the window while I piled two muffins on plates and poured coffee.
“Those are lovely.” Ethan nodded his thanks and took the seat across from me. “I could get used to this.”
“Just like old times.” I took a huge bite and laughed to myself. “Well, not exactly.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. About my supernatural side.” He picked at a crumb. “I wanted to, especially in high school. Always pissed me off that you ran faster when I’m a wolf and you’re a human.”
“Except I wasn’t, was I? And I always told you I was faster. So it happened.” I pointed at my chest. “Word witch, dude. What I say happens.”
“Huh.” Ethan stared into his coffee. “Well, that makes me even madder.”
We finished the muffins over lighthearted banter, enjoying the small bit of peace between us. This was the version of Ethan I remembered, the one I could joke with and be myself around. I’d forgotten him, too, when I’d cursed myself. The memory of our times working out together being little more than a distant memory.
“Want more coffee?” I stood to refill my cup, steeling myself for the hard questions I wanted to ask while I had him.
“Another cup and I’ll be awake all night.” Ethan bumped my shoulder on his way to the sink.
When we were back at the table, Ethan sat back and steepled his fingers, lifting one eyebrow.
“I take it Lauren updated you?”
