“Go ahead and count us in,” I tell him. “It sounds fun.”
“Good.” He nods to Nadine. “Enjoy your time in Moss Hollow.”
“Thanks.”
As he leaves, she turns to me, widening her eyes, trying not to giggle. When he’s gone, she says, “For being so hot, he’s a bit cold, isn’t he?”
“At least you didn’t sparkle.”
Her lips part with amused horror. “Did you?”
“The very first time we met. And then every time I saw him after that.”
“That was before you and Rowan…”
“Yeah.”
She looks thoughtful. “No wonder Rowan is nervous. I know I would be if my mate sparkled for another person before we bonded.”
I sigh, knowing she’s right.
When I realize Rowan still hasn’t come down yet, I glance toward the back hall. “He’s been up there a while. I hope I didn’t ruin his waistcoat.”
“You should probably check on him,” Nadine says mischievously.
“He’s a grown man. I think he can handle a stain.”
“It’s slow now. We haven’t had a new customer in a while.”
“Okay,” I say reluctantly. “You have my cheat sheet?”
“I do.”
“I won’t be long.”
Leaving Nadine to watch the shop, I go up to the apartment. I never knock, so I don’t knock now—which might be a mistake. When I enter the living space, I come to a startled stop.
On the phone, Rowan paces. His waistcoat hangs on the back of a chair, and he holds the coffee-stained shirt in his free hand like he was taking it off when the phone rang and he got distracted by the call before he could rinse it out.
I’ve seen him shirtless once, back when Ansel reversed the metamorphosis. The moment was so emotionally charged; I cared less about his state of undress than the fact that he was a man again.
But apparently I care now.
Rowan is beautiful—lean like the high fae, but with mass to his shoulders like a human. His muscles are long and sleek. He’s not pale, but his skin is fair.
I can sense the powerful current of his magic. I never knew I was attracted to strength, but I remember the way he fought Russell, and my heart flutters.
Rowan turns my way when he hears me come in, his eyes darkening when he sees my sparkles. Perfectly composed, he says to the caller, “Their second flush Darjeeling has always been excellent. I trust your judgment.”
He must be talking to Laverna’s tea buyer. Or…my tea buyer, I guess.
I stand in the doorway, unsure of myself. Our mate bond urges me forward. It begs me to touch him. But do I dare? And if I dare,shouldI?
I close the door, but instead of moving deeper into the room, I hesitate. My fingers hover near the doorknob. Before I lose my nerve, I set the lock.
Rowan notices the movement and comes to a standstill.
I join him, trying to look anywhere but his bare torso. It’s a battle I’m destined to lose. My mouth goes dry when I take another peek.
