Page 12 of Hex Appeal

“Hello again, Chief Hawthorne.” Serena’s smile spreads. “Looks like you’re having a magical day.”

THREE

SERENA

There are no words for the shock and—dare I say—pure panic on Welles’s face.

Satisfying. Vindicating. Down-right hilarious are a few that come to mind. But none of them truly does justice for the full-grown man who looks like he’s afraid Valerie or I might hex him.

Superstitious weirdo. If I was a witch, I certainly wouldn’t waste my powers on hexing a pesky but way-too-handsome fire chief. I’d use them for good.

Like making sure Gran’s pillow is always cold. Or giving my cheating college boyfriend a receding hairline. Or, of course, world peace.

Still, it’s pretty fun to watch him squirm.

“Chief Hawthorne,” I say again sweetly. “What a surprise.”

“I was just⁠—”

“Calling us woo-woo?”

His jaw tightens.

Beside me, Valerie slowly crosses her arms. Oh, dear. I suppose I should introduce them.

“Welles, this is my sister, Valerie.”

Valerie stares at him.

Welles stares back.

Neither says anything.

I look between them. It’s like watching two black cats meet in an alley.

“Val,” I continue, “this is Fire Chief Welles Hawthorne. He stopped by the shop earlier this week.”

“I remember.”

Welles looks at me. “You told her about me?”

“Of course I told her about you. We’re business partners.”

Not to mention best friends and sisters who tell each other everything.

Valerie’s eyes narrow. “She mentioned you think our candles are burning down the town.”

“I didn’t say that.”

“You literally told me you were trying to figure out why my candles keep starting fires in your town,” I point out.

“That isn’t the same thing.”

“Sounds pretty similar from where I was standing.”

Valerie makes a quiet humming sound in agreement.

Welles glances at her. “What?”