Page 28 of Hex Appeal

“We,” I announce, “are going to make a candle.”

He raises his eyebrows. “How?”

“With a little magic, of course.”

I catch my bottom lip briefly with my teeth.

His gaze drops to my mouth.

There’s no mistaking the flash of fire in his eyes.

Well.

That changes things.

“Magic,” I repeat, a little more breathlessly than before. “And a little wax, oil, and heat.”

“Wax. Oil. Heat.” His voice drops. “Are you sure this isn’t your sex dungeon?”

I blink.

Then grin.

“You wish.”

He mumbles something under his breath.

“What was that?”

“Nothing.”

“Uh-huh.”

I turn toward my supplies before he can see exactly how much that little exchange affected me.

Because apparently learning about his tragic backstory wasn't enough.

Now I know Grumpy Fire Chief can flirt.

Fantastic.

I pull out what we need and set everything on the worktable between us.

Soy wax. Wicks. A clean vessel. Fragrance oils.

Welles watches every movement. Only now, I don't feel like I'm being investigated.

It feels like he's actually interested.

“First,” I say, sliding the empty jar toward him, “you have to decide what you want.”

“I have to decide?”

“I know you can do it.”

His expression turns skeptical again. There he is.

I smile.