Page 33 of Hex Appeal

I should leave it there.

Instead, I say, “Maybe I want to stop worrying about everything that can go wrong.”

She stills. Apparently that's my answer.

When she turns back, the teasing is gone. “Okay.”

Just that. No joke. No pity.

She doesn't ask me to explain. She pours the fragrance into the melted wax.

“Then that's what we're making.”

She hands me the stirring utensil.

“Slowly.”

I start stirring.

“Not like that.”

“What's wrong with how I'm doing it?”

“You're too aggressive.”

“I'm stirring.”

“You're going to spill it everywhere.”

“It's wax.”

“And you're going to introduce too many air bubbles.”

She steps behind me. Before I can ask what she's doing, her hand slides over mine. Every thought leaves my head.

“Like this.” She guides my hand.

Slow. Easy.

Her body is close enough that I can feel her breasts pressed against my back. Her other hand settles lightly on my forearm. I look down.

Her fingers are smaller than mine. Soft against my skin.

“This is better?” I ask.

“Much.”

Her breath brushes my neck. Fuck the candle.

I turn my head. She's right there.

Her eyes lift to mine. Neither of us moves.

“Serena.”

“Hmm?”

I don't know what I was going to say. Her gaze drops to my mouth.