I laughed. “I don’t know, I think they could take him. If I were you, I’d be worried,” I joked as I started making her drink, barely even focusing on the task. After so long, I could use the drinks machine with my eyes shut.
The door opened and a large man stepped clumsily into the store. I laughed at the sight of the child he held to his chest. “You’re missing one,” I told him.
“Oh, yeah, that one, I got tired of that out so I gave her away,” he informed me as he walked up to the counter. I smiled as a giggle emanated from behind him.
I placed April’s drink in front of her then reached for the boy’s hand. “Where is your cousin, Jem?” I asked the adorable little boy.
“Daddy back,” he told me.
“Ah, I see. What can I get you?” I asked, glancing up at Vince.
He smiled and set Jem down on his feet. “Do me a favour and grab the other monster,” he said, turning so the adorable little grey-eyed girl faced me.
I grinned. “There she is.” The child giggled as she clung to Vince’s back like a little spider monkey. I laughed softly and reached to lift her to my arms.
Vince smiled and flexed his shoulder, pulling at the hem of his shirt to straighten it briefly. Then he turned to me and paused.
“Hey, stop that,” I gently chided the girl as she tugged at my ponytail but I smiled and reached up to boop her nose. “Rawr.”
She parroted the noise back to me and I giggled.
Then I glanced up at her uncle. His expression was serious and dark with some emotion that was gone before I could put a name to it. “I’m sorry, you probably want her back.”
He smiled sadly. “Alright, little monster, come to Vince.”
I laughed softly as he took the girl. “She’s not a monster, she’s a treasure,” I informed him.
“You would think so, she clearly adores you,” he said as he set her on her feet. She toddled off to play with her cousin.
“They’re so cute, he must take after his mother,” I teased.
He grinned ruefully. “He does, it’s why he never does as he’s told.”
He glanced at me and I found myself blushing. I bit my lip. “What can I get you?”
“Coffee, some fruit for the kids and whatever today’s special is.”
“I’ll get right on that,” I told him.
He smiled before lifting the kids to their seats and sitting with them. I chewed my lip as I went about making his coffee and cutting up fruit for the kids. Julie smiled smugly at me as she cut a piece of the cake.
“It’s just a bet,” I murmured.
“One I’m winning,” she sang softly, lifting the countertop for me.
I laughed, carrying the plates and cup of coffee to the table. “Thank you,” said Vincent.
I smiled but as I pulled away Kit caught my ponytail again. I laughed. “Sweetie, I’m sure you’ll have hair that long someday but I need that to keep my head warm,” I told her when she didn’t let go.
She tugged again.
Vincent reached to gently take my hair from her grasp. “Sorry about her, she has a habit of trying to take beautiful things for herself,” he said softly.
I blushed.
He winced. “Sorry, that sounded like a line.” He met my gaze.
I blushed again, it had sounded like a line but he looked genuinely contrite so I couldn’t hold it against him. I started to straighten but the little fiend caught my hair again. “You, honey, are nothing if not persistent.”
Vince huffed a laugh. We reached to detach the child from me at the same and his hand touched mine, his skin warm and rough. I gently pulled my hair free before turning, only to be handed the piece of cake Vince had ordered.
Julie winked at me before going over to check on Abi. I bit my lip and turned to hand the plate to Vince. “Thank you,” he said, his dark eyes holding mine captive for a heartbeat.
I turned and hurried back to the safety of the counter.
“Must you always do this?” whispered Julie.
“Do what?” I asked, cleaning the counter.
“Avoid any male contact,” she said, voice hushed.
I frowned. “I don’t do that.”
“Yes you do, you do it all the time.”
I chewed my lip. “I don’t mean to.”
She squeezed my arm, giving me a motherly look, though she couldn’t be five years older than me. “It’s okay but we should really work on it, possibly over that cake you’re going to buy me later.”
“Awfully cocky, aren’t you? There’s still a chance I could win,” I informed her, glad we’d moved away from the subject of my dating life, or the lack thereof.
The bell on the door rang again and she grinned triumphantly.
I winced. “That chance just walked right out the door, didn’t it?”
She chuckled. “Technically they walked in the door.”
I growled. “I’ll take Abi her juice,” I said, lifting it from the counter. She smiled, she knew I didn’t like serving Belle and her friends, they were all jerks. I moved past the counter and walked to the playpen.
“Hey, Abi, you want some juice?” I asked, kneeling by the pen.
“No.” She was frowning intently down at a picture book.
“No?” I parroted.
“I wan’ coco milk,” she told me.
“I’m afraid I have no chocolate milk,” I told her.
She screwed up her face in an adorable little pout. “Buy more coco milk.”
“If I did, I’d just drink it all before I got back here.”
She smiled. “No, you won’.”
“I absolutely would, I have virtually no self-control,” I explained, shifting so I was sitting on the floor.
She giggled.
“Will you drink the juice I brought you?” I asked, folding my arms over the top of the little fence and resting my chin on my arms.
She climbed to her feet and walked over, taking the juice from my grasp and sucking at the straw.
“Wait, I changed my mind, give it back.” I reached and pretended to try and take it from her.
“I’s a mine!” She exclaimed.
“No, it’s not. Give it.” I tickled her side.
She giggled but moved out of my reach.
“Ah, you win, I suppose I’ll let you off this time. Next time you won't be so lucky,” I stated, pointing a serious finger at her.
She giggled and went back to her book, sipping her juice.
I grinned and pushed to my feet, reaching to ruffle her hair before getting back to work.
Julie grinned. “She never drinks it when I give it to her,” she told me.
“That’s because I’m her favourite,” I teased.
“You’re everybody’s favourite, you adorable weirdo.”
I laughed. “You’re in a good mood, that wouldn’t have anything to do with the fact you’ve made a fool out of me, wouldn’t it?”
“I’m counting down the minutes until I get that cake.”
“If you want to take an early lunch I’m sure I can take care of things here,” I told her.
She smiled. “You’re a peach.” She got herself a slice before going and taking a seat near the playpen. I pulled out some change and paid for the cake. When I glanced over Julie had seated Abi opposite her and they were sharing the cake.
I smiled and cut up some more fruit before taking it over to them. “This is on me too,” I said, ruffling the girl's hair again before returning to the counter.
Chapter Three
Moments later, Adam walked up to the counter with his mug. His expression was open and he watched me with an intensity that I was becoming familiar with. He never leered but he didn’t try to hide his interest. The guy was refreshingly straightforward without being pushy.
“I could use a refill.” He smiled, baring perfect white teeth.
“Sure thing, anything else I can get you?” I asked as I made the coffee.
“No, thanks.” His finger drew circles
on the counter and I pretended not to notice the rainbow of colours that were left in the wake of his touch. He was magic, possible a Mage, and he apparently had no desire to be mistaken for a human.
I didn’t really mind, I was pretty sure I wasn’t human either. I placed the coffee in front of him. “Thank you, while I’m up here I might as well pay.” He took out a folded up ten-pound note and smiled. “Keep the change.”
He returned to his seat and the moment he was gone a piece of paper appeared beneath the note. I gasped softly in surprise. The guy really was magic, or he had a few magic trinkets which would also be impressive.
I flipped open the note and frowned slightly as I read it, it was an invitation to some event over in the city. Despite what I’d said to Julie, I wasn’t ready to jump into the dating pool. I opened my mouth to politely decline but, when I glanced up, Adam was gone and Belle’s friends were sighing wistfully in his wake.
I frowned deeper, I hadn’t even heard the doorbell ring. Shaking my head, I put the money through the machine before dropping the change in the tip jar.
I was tucking the invitation next to the till when someone tugged on the skirt of my dress. I smiled down at Jem who had escaped his guardians and ducked under the counter. “What can I do for you, sir?”
“Cake.” His gaze had zeroed in on the display case.
I chuckled and hoisted him up onto my hip. “Now, I don’t think your father would much approve of you spending all his money on cake.”
I turned to find Vince already standing at the counter, grinning sheepishly.
“Papa,” said the boy.
“I believe this belongs to you,” I said.
“Sorry, they seem determined to make a nuisance of themselves today,” said Vince.
I smiled. “You know I don’t mind, he can get away with it because he’s cute.” A lot of that cuteness he got from his father, he’d be a real heartbreaker when he grew up.
“Let me take him.” Vince lifted the countertop and stepped closer.
“No, papa,” said Jem firmly.
I smiled. “Why no papa?” I asked with amusement. “Is it because he’s smelly?” I murmured in a stage whisper.
“Papa smelly,” Jem concluded seriously.
I lost it and laughed.
Vince touched my arm, making me look up. “Are you putting nasty ideas into my son’s head?” he asked, his voice deep and rich with mirth.
I bit my lip. “I would never,” I said innocently.
He grinned and dropped his hand, letting his touch slide down my arm on the way.
I blushed. “You better take him, he’s heavier than he looks,” I said, just to say something and dispel the awkwardness of the moment.
He stepped closer, close enough that I could feel the heat radiating from his body. Once he held the boy I took a step back, chewing my bottom lip. He smiled warmly. “Say thank you to the pretty lady, Jem.” He kissed the boy’s head.
Jem grinned at me. “Dank you.”
I couldn’t help but smile. “You’re welcome, sweetie.”
Vince smiled back at me. “Thanks, love.” He carried Jem back to their seats and I was almost able to hold back a wistful sigh. Almost.
If he weren’t a father and I wasn’t so conflicted about my own situation I could definitely imagine dating him. I mentally shook myself, I shouldn’t even go there. I walked over to grab Adam’s cup, which was completely empty. How had he done that?
I wasn’t sure whether I found the supernatural stuff endearing or just annoying.
BY THE TIME THE LUNCH rush was over, or what classified as a lunch rush in Arcton, only the girls from the local knitting circle remained. I perched on a stool at the counter to give my feet a break.
Julie picked up her phone and sighed. “You know we have three kids parties this week?” she asked as she moved to the coffee machine.
“Anyone I know?”
“Not really, just kids who go to school with Mimi. And one of the mums asked if all the parents could bring something, food-wise, so you just know she’s going to want me to give her one of our cakes, no charge.”
“Wow, way to cheap out.”
“Yeah, and I can’t say no because every parent has agreed to pitch in.” She let out a frustrated breath.
“You know what you should do? Get some store-bought cupcakes and just ice them yourself.”
She carried over two coffees and placed one in front of me, a thoughtful expression on her face. “That’s a pretty good idea.”
I smirked. “I do have them sometimes.” As I was taking my first sip of coffee, Ethel walked over from the knitting circle gals. “What can we get you, Ethel?” I asked, setting the mug back down.
“Oh, Nothing, dear, we were just wondering if you would be able to assist us. The ladies and I are raising funds to help Leslie afford her her sons surgery and Miss Tulip said we could help ourselves to anything in the old inn’s attic so long as we’d be able to clear it out ourselves.”
“Sure, just let me know what day and I’ll make sure I’ve got a few hours free to help out.”
I wondered idly why, of all people she’d come to me for help. I decided it was either because she was aware that I had virtually no social life, or because I was a strong and able young woman.
It was probably the latter.
“Wonderful, oh, I’m so glad. I’ll let you know all about it the next time I drop by.” She squeezed my arm before heading off. “Good morning, Courtney, dear,” she said on her way out.
Courtney, a leggy blond who always seemed to be in a hurry, waved a greeting at Ethel on her way inside the shop. She came up to the counter and bent over to hug me.
Courtney was part of Murray’s pack and, like many others in the pack, she considered me to be one of theirs. “My sisters are coming over this weekend and little Janie was just dumped by her latest boyfriend so we’ll pretty much be needing an entire cheesecake,” she explained.
“Poor girl,” I commented. I tried to keep up with the goings on within the pack but ‘little Janie’ swapped men as often as most people changed socks. I probably couldn’t pick her latest man out of a line up. The girl just loved drama, however she could get it.
“Mm, poor indeed,” she said knowingly, though her smile was good natured.
I smiled. “Will the day after tomorrow be soon enough?”
She nodded. “Though I can’t promise they’ll still be broken up by then. In that cause, it can be a celebratory cheesecake.”
“That’s the great thing about cheesecake, it’s so versatile,” I joked.
“Indeed.” She winked at me. “Anyway, please say hello to the wolves of yours, and warn them that Janie will soon be on the rebound, so they should make a run for it while there’s still a chance,” she said, laughter bubbling up from her lips.
I couldn’t help but laugh with her.
Chapter Four
I jogged through the forest at a steady pace. It looked really pretty this time of year. It was just starting to get chilly but it was pleasant given the sweat I managed to work up. The leaves were turning vivid shades of gold and brown and red.
I paused at the edge of the forest, untied the hoodie from around my waist and shrugged it on. I tugged out my earbuds, then pulled out my phone to pause the music I’d been playing before tucking it back away. “Come on, boy,” I called softly into the evening air.
A small chirp responded. If I didn’t know better I might have mistaken the sound for a bird call.
I rolled my eyes. “You can stay out here but I’m going inside,” I stated, glancing at the tree branches that almost blocked out the sky.
There was another small chirp and I left the impact as the small creature landed in my hood, where he was content to hide most of the time. I smiled, he was a shy beast.
“Good boy,” I whispered before walking out and across the field to the farmhouse. I pulled out the hair tie and ran my fingers through my hair as it fell loose.
He
chirped again as we reached the house, the sound muffled by the fabric of the hood.
“Shh,” I hushed softly, glancing at the unfamiliar car in the drive as I passed it.
I walked in the door and paused when I was confronted by a cute little brunette who barely came up to my knees. I frowned, glanced up to where Beth sat with Jem on her lap, Vince sitting opposite them both.
I kicked off my shoes and scooped Kit up into my arms.
Beth smiled up at me. “That was quick, have a nice run, dear?” she asked.
I bit my lip and nodded. “It’s getting a little chilly out there,” I said, walking around the side of the sofa on which Vince sat.
“I ran into Vincent at the grocery store, his sister had abandoned him to look after the two little ones himself, the poor man,” she told me, her eyes warm as she glanced at our guest. She was a sucker for kids so I wasn’t surprised she’d offered to help him out.
I smiled. “I don’t know how you do it, I can barely take care of myself,” I joked.
He smiled too, eyeing me curiously. “I’m sorry to intrude, you probably see more than enough of us at work,” he said sheepishly.
Kit started squirming so I set her down, dropping into a crouch. “Not at all, you guys are my favourite customers.”
He met my gaze, amusement playing in his eyes. “We are?”
“Of course, you always tip,” I teased.
Having snuck behind me, Kit tugged at the back of my hoodie. At least she wasn’t grabbing my hair again, not that I really minded. She was too cute to be a bother.
I turned to see her pointing at my hood. I blinked. “Now, what can I do for you?” I asked softly.
“Agon,” she said.
I gasped softly and I felt Trip shift in my hood. He was great at hiding, so how has she noticed him?
“Honey, why don’t you come sit with papa?” suggested Beth. I glanced at her, getting the sense that she at least suspect what the ‘agon’ was. Hmm, maybe he wasn’t as good at hiding as I’d thought.
“It’s okay,” I said, kneeling in front of the little girl. “How’d you know he was there?” I asked curiously.
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