Page 60 of Trust

Betsy held up a small canvas bag. “I ran into your sister, and she said you’d be interested in any spells that worked.”

She accepted the bag and peeked inside. “You’re loaning me all of these?”

“Giving,” Betsy clarified. “Hoyt Doherty is no longer of interest, and I will not waste another minute mooning over that infuriating man!”

Olivia checked her watch and then grabbed Betsy’s hand. “We’re taking this conversation into the kitchen. It’s just about five, and that kind of declaration needs to be accompanied by some alcohol.”

“I won’t disagree since I’ve finally admitted to myself that I’ve wasted years thinking Hoyt was shy and just needed time.” She collapsed into a chair at the small kitchen table. “The sad truth is, he never saw me as anything more than a friend.”

Olivia quickly made two gin and tonics and plunked them on the table, along with a bowl of almonds. “Did he say that specifically, or was it something you inferred from his behavior?”

“I asked him point-blank if he ever thought about kissing me, and he got so flustered that he ran away.” She lifted the drink and took a big gulp. “I’ve never seen a six-foot-five man move so quickly. You would’ve thought I asked him if he’d like to run down Main Street naked.” Swiping her blonde hair back, she let out a sigh. “Which means casting a spell on his sorry behind would just be a waste of my love juju, and I can’t be doing that anymore.”

Olivia clinked her glass against Betsy’s. “Amen.”

Betsy sat forward and frowned. “What are those dogs doing?”

She glanced over her shoulder. “Having a standoff. Grams foisted Killer on me, and Bella is having none of it.”

“Why don’t you take the dog to the Hawker homestead and let the spirits decide if he’d be a good match for Zane.”

“I was thinking about sharing my dog bounty with him but wasn’t sure he’d appreciate the gesture since he thinks being a recluse is still an option.”

“Wait, weren’t you two kissing in front of your mom’s store the other day?”

“Yes, but having sexual chemistry with someone doesn’t mean long-term potential exists.”

“So true. But at this point, I’d be more than happy with an actual date that was mildly entertaining.”

Olivia frowned. “Don’t you settle, Betsy. Just because one fellow doesn’t see your magic doesn’t mean a dozen others won’t.” She took a sip of her drink. “I bet a bunch of men in town will be elated to know you’re available. Most probably assumed that your friendship with Hoyt was a precursor to something permanent. We need to get the word out that you’re single and ready to mingle.”

“I guess that’s exactly what I am.” She tapped her nails on the table. “Maybe I should get a makeover before we make any announcement, though.”

“I don’t think that’s necessary, but maybe a new haircut that makes you feel sassy wouldn’t be a bad idea. Channel your inner Lizzo and let your juice shine.” She watched her quiet friend sit up and square her shoulders. “There are too many ordinary things in life; don’t let your love life be one of them.”

Betsy pushed herself to her feet. “You are right. It’s past time I got started on a new chapter.” She hugged Olivia and then headed to the door. “Thanks for the pep talk.”

“Anytime.” Olivia finished her drink and noticed that Killer had lost interest in the doggy showdown and was headed her way. The little darling dropped at her feet, and she patted his head. “Keep that move handy when I introduce you to your new dog-dad.” She received a short bark and nodded. “And don’t be offended by Zane’s steel façade and general grumpiness. Because I’m almost one hundred percent confident that beneath all that bluster lies a big squishy heart.”

At least that’s what her slightly dented heart hoped because she was ready to give in and start believing in every heartfelt sentiment he’d thrown her way.

Which meant that her excuses about keeping herself protected would fall apart faster than her fitness plans. Shivering at the possibility, she put it out of her mind and started concocting a scheme to get Killer and Zane smitten with one another.

Olivia sat on Zane’s front stoop an hour later and held her breath. Killer was playing to his audience beautifully, and the contented sighs coming out of the tiny beast didn’t seem in the least bit nefarious. The white ball of fluff was keen on Zane, and there wasn’t an ounce of fakery involved.

“You said a month, right?”

“At the most.” She crossed her fingers behind her back, praying the white lie wouldn’t come back to bite.

“I guess it would be okay.” He ran his hand over the dog’s back. “He can run around without much chance of getting hurt.”

“I doubt he’s going to want to leave your side.” The dog was curled into Zane’s lap, and she knew any attempt to move him would likely be meant with a good bit of sharp teeth. “Maybe you can teach him a few things while you’re together.”

“The first being that he’s overplaying his audience?” Zane asked as Killer whined and scrabbled closer. “The dog has got your sense of the dramatic. Are you sure Bella wouldn’t eventually welcome him into the pack?”

“She’s made her opinion clear, and I’m not ready to test how vehemently she might defend her turf.” Ignoring Zane’s impressive side-eye, she studied the trees.

“You know I’m not buying any of this, right?”

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