Page 35 of Wedded Witch

He runs a hand through his hair, a boyish gesture that makes him even more endearing. “I help my brothers run the motel. It’s a lot of work, but it keeps us busy.”

“That sounds nice,” I say, picturing him in the cosy setting of the motel. “Do you enjoy it?”

“I do,” he replies, his eyes lighting up. “There’s something fulfilling about meeting people from all over, hearing their stories. But sometimes I feel the need for more—something beyond the routine.”

I nod, sensing a kindred spirit. “What are your brothers like? I can’t believe we didn’t talk about this before! I’m an only child, so the idea of siblings has always fascinated me.”

He leans back, a grin spreading across his face. “Well, one is the quintessential grumpy one. He’s practical and a bit of a perfectionist, but he means well. Then there’s the other—he’s the protective one. Always looking out for everyone. We also have an older brother but we’ve not seen him since we were kids. Barely remember him in fact.”

“Sounds like a good balance,” I say, intrigued about the older brother, but not wanting to ask. That would be nosey, right? “Do you all get along?”

“For the most part,” he replies, laughter in his eyes. “We have our moments, of course. But we’re a team. They keep me grounded.”

I smile at that, thinking of Kel’s exuberant energy he’s displayed at times. “Do they ever come into town?” I ask, curiousabout their dynamic. I find it odd that they all work at the motel, but Kel’s the only one I’ve seen around so far. And Mavis of course.

“Yeah, we live on site. One usually handles the business side of things, while the other helps with the guests. I do more of the hands-on work, fixing things and stuff,” he explains, making me frown slightly.

Hasn’t he been working at the desk the last few times I’ve seen him? Maybe his brother’s sick and he’s been filling in. “I guess you could say we all have our roles.”

“That’s really nice,” I say, feeling a sense of warmth at the thought of their close-knit family. “It sounds like you have a good support system.”

He nods, his expression growing serious. “We do. But I want to make sure you feel supported too, especially with everything you’re dealing with.”

His sincerity washes over me like a balm. He doesn’t know the full story, but he wants to help and support me anyway. How nice is that?

“Thanks, Kel. It really means a lot,” I say, and I catch a flash of surprise in his expression, as if he hadn’t quite anticipated my gratitude. It softens the moment even more, making it feel significant.

He hesitates for a moment, as if wanting to say more. “Swyn, I really want to be here for you. Whatever you’re facing, you’re not alone.”

I nod, feeling the connection deepen, even though I’m not quite ready to open up and tell him everything.

“I know.” As I take a bite of my pie, I can’t help but smile at him, feeling lighter than I have in a long time. “You know, I’m really glad I bumped into you again today.”

“Me too,” he says, his expression warm and sincere. “I think this is just the beginning for us, Swyn.”

After we finishour pie we continue to talk until we’re both feeling peckish again. We share some chips and finish off with some ice cream, staying in the diner until it’s closed.

Eventually the staff banging and crashing around us in a none-too-subtle way lets us know they want us to leave, but Kel pays them no mind, giving me his full attention.

He asks me about everything and anything, even repeating some of the questions from the last time we had dinner. I try not to dwell on it and calmly repeat myself.

The only thing he doesn’t ask, the elephant in the room, is what I’m actually doing out in the middle of nowhere in Spells Hollow.

It’s a little strange, but not as strange as my reasons for being here, so I don’t bring it up either. He seems quite intuitive and must get that it's something I don’t really want to open up about, but he seems happy enough to answer my ‘random’ questions about the history of the town.

Eventually, one of the waitresses gets fed up and kicks us out, and the next thing I know, we’re standing outside my motel door, trying to avoid saying goodnight.

I really want a repeat of yesterday’s kiss. Would it be too forward to initiate?

Kel seems reluctant to leave too, and I’m not ready to go to bed alone just yet, so I take a breath, summoning the courage to break the silence.

“Hey, do you want to come in for a bit? I mean, it’s still early. Ish.”

It’s not that early. The late-night diner has closed. But thankfully Kel doesn’t call me out on my lie.

He looks at me, surprise flickering in his eyes, then a slow smile spreads across his face. “Sure, I’d like that. If you’re sure.”

I unlock the door and step aside, letting him enter first. The room is small and simple, with a decent sized bed and a small desk, but it feels warmer with him here.

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