Page 17 of Bearly Bewitched

Now they just had to convince her.

FOURTEEN

The scent of freshly baked scones and enchanted coffee drifted through the Witch’s Brew Café on waves of cinnamon-spiced magic. Vail paused in the entrance, breathing in the comforting aroma while searching for a quiet corner. After another hectic day of ward maintenance reports and curriculum revisions, she needed caffeine and solitude to decompress.

“Vail?”

The deep voice sent a ripple through her magical core like flames catching dry kindling. She turned to find Kaine Urso occupying a corner table, his broad shoulders making the whimsically carved chair look almost delicate.

Afternoon sunlight streaming through the stained-glass windows caught the gold flecks in his eyes and highlighted the strong line of his jaw. The space between them crackled with unspoken possibilities, making the enchanted coffee beans release extra aromatics into the air.

Stop it, she scolded herself. She’d sworn off relationships to focus on the school. Yet her gaze kept tracking the way his shirt stretched across his chest, how his fingers curled aroundthe coffee mug with surprising gentleness for hands that looked capable of...

“Would you like to join me?” His invitation broke through her increasingly dangerous thoughts. The air grew thick with anticipation, and even the ever-chattering teacups fell silent, waiting for her answer.

Professional courtesy, she told herself. That’s all this was. “Thank you,” she said, sliding into the opposite chair. The moment she sat, the magical currents in the room shifted, weaving around them like invisible silk. “Though I’m surprised to see you here instead of at the office.”

“Sometimes you need a change of scenery.” His smile made the enchanted fairy lights overhead pulse brighter. “Besides, Romi’s coffee beats the corporate blend any day.”

Before Vail could respond, Romi materialized beside their table with a knowing grin. “Well, well. What a lovely surprise finding you two here together.”

“Romi—“ Vail started, recognizing the matchmaking gleam in her friend’s eye.

“Let me get you something special,” Romi gushed. “We just perfected our new Sweetheart Lattes – they’re enchanted to create little hearts in the foam that match the drinkers’ magical signatures. Perfect for couples who?—“

“Just regular coffee is fine,” Vail interrupted hastily. Her cheeks burned as several nearby patrons turned to watch with interest. The temperature in her immediate vicinity rose several degrees, her fire magic responding to her embarrassment by making the air shimmer like a summer mirage.

“And maybe some pecan pie?” Kaine suggested. The air around him shimmered with bear-shifter energy, reaching for her magic like honey flowing toward warmth. “I hear it’s amazing.”

“It’s also her favorite,” Romi said with a grin.

“I’ve heard.”

Vail shot him a betrayed look. “Sabine told you that, didn’t she?”

“Actually, it was Daisy. She’s very invested in making sure I know these things.”

Romi beamed. “One slice of pecan pie with two forks, coming right up! The joy magic in this batch is extra potent – perfect for sharing.”

She twirled away before Vail could protest, leaving trails of excited magic that made the café’s enchanted plants lean toward their table. In a nearby seat, elderly Mrs. Twinkle dabbed her eyes with a lace handkerchief. “Young love is so beautiful,” she sniffled loudly to her companion. “Reminds me of my Harold’s courtship days.”

“We’re not—“ Vail began, but Kaine’s quiet chuckle stopped her. The sound resonated, making the stained-glass windows hum in harmony.

“Let them enjoy their assumptions,” he said softly. “Though I apologize if it makes you uncomfortable.”

“It’s not that.” Vail focused on arranging her napkin, watching as her agitated magic made the fabric’s enchanted patterns swirl faster. “I’m just... not looking for complications right now. The children need my full attention.”

“Understandable.” His tone remained gentle, but his energy filled the space between them like warm honey. “Though sometimes the best things in life are unexpected complications.”

Romi returned with their order – two steaming mugs of coffee that definitely had heart-shaped foam despite Vail’s request, and a generous slice of pecan pie topped with enchanted whipped cream that sparkled like captured starlight.

“On the house,” Romi declared. “Consider it my contribution to true lo—I mean, supernatural community relations.”

She strolled away humming what sounded suspiciously like a wedding march, leaving a trail of rose-scented magic that made the nearby plants burst into unexpected bloom. Vail buried her face in her hands with a groan. “I’m so sorry about all this. My friends are...”

“Caring? Supportive?” Kaine’s eyes crinkled at the corners, his amusement making the air pulse with waves of golden energy. “Besides, I don’t mind being seen with the impressive new headmistress who’s revolutionizing magical education.”

“You’re such a flatterer.” Vail couldn’t help smiling. “Though ‘revolutionizing’ might be an overstatement. This week alone, we had three magical mishaps, including a coffee tornado in the staff room.”

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