Page 21 of Bearly Bewitched

Their server reappeared with menus, barely containing her excitement at their joined hands. “The chef also recommends our chocolate soufflé for dessert – infused with attraction-enhancing magic that?—“

“Just the wine list for now,” Kaine said firmly.

But he didn’t let go of Vail’s hand.

The temperature in the restaurant heated. Outside, the moon rose over Mystic Hollow, its light catching the golden threads of possibility that stretched between a bear-shifter and a fire witch who had stopped pretending they weren’t falling in love.

EIGHTEEN

Steam curled from Romi’s famous homemade pizza fresh from the enchanted oven, the scent of melted cheese and herbs mingling with the flicker of fairy lights she’d strung across her living room ceiling. Vail sank into the plush couch cushions, letting the familiar comfort of girls’ night ease some of her tension. But her magic still hummed restlessly beneath her skin, remembering how it had sparked and danced when Kaine’s fingers brushed hers at dinner last night.

Stop thinking about his hands, she scolded herself. Or his shoulders. Or how his voice dropped to that deep, intimate rumble when he’d leaned close to share his thoughts on hybrid magic theory...

“Earth to Vail!” Romi waved a slice of pizza in front of her face. “That’s the third time you’ve sighed in the last five minutes. Either spill the details about dinner with tall, dark, and bearish, or I’m breaking out the truth-telling wine.”

“You wouldn’t dare.” But Vail eyed the bottle Romi was reaching for with suspicion. Her friend’s magical brews were notorious for loosening tongues.

“Try me.” Romi’s eyes sparkled with mischief as she poured deep red liquid that shimmered with tiny constellations.“Though from that dreamy expression, I’d say last night went well?”

“Nothing happened.” Vail grabbed a piece of pizza, hoping the food would hide her blush. “We discussed Daisy’s magical training over dinner. We decided against going to the library to research. And that’s all.”

“Uh-huh.” Sabine stretched out on the floor cushions with feline grace, selecting a piece of aged cheddar from Clover’s elaborate charcuterie board. “That’s why Elena from the Bistro texted me that the enchanted candles at your table burned twice as bright every time he looked at you.”

“And why Mrs. Twinkle swears she saw actual golden sparks when your hands touched reaching for the wine list,” Clover added, her green eyes dancing. “Face it, honey. The whole town’s talking about the magical fireworks between you two.”

Heat crept up Vail’s neck. “The candles were defective. And Mrs. Twinkle needs stronger glasses.”

“Please.” Romi snorted into her wine. “Even Xabir noticed something’s different about Kaine lately. Says he caught him smiling at his phone three times yesterday. Kaine never smiles at his phone.”

“He’s probably just pleased with Daisy’s progress.” But Vail’s heart fluttered traitorously, remembering how Kaine’s whole face had lit up when she’d praised his niece’s magical control.

“Speaking of that progress,” Sabine said with exaggerated innocence, “you have to admit he’s an amazing guardian. The way he encourages her magic instead of trying to suppress it...”

“Unlike some people we could name.” Clover’s voice carried a hint of steel.

“We’re not talking about Ames.” Vail’s fire magic flared defensively, making the fairy lights flicker. Six years of being told to dim her power, to be less, to fit some arbitrary standard of “normal” – the memories still stung.

“You’re right,” Romi said softly. “Let’s talk about how Kaine looks at you like you’re literally magic incarnate instead. Or those shoulders. Can we talk about those shoulders? Because holy enchanted moonbeams...”

“Romi!” But Vail couldn’t help laughing.

“What? I’m engaged, not blind.” Romi waved a hand. “Xabir thoroughly appreciates my excellent taste. Besides...” She grinned wickedly. “Have you seen Kaine in those Henley shirts? The ones that stretch across his chest when he moves? I’m pretty sure those should be illegal in at least three supernatural jurisdictions.”

“Four,” Sabine corrected. “And don’t forget the way he rolls up his sleeves when he’s working. Those forearms could start a riot. Rook mentioned wanting to figure out how he got his arms to look like logs.”

“Ladies!” But Vail’s protest came out breathier than intended as her traitorous mind conjured the exact image Sabine described. She’d noticed those forearms at dinner, the play of muscles when he’d reached across the table. His hands were broad and strong, yet so gentle when they’d brushed hers...

“Oh, she’s definitely thinking about the forearms now.” Clover’s laugh bubbled with delight. “Look how pink she’s getting!”

NINETEEN

“Iam not.” Vail grabbed her wine glass, hoping the cool liquid would calm her heating cheeks. “I’m simply... appreciating good craftsmanship. He makes furniture, after all.”

And if she’d spent an embarrassing amount of time watching those skilled hands work, admiring how his muscles flexed when he lifted heavy materials, or how his voice dropped to that intimate rumble when he leaned close to explain a design... well, that was just professional interest. Never mind that she’d caught herself imagining those strong hands cupping her face, drawing her closer, his warm mouth meeting hers...

“So that’s what it is?” Romi’s magic crackled with amusement. “Appreciating his... craftsmanship?”

“You’re so dirty.” But Vail couldn’t quite suppress her smile. Because yes, she had noticed. Noticed his shoulders, his hands, the way his whole body radiated carefully controlled power. Noticed how his bear energy called to her magic like a lodestone finding true north. Noticed the way his eyes darkened to molten gold when their energies harmonized...

---