Page 27 of Oohs, Ahhhs, and Orbs

“Umm, are these floor to ceiling bookshelves?”

“What do you mean? They are tall enough that there is a sliding ladder. It’s kind of cool, actually. I want to slide on it like that scene from Beauty and the Beast when Belle is singing in the library.”

“Girl, he’s totally watching your peachy ass climbing up and down that ladder.”

A smug grin spread across her face. “You think so?”

I snorted. “Yeah, Shay. I do.”

Just then, the bell over the door rang as a new customer walked in. I didn’t bother looking, but Shayla froze, her eyes going wide. I turned to see what had her freaking out, to see a tall, incredibly handsome black man standing just inside thecafe. He had close cropped hair on his head, along with a very neatly trimmed beard cut close to his skin. He was wearing a white button down shirt with the sleeves rolled to his elbows, navy blue slacks, and brown loafers. He looked nothing like the stuffy professor I had expected. He looked deliciously hot. And his dark golden eyes were laser focused on my best friend.

As I was taking him in, he began to walk over. “Miss Shayla. Lovely seeing you here.”

“Professor King. I wasn’t expecting to see you today. This is my best friend, Bridgette. She owns Oohs, Ahhhs, and Orbs down the street.”

He barely spared me a nod in acknowledgement, and I had to stifle a giggle at how obvious the two were while trying to pretend they weren’t already half in love with each other. I stood up, smoothly dodging the hand Shayla tried to use to no doubt pull me back to her side.

I held out my hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Professor King. I’ve heard so much about you. I’m not sure if you know that Shayla and I have been friends since we could walk.”

He finally looked at me and gave me a smirk, showing off straight white teeth that would make any dentist cream their pants. “Is that so?”

I nodded as he took my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Yep. And since you know I own the best occult store in town, you should also know I’m a witch.” I leaned in a little closer and mock whispered. “Apowerfulone.”

I held contact for a prolonged moment without letting go of his hand. It took him a few seconds to notice how hot his hand was getting, but when he did, instead of jerking out of my hold, he simply gritted his teeth and inclined his head. “Noted.”

I gave him my best and brightest smile, letting the heat dissipate before pulling my hand away. “Wonderful.” I turned back toward Shayla and gave her an apologetic smile, but shedidn’t look upset. Instead, I could see how grateful she was, knowing I would always be there for her. “Call me later. Love you!”

I turned to leave, ready to toss my empty cup on the way out, when the professor stopped me. “I only have good intentions.” He paused. “But, just so you know, Bridgette, no one will stand in my way when it’s time.”

I tilted my head as I took in his serious expression. Then I inclined my head the same way he had. “Noted.”

I gave a wave to Eileen behind the counter as I left and walked down the sidewalk toward my shop and home, knowing all the while that my best friend was in good hands.

Chapter

Fifteen

LOGAN

Iwas already in a piss poor mood after having to leave a beautiful, warm, naked woman alone in bed, but when I pulled up on my motorcycle to a familiar house with overflowing flower beds framing the walkway to the door, I let out a vicious curse. It didn’t take much imagination to figure out why Mac and I had been called to the home of a witch.

Mac walked up beside me looking as pissed as I was. “Fucking shit.”

“Yeah, that about covers it,” I agreed as I swung my leg over the seat. I wanted to throw my helmet to the ground, but instead, hung it carefully over the handlebars.

Together we walked up the same path we had taken only a few short days before, only instead of a beautiful woman full of life to greet us, it was a rookie cop looking a little green around the gills. He swallowed, then looked over his shoulder.

“The victim was found about an hour ago by one of her neighbors. They have a standing date for tea in the mornings. When the victim didn’t answer the door, the neighbor used thekey she was given by the victim to let herself in. She called right away. Said she didn’t touch anything.”

Mac and I both glanced over to a woman who was crying, holding a cloth handkerchief to her face as she talked to another uniformed police officer. Simone Donaldson, the other witch on the list I had from Bridgette.

“We know who she is.” I turned back to the rookie. Thanks, man. Crime Scene techs already doing their thing?”

He nodded and swallowed again. “Yeah. They’re inside processing now.”

I slapped him on the shoulder. “Good. Drop your report off on my desk later.”

Mac gave him a nod as we stepped through the open doorway. Taking in the scene was like having a flashback. Everything was practically identical to the one we’d dealt with just a week ago. Candles that had melted down to nothing surrounded the unmistakable symbol of a pentagram. The scent of herbs and wax permeated the small room that had been cleared of furniture. A glance down the hall showed where the small loveseat and chair had gone.

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