Page 109 of Potions and Proposals
“I’m not sure if honey suits me as a nickname,” he said, kissing her hair.
She wanted to wake up every morning like this; she was impatient for them to move in together. They had been going back and forth between her house and the Manor, but with their schedules, sometimes they didn’t see each other for days. Her family wanted them to move into Hawthorne house, and Gwendoline argued they had all the room in the world – their own floor – in the Manor. Neither wanted to upset the other set of in-laws, and there were no houses for sale in town with the library Lucy wanted or the office space and grounds for archery that Benedict desired, so they had reached a standstill.
“Very funny. I don’t think pumpkin suits me, but we’ll both have to deal with it.”
“Fair enough, but you need to get dressed.” He eyed her cupcake-covered crop top and matching shorts as he pulled back the covers. “As delicious as you look, bed will have to wait. You can bring the tea with you.”
“I’ve got to go to work.”
“No, you don’t. I cleared today with Rosie. It’s payment for you covering for her date with Emerson. Don’t worry we aren’t going far.”
“Let’s stay in bed.” She snuggled a pillow to her chest.
“As much as I love to hear you inviting me into your bed, I want to make use of the good weather today,” Benedict pressed, and Lucy glanced at the sunlight coming in through the balcony. Itwouldbe nice to see the sun after so many grey days.
“Can’t you tell me where we’re going?” she asked, slowly easing off the bed. She tried to conceal a small smile as his eyes lingered on her bare legs. She slept in tiny shorts, something she’d got used to with his element keeping her warm the past fewweeks. This morning, with only her cool water, goosebumps rose on her skin.
“It’s a surprise.”
“Don’t you think we’ve had enough surprises for one year?” Lucy asked, trying to tempt him as she stripped off her clothes.
He shook his head and averted his gaze. “This is one you’ll enjoy.” Whatever they were doing had to be important.
“That’s all I’m getting?” She tied her robe shut, giving up on her half-hearted seduction.
He zipped his lips, and she hurried off to the bathroom, wondering what it could be.A bookstore? A museum? Some artifacts?The Matherson vault– she had always wanted to see what dark secrets lay within it, what they had kept hidden from the Order. Full of excitement at the possibilities, she showered and tossed her hair up in an ornate butterfly claw clip, settling for some mascara and lip gloss. She didn’t want to leave him alone in her room for too long, as he had a habit of rooting through her things.
When she returned, she found Benedict lying on her bed with his arm tucked behind his head, eyes closed. His long black coat was tossed over the end of her bed, leaving him in a grey jumper that had risen just high enough over his belt to expose the pale skin above it. She didn’t know how seeing such a small fraction of skin could make her flush.
It was exhilarating to know that she felt this way even without the potion. The thought of going back to the old days made her chest tight, but they still bickered now and then. She tiptoed over, wanting to surprise him, but he looked so peaceful that she leaned over him, bringing her lips to his gently.
“What was that for?” Benedict asked, opening his eyes and smiling at her.
“For wanting to surprise me.”
“You don’t know what it is yet.”
“I know, but it’s the thought that counts.” Lucy slipped a pair of straight-leg jeans over her hips. It wasn’t often that she wore them, as she didn’t like feeling constricted, but she wanted to be prepared for anything. “Are jeans okay?”
“Perfect,” he said, patting her butt while she put on a chunky pastel pink cardigan. “You should wear these more often.”
“Okay – if you start wearing colours,” Lucy challenged, sitting on the edge of the bed while she pulled on her boots.
He laughed as he pulled on his black jacket. “Nice try.”
“I think you’d look great in blue –really bring out those eyes,” she teased, leading him by the hand out of her room. She didn’t care if he was seen by her family. There was nothing to hide anymore, and it was so early they probably weren’t awake yet.
“Maybe one day,” he conceded, closing the front door behind them. Lucy had a feeling he meant ‘never’. Then again, here they were, walking hand in hand to his car– something that had once been impossible. Just as he opened the door for her, Chaos hopped into the passenger seat before settling in the back.
“Out,” Benedict ordered, but the two only proceeded to have a staring match that Lucy figured would go on until the sun set.
“Just let her come with us.” Lucy slid into the seat. Benedict rolled his eyes. She figured he was still upset by Chaos’s rejection after their elements had returned to their rightful places. She hoped in time they’d learn to get along.
Rolling down the car window, Lucy snuggled her scarf up under her chin as they drove. The smell of the damp woods and the crisp morning air was worth the chill.
“You’re going to catch a cold.”
“I missed the cold. You burn way too hot,” she said.
