Page 46 of Love's a Witch
I don’t know why I knew that, or what could possibly make me think such a thing, but as soon as the book was in my hand I wanted to tuck it close and never give it back. Which I should do. I couldn’t possibly accept a gift from a cat.
Or Knox.
The man who had just kissed me so senseless that I’d spontaneously erupted his curtains.
“I can’t take this,” I said as I held the book more tightly against my chest. Right, not exactly a ringing endorsement of my words.
“Uh-huh,” Knox said, seeing right through me. He stepped closer and panic set in. I didn’t want to talk about what had just happened between us. I didn’t want to discuss my misfiring magick or the fact that I’d been riding the man like I was a cowgirl. Nope, most definitely did not need to discuss any of that. What I needed was to get the hell out of here. Like, yesterday.
“But, since your cat is so sweet and insists, I’ll just give it a read and return it once I’m finished. On loan.” I waved the book in the air and backed toward the door. “Good luck with the snow festival and all that. Remember, snowmakers are the way forward. Trust me, it’s a good plan.”
With that, I turned and hightailed it toward the front door, only to find myself trapped, trying to pull the heavy door open.
“Damn heavy doors and damn unicorn door knockers.” I glared at the huge doors. Where was the ogre when you needed him?
“Need help?”
“I most certainly do not.” I tried the door again, and then winced as Knox’s big body shadowed mine, and he leaned over and eased the door open for me.
“Are you going to admit there’s something here?”
His voice was a breath at my ear, causing my skin to shiver as I stared out at the snow drifting from sullen gray clouds.
“There’s not.”
“Aye, there is.”
“No, there’snot.”
“Aye.”
“Nae.”I parroted his Scots back and then pushed through the door without one last glance, slamming it behind me.
Outside, I welcomed the cold that slapped at my face. I’d forgotten my coat, but I didn’t even care. You couldn’t turn around after a back-and-forth argument like Knox and I had just had. Everyone knew that. Drawing my stubbornness around me like a cloak, I stomped down the driveway.
I’d rather set myself on fire than go back and get my jacket.
CHAPTER THIRTEENSloane
Sloane. Get in the car.”
“Nope. It’s a lovely day for a walk.” I brushed at the snowflakes that clouded my vision.
My determined exit had been undermined by the fact that Knox had driven me to the castle, his heated-pavement trick only worked on his driveway, and the streets were piled high with snow. I’d taken to lighting fires—small, manageable fires, mind you—every few steps to melt the snow in front of me. I suppose that was one benefit of today’s magick. The only issue was that the snow didn’t immediately melt, and I was making very slow progress working my way home from the castle.
“I have your coat.” Knox stopped his car and waited, then started again as I kept walking. He trailed after me at a sloth’s pace.
Bloody hell. I realized I was being ridiculously stubborn and should take my coat. Still, thinking about how I’d lost my mind and devoured this man’s kisses like a starving woman at a buffet, I picked up my pace.
“I can see your teeth chattering.”
“It’s a stress relief technique. Good for meditation.”
I skidded to a stop when a mountain of snow dropped in front of me, easily two times higher than my head. Turning, I glared at Knox.
“I can just light that on fire, you know.”
“Yes, I know. Just please get in the car before Broca reams me out for not taking care of you.”
