Page 63 of Last Witch Attempt
I glanced at the window. The sun was just starting to rise. I hurried to follow him.
“No funny stuff in the shower,” he warned as he turned on the water to let it warm up. “We don’t have time for that. You’re going to have to control yourself.”
I managed to keep a straight face. Just barely. “That’s okay. I only do funny stuff in the shower with men who have eight abs. Six at a minimum.”
“Keep it up,” he said. “You’re going to lose all access to the loving. Just keep pushing me.”
THE FAMILY LIVING QUARTERS WERE QUIET WHENLandon and I let ourselves in through the back door. I hadn’t even bothered taking the time to dry my hair. I braided it while wet, which meant it was going to be kinky tonight when I took it down. Makeup and shiny hair weren’t high on my current want list.
“What’s that?” Landon asked when I took a step forward to scan the living room.
“What’s what?” I asked.
“That?” He scooted closer, and it took me a moment to realize that he was sniffing my hair. “Oh, man,” he said. “This is just mean.”
“What is it?” I lifted my arm to get a whiff of myself. “What is it?” I asked, trying to keep from panicking.
He gave me a rueful smile. “You smell like freshly-frosted cupcakes.” He was mournful. “Why would she make you smell so good if she’s trying to punish you? Why not make you smell like something no one wants? Like liver and onions. I wouldn’t even let you sleep in bed with me if you smelled like liver and onions.”
I pinned him with a dubious look. “It’s sweet that you say things like that. Really.” Sarcasm was such an easy weapon to wield. “She made me smell like this because I’m going to attract every man in town, including your boss and Spencer.”
Landon balked. “They would never.”
“They won’t be able to help themselves. Plus, it will be added torture for you.”
“I didn’t do anything to her.” His eyes flashed. “What the hell?”
“We’ll worry about that later.” I pushed forward toward the kitchen, and was relieved to find Mom, Marnie, and Twila kneading dough.
Surprise registered on Mom’s face. “You’re early. Winchester isn’t even up yet. He’s sleeping with Terry.”
Landon’s morning went from bad to worse. “He stole my dog? Well, this is just great.”
“Be thankful he didn’t steal your abs,” Twila said. “You would be really upset about that.”
“Yes, how was your workout this morning?” Marnie asked dryly. Her condescending tone told me she knew it hadn’t happened.
“Oh, stuff it.” Landon looked around. It was too early in the morning for bacon. He almost seemed relieved. “You should make something healthy for breakfast this morning.” He looked pained when he said it.
“Like oatmeal?” Mom asked blandly.
Landon cringed. “Well, not oatmeal. There has to be something between oatmeal and a big pile of bacon and eggs.”
“Fresh fruit?” Mom suggested.
“Stop torturing me,” Landon whined. “Maybe I should start working out twice a day. Then I’ll be able to eat whatever I want.”
“That’s a myth.” I gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder. “It’s fine. I like the four-and-a-half-pack.”
“I can’t even look at you, Bay.” He shook his head. “I never knew you could be so hurtful.”
I left him to pout and focused on Mom. “Where is Aunt Tillie?”
“Ah, the question of the morning.” Mom took on a dark expression. “She is staging a protest. She refuses to eat with us.”
“So she’s cooking for herself? She doesn’t do that.”
“She doesn’t,” Mom agreed. “She said she’s not going to take anything from us given the current state of affairs in the house. That includes advice.”
