Page 12 of Magic & Mochas
Chapter six
Cinnamon & Cider
Clove
“Holdstill,”Thornemurmured,as he leaned in close.His breath smelled like cinnamon, which he had sprinkled generously on his mocha this morning.He seemed to like it so much that I had decided to add it to the menu.
My heartbeat sped up, despite my best efforts to keep it calm, and despite the knowledge that we were simply putting on a show.He came close enough that I could see the flecks of silver in his violet eyes.Thorne’s fingers brushed through the strands of my long hair as he removed the crimson leaf that was caught there.
“Thank you.”I plastered on a smile as he laced his fingers through mine while we continued our stroll down main street.
Our acting had the desired effect; the young ladies sitting under The Hearthstone Diner’s patio umbrellas giggled and whispered behind their hands as we passed.
Though it had only been two days since we made our bargain, news of our “relationship” had already spread through town like a magical tidal wave.
And apparently, the residents of Willowmere were downrightdelighted.
Even my parents had caught wind of it.They were justifiably horrified, considering the reason I had moved back home in the first place, but once I explained the situation, they were both fairly understanding.
So far, the hardest part of this whole charade was getting used to Thorne’s presence.He tended to make about as much noise as a shadow, and kept popping up out of nowhere throughout the day.But after his initial hesitation, he had become much more confident with the public displays of affection.
I had also managed to convince Thorne to accompany me to the Moonlit Masquerade Ball as my partner.That hadn’t been easy, however, considering the shadowmancer seemed to be allergic to most forms of fun, and dancing in particular.
When we reached the door to The Broom & Bean, he held it open for me like a true gentleman.And here I’d thought that chivalry was dead.Even my former fiancé had rarely done things like that.
It seemed my fake boyfriend was far more attentive than my real one ever had been.
The space was finally starting to look like a coffee shop.It was all nice and clean, and I’d salvaged what I could of the furniture.With the help of Thorne and his shadows, I had rearranged everything so that there was one main counter, and the rest of the space was laid out like an inviting living room.
The tables were mismatched on purpose—each one salvaged, sanded, and enchanted with small personality quirks.One purred when you set down your mug; another adjusted its height depending on yours.The chairs were overstuffed, velvet-backed, and impossibly comfortable, as though they had been designed specifically for lingering conversations or curling up with a good book.
Soft paper lanterns, instead of fire-hazard candles, floated near the ceiling, gently drifting with the air currents, and casting warm gold and amber light across the room.A few enchanted pumpkins—glowing softly in seasonal oranges and yellows—sat in the corners, murmuring cheerful greetings when we entered.The fireplace now crackled with magical, smokeless fire, glowing in shades of red and gold, and warming the room with both heat and its peaceful ambiance.
“It’s really coming along.”Thorne moved to stand beside me.
I smiled happily.“Now I think I can start focusing on creating the menu.”I glanced at the bare shelves behind the counter.“Though I’m going to need to purchase some supplies first.”
“Hmm.If you’re going to add seasonal drinks, I think I’ve heard of a good place to get some pumpkins and cinnamon.Plus, it’s bound to be rather crowded this time of year—though I can’t say for certain, as I haven’t been before.”
I gaped at him.“You’ve never been to a pumpkin patch before?”
His expression shuttered.“Until recently, I never had the time.”
Keeping my curiosity in check, I opted not to pry, my mind flashing back to the scars I had seen on his chest.“In that case, I would be happy to give you the grand tour.The pumpkin patch is just outside of town, and owned by a dryad.It’s a little unusual, compared to those in the human world, but that only makes it more fun.We can go together after I finish putting together Silas’ cat tree.”
“Sounds like a plan.”The hint of a smile softened Thorne’s expression.“Your familiar wants…a cat tree?”
Silas hissed from his spot on one of the armchairs.You try being nearly sat on and see howyoulike it.
“He has an irrational fear of people’s rears after Rasmus accidentally sat on him.Hence he wants his own comfy spot all to himself,” I translated.
You didn’t have to tell himthatpart.Silas turned baleful eyes on me.
Your phrasing leaves much to be desired,I retorted.
With the utmost gravity, Thorne told Silas, “I agree that it is very important to have one’s own space.It helps reduce the urge to take a swipe at people who bother you.”
The cat’s tail flicked back and forth.See?He gets it.
