Page 31 of Hand-Fasting and Other Hazards
CHAPTER 12
Nia
“UNWANTED HEIR SIGHTING! I SWEAR HE WAS DELIVERING SOMETHING SHADY TO THE BOOKSTORE.” —WOLVENLOVER1111
Nia tapped her pen against the white tablecloth, the rhythmic sound at odds with the clatter of goblins cleaning up after the morning rush at Goblin Grind.
She sat at her usual table against the outer wall, overlooking the ocean. Heating spells kept the morning chill at bay, wrapping her in a comfortable warmth as waves rolled lazily in the distance. Normally, this spot brought her a sense of peace. Today, it didn’t.
Lately, she’d only stopped by the to-go window, grabbing her order before. But she had hoped that sitting here, really being here, might settle her thoughts. She’d first stumbled upon this place as a young teen, curiosity leading her through the tunnels beneath the town, drawn on by the warm, sweet scent of fresh baking and the darker, richer smell of coffee that permeated the place. From that first moment, it had felt like hers: a quiet refuge, a place to breathe.
But even its familiar comfort wasn’t enough to quiet her mind.
She was supposed to be tallying RSVPs for the next fundraiser, but all she could think about was Lochlan—specifically, what he had walked in on last night and how quiet he’d been since.
He hadn’t said a word to her after they’d left her work.
Not one.
When they got home, he’d let Jade jump into his arms, giving her the kind of affection that made Nia’s chest ache. Then, without so much as a glance in her direction, he’d disappeared into the backyard. She had gone upstairs for a shower, hoping the scalding water might wash away the tension clinging to her like a second skin.
By the time she came back down, he was just coming inside, carrying two plates loaded with steak, asparagus, and potatoes, all of which smelled amazing. Not a single word was exchanged as he meticulously cut up her food, poured her a glass of water, and set the meal in front of her.
They ate in silence.
When she’d thanked him, his only response had been a nod before he’d left her to finish alone. She had woken to an empty bed that morning, and an empty kitchen downstairs. The only sign of Lochlan had been a cup of fresh coffee, a beautifully arranged breakfast of sweet potato hash and fluffy eggs, with a note placed beside it.
I have an early call.
—Lochlan
When Nia had left, stuffed and caffeinated, she noticed his truck parked in front of the house. She had assumed he was working from home, and had realized, abruptly, that she didn’t even know what he did for work. It made the food in her stomach twist uneasily.
Her pen still tapping relentlessly against the table, Nia’s Goblin Grind coffee sat untouched.
She was living with a complete stranger. Worse, she wasn’t even trying to change that. She hadn’t asked him questions, hadn’t tried to make dinner last night any less awkward. She told herself it didn’t matter. In six weeks, this would all be over.
That thought felt hollower now than it had just a day ago.
Her phone buzzed and she snatched it up a little too quickly, warmth creeping up her neck. Not that she was hoping it was a certain quiet, brooding, plant witch. Definitely not.
Lochlan
Becket said he would like to talk to us about our situation, but we’d have to meet him at a work function. I can pick you up after work if you want?
Nia stared at the message, her grip tightening around her phone. Did Becket have a way to push the annulment through? Did that mean she had less than six weeks with Lochlan?
Me
Okay. Is there a dress code?
Lochlan
What you have on will be fine.
Me
How do you know what I’m wearing?
