Was I?
My gaze flits to the mess of plugs, and for a brief second, I contemplate turning the tutorial back on—for research purposes. Clearly, the guy knew what he was doing. The woman was closer to combusting in five seconds than I was with either of my ex’s.
I exhale sharply, my breath coming out in a rush as I drop to the couch in a daze. All I wanted was to stretch out my tired muscles, not witness—wait.
Was that seriously porn?
Fuck, I’m not a prude by any means, but that was a jump scare wrapped in Lycra and disguised as inner peace.
Note to self: Never accept yoga recommendations from Abby ever again.
I snag my phone and pull up my texts.
Me: Brannon? Are you kidding me? I hate you.
The timer on my bread machine goes off, and I jump up, rushing to the kitchen. I drop my phone on the counter, wash my hands, and grab my oven mitts, pretending the last however many minutes didn’t happen.
“Come on,” I murmur, my brows furrowed as I gently flip the pan over. “Don’t fail me.”
It slips from the tin perfectly, landing on the cooling rack with a tinythudthat makes my heart swoon. My smile is hesitant but real as I quickly wash the pan and unplug the bread maker, leaving the loaf to cool while I make my coffee.
It’s still early, but I have to head to Serenity Falls High to investigate a new chronic truancy report I was just assigned, and it’s a good forty minute drive from here.
A few days ago, I had to go into the county office to meet with Finch. He said Ethel Sorrenson, Kade’s original caseworker, is returning to light duty this week. She’ll be resuming her Heart Springs caseload, including Aurora’s, which means I’m officially being reassigned to cover Serenity Falls full time.
It’s what was supposed to happen eventually. But hearing it now, after meeting him and Aurora—I’m not sure how I feel.
On one hand, it’s a relief. I was starting to lose my ability to stay impartial. I hardly know the man. He’s grumpy, rude, and condescending. Being around him makes my nerves go haywire and my brain spaz out. I lose all composure and restraint—which isn’t like me at all.
I know being removed from the case is a good thing. I was well on my way to slipping up and risking my job, not to mention my professional reputation.
But more than that, crossing any boundaries with Kade Archer would hurt Aurora the most, and that sweet baby girl doesn’t deserve adults she hardly knows getting in the way of a possibly wonderful future.
Professional conflicts aside…
I haven’t seen or spoken to Kade in days, and I still can’t get him off my mind. I tell myself it’s just attraction. That I’m only interested because I secretly love sparring with him. That his smile, his voice, his overwhelming willingness to step up for Aurora—mean nothing to me.
And then I remind myself: I’m a big, fat liar.
My phone vibrates, and I quickly open my texts.
Witchling: But did you come?
Me: Did you when you watched it?
Witchling: Watch it? I was in it. Didn’t you get to the second act?
I gape at my phone, unable to tell if she’s serious or not.
My best friend is a free spirit, wild in every single way, down to her brilliant bones. She’s a senior financial analyst by day, but only because her uptight, Wall Street parents made her follow in their footsteps. But at heart, she’s a green witch chasing her forever dream of opening an apothecary.
Based on all the adventures we’ve had and stories she’s told me, I don’t doubt her involvement in the porno at all, but…
Me: I want to say you’re lying, but I already threw away my TV, so there’s no way to know.
Witchling: Threw it away? Guess you didn’t get to work cowboy out of your system, then. Bet you’re all sorts of horny now.
Me: Goodbye, Abigail.
