I cleared my throat. “I guess it worked.” I slide off the table, bustling past Riven while avoiding eye contact and putting distance between us.
The broom and dustpan floated past me toward the glass.
Riven scratched the back of his neck. “Yeah, that was the whole point. Sorry if I took you by surprise.”
“No,” I said quickly, hoping this didn’t affect our friendship. “No, it was good. Not the kiss,” I amended, then squeezed my eyes shut. “The kiss was good. Great.”
Witch’s tits, I wished I could stop rambling.
“What I mean is, that was a good idea. And look.” I did an awkward twirl. “I’m still alive.”
“Okay, then.” He jabbed a thumb toward the door. “I guess I’ll get back to the inn. Unless you need me to stay?”
“No.” I made a shooing motion, almost jabbing him in the eye with my hand. “Go. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
He moved toward the door, paused, opened his mouth like he wanted to say something, then shut it, and left. I watched out the window until he disappeared from sight, wondering what in the witch superior had just happened.
Chapter Eleven
EMMA
Istood outside Steeped in Love and touched my wand to the forest-green door with its golden handle. I was practicing a new spell Layla had come up with that would automatically seal the entire shop so no one could enter without my wand and the words to the un-sealing spell.
After I’d used Layla’s tea concoction last night at the matchmaking event, she’d seemed so much more confident today. I wanted to keep encouraging that confidence. She was eager and smart—a hard worker. Her aunt underestimated her.
“Emma!”
I whirled around to see Layla walking toward me on the dim street. Floating lanterns filled with glowing yellow light lit the streets at nighttime. As the sun sank over the horizon, the lights glowed brighter, illuminating Layla’s black and warm brown skin. She waved as she approached.
“What are you doing here?” I asked. “I thought you went home.”
I looked toward Thistlegrove Forest in the distance. The town of Thistlegrove bordered the tree line. Most of the residents lived in cottages in the forest, but a few chose to reside in small apartments over their businesses.
Layla twisted her hands together. “Well.” She looked down at her feet, and I wondered what she was so anxious about. “I was thinking you and I could go get a drink at The Brewhouse.”
She said the words in a rush, so quickly I almost couldn’t understand them. I blinked, taking in her proposition. Father was still at Arcane Creatures Emporium. He was hosting open play tonight for any residents who wanted to come and meet the animals. I looked across the street as he bustled around the shop, arms full of the invisible cats.
He didn’t need me for anything. Meanwhile, poor Layla shifted from foot to foot, looking so anxious I couldn’t help but say yes.
Her face brightened after I gave my answer. “Really?”
“Why not?” I shrugged. “I just finished the sealing spell you created. Brilliant, by the way. Do you want to go now?”
“That sounds perfect.” She offered me her arm, and I linked mine through it as we walked on the dirt road that wove through the town. Businesses dotted both sides of the road sporadically and grassy fields spread out around all the buildings. Flower pots sat outside many of the businesses, beautiful shades of pink, purple, and red geraniums sprouting from them.
“Do you want to take the riverwalk?” I asked.
Layla nodded as we veered between two of the buildings toward a dirt road that ran along the river.
The river bubbled, flowing over rocks in a gentle motion. From here I could see fish darting through the clear water. The walkway curved up ahead, giving a glorious view of the waterfall that fed into it. Big clusters of rock jutted upward on either side of the waterfall. It was a lovely walk, though the river itself could be dangerous, too rough for swimming.
The road curved away from the river and ran alongside Thistlegrove Forest. Tall, thick trunks shot into the air, branches full of dark and light green leaves. We kept walking along the road until we came to the back entrance of The Brewhouse, a wooden structure with a forest-green roof.
Music floated through the air, and I stiffened right outside the door. Not just any music. Riven’s music. He must have been playing tonight. Maybe a favor to the owner, Draven, who was his good friend.
“What’s wrong?” Layla stood at the door, holding it open. “Are you not feeling well?”
I cleared my throat and strode forward. “No, don’t be silly. I’m feeling fine.”
