Page 13 of Charmed, I'm Sure

“No, I didn’t hex your coffee. I don’t even like lattes. Or lavender. Or…you.”

He laughed, a sound that seemed to taunt me, as he leaned back, his legs tangling with hers. He knows I’m lying. I can tell by the way he’s looking at me. I’ll never admit it.

He lifts his hands behind his head, linking his fingers together. He is the picture of relaxation, while I’m spiraling inside.

From his spot on the booth next to me, Nyx turned his head, observing the interaction between us. He's probably thinking, "Why is she still here instead of turning Miles into a toad for his earlier remarks?" Me too, Nyx, me too.

“Well, I like all of those things. Especially you, Trouble.”

Gaw. I glare at him, slamming my hands down on the table as I push myself out of the booth. I never should have come in here. I came in here intending to ruin his morning, only for him to ruin another one of mine. I don’t look back as I push out of the cafe, heading a couple of doors down to my corner store. Nyx jogs lightly next to me as I move swiftly.

“He called you Trouble again.”

“I am trouble.”

“I know. Which is why he’s doomed.”

Chapter Six

Putting His Number on the Corkboard is Self-Care

Bellamy

Ever since I ran out of the coffee shop yesterday, Miles has been steadily sending a thread of text messages, all in hopes that I will respond to them. It started with the first message, you know the one that showed up as I was hiding from him. Yeah that one.

Unknown Number: Hey, this is weird but you seem to be avoiding me. I had to ask around until I found your sister. She gave me your number. Oh shit, this is Miles btw. You know in case you have a bunch of random dudes texting you.

That had been the message I saw him typing on his phone. The entire time that Clarissa was flirting her heart away, he was texting me for the first time. Speaking of, I do need to talk to mysisterabout not giving my number out to just anyone who asks for it.

My thumb swipes slowly across my screen as a smile spreads across my face. You have to give it to him, he is persistent. I’ve received no less than fifteen messages since that first one. They range from flirting to disorganized ramblings. All adorable, but I will never admit that to asingle soul. Count yourself lucky that you even know.

Dog Boy : So…does Hex & Harken have a loyalty program? Asking for someone who might be addicted to Trouble Lattes.

Dog Boy : Also, hi again. You know, in case you didn’t gather that from the other messages.

Dog Boy : Do you do curses for hire? Because I’m pretty sure my laundry pile has become sentient.

Dog Boy : I tried to recreate that sparkly coffee thing. My kitchen currently smells like burnt sugar and regret.

Dog Boy : Did you know the bakery sells ghost cupcakes? Like, haunted. They giggle. Not sure if that’s cute or a health code violation.

Okay, that I did know. But, it’s too funny reading through Miles exploring the town. He’s like a bumbling idiot who’s never come across anything magical. Where did he live before this?

Dog Boy : Ghost cupcake update: It winked at me. I think I’m being haunted by frosting.

I actually laughed at that one and Nyx cut his eyes at me. I started checking my surroundings before opening the text thread. I have an image to maintain and I can’t be giggling like a school girl with a crush while stirring my clients’ hex spell. Clearly.

Even though I haven’t responded to a single message, it hasn’t slowed him down one bit. Every few moments my phone will buzz with another incoming message.

Buzz. Buzz.

I look around to make sure that Nyx is asleep on his bed because I don’t need his judgy stares right now. I drop the last ingredient into the cauldron and grab the wooden spoon to stir it while I read whatever Miles has said now.

Swiping my phone open, I can’t help the smile that spreads across my face. I don’t think I’ve ever smiled this much in my life. What is happening to me?

Dog Boy: Did I just see a squirrel spring past with a tiny canvas bag? Like…full-on delivery mode. Is that normal here, or am I finally losing it?

I didn't respond, but yes, that was Chester, one of our mail squirrels. Fuckers are fast and efficent. But, if you don’t have a shiny object for them at least once a month, well…he’ll find out soon enough.