Page 30 of Charmed, I'm Sure

Miles stretches beside me on the bench. We are staring at the Giant Pumpkin again, a full-circle moment. The leaves fall in soft waves, giving a disgustingly perfect fall moment that should be in a movie for the couple’s first kiss. I look over at him, his soft smile spread across his face, his thick black hair is tasseled, and his entire body is relaxed.

“That wasn’t so bad, was it Trouble?”

“Mm-hm.” I tuck the notebook into my bag and start walking toward Curious & Curses. “Thanks for your helptoday. I guess I’ll see you around.”

“Wait, where are you going?”

“Anywhere but here,” I mumble as I walk back towards my shop and its peaceful serenity.

Miles falls into step beside me. “What do you have to work on now?”

I heave a sigh. “Well, since I spent the entire day strolling around town with you, I have several spells I need to make up.”

“Yeah? I can’t wait to see you work.”

I come to an abrupt stop, turning to face him. “Don’t you have something to do? Someone else to follow around?”

“Nope,” he says with a pop of the p.

I pull my shoulders up to my ears and storm off down the pathway. I was hoping for some alone time, like I’m used to, not more time with Dog Boy.

“So what kinds of spells do you normally make?” he asks as if I’m not a fuming teapot.

“I was really hoping for some alone time. Fewer distractions.”

He lets out a chuckle. “Too bad,” he says cheerfully. “I told Elora I’m sticking with you for the rest of the day.”

I whip around to face him as he abruptly stops with his eyes wide, holding his hands up in surrender.

“Youwhat?”

“She seemed really happy about it. Said something about fate and really encouraged me to push past your boundaries.” He shrugs. “Guess that means we’re officially partners until Samhain is over. Expect me to be with you every day for the next week, at least.”

I stare at him, willing him to vanish. He just grins back, and the toad blinks from Nyx’s back like it’s in on the joke.

Nyx smirks.“Told you he wasn’t going anywhere. Should have hexed him into a toad before this guy showed up.”

Toad croaks in agreement.Great.

“Perfect,” I mutter, unlocking my shop door. “My nightmare continues.”

Miles bows at the waist. “See you bright and early tomorrow, Trouble.”

Chapter Eleven

I Have My Checklist Ready

Miles

Today, I wake up with a purpose and a plan. Bellamy didn't seem to hate me as much yesterday when we were doing the scavenger hunt. I mean she didn’t even hex me once yesterday which is…progress. Also, she touched me…on her own. I don’t want to get too excited, but something tells me that we are onto something here.

Sunlight filters through the window as a warm fall day should. It’s screaming at me to come out and enjoy it. I stretch like a man on a mission—which technically; I am. I’ve got a checklist, a plan, and a witch who hasn’t hexed me today. Yet.

Rubbing my eyes, I go to reach over to my nightstand until I realize that something is on my chest. Something warm and jiggly. Blinking my eyes, I realize Toad is sitting on my chest with the same bored, judgmental expression he was sporting all day yesterday.

His beady black eyes seem to stare into my soul, as if he is weighing my sins. Not great. I didn’t realize that my wish would backfire this spectacularly.

“Okay,” I mumble, as I throw the blanket back. “You’re still here. That’s…great. Permanent frog familiar for the win! Love that for me.”