Page 8 of Magic & Mochas (Tales of Love & Lore #1)
Chapter six
Cinnamon the young ladies sitting under The Hearthstone Diner’s patio umbrellas giggled and whispered behind their hands as we passed.
Though it had only been two days since we made our bargain, news of our “relationship” had already spread through town like a magical tidal wave.
And apparently, the residents of Willowmere were downright delighted.
Even my parents had caught wind of it. They were justifiably horrified, considering the reason I had moved back home in the first place, but once I explained the situation, they were both fairly understanding.
So far, the hardest part of this whole charade was getting used to Thorne’s presence. He tended to make about as much noise as a shadow, and kept popping up out of nowhere throughout the day. But after his initial hesitation, he had become much more confident with the public displays of affection.
I had also managed to convince Thorne to accompany me to the Moonlit Masquerade Ball as my partner. That hadn’t been easy, however, considering the shadowmancer seemed to be allergic to most forms of fun, and dancing in particular.
When we reached the door to The Broom another adjusted its height depending on yours.
The chairs were overstuffed, velvet-backed, and impossibly comfortable, as though they had been designed specifically for lingering conversations or curling up with a good book.
Soft paper lanterns, instead of fire-hazard candles, floated near the ceiling, gently drifting with the air currents, and casting warm gold and amber light across the room.
A few enchanted pumpkins—glowing softly in seasonal oranges and yellows—sat in the corners, murmuring cheerful greetings when we entered.
The fireplace now crackled with magical, smokeless fire, glowing in shades of red and gold, and warming the room with both heat and its peaceful ambiance.
“It’s really coming along.” Thorne moved to stand beside me.
I smiled happily. “Now I think I can start focusing on creating the menu.” I glanced at the bare shelves behind the counter. “Though I’m going to need to purchase some supplies first.”
“Hmm. If you’re going to add seasonal drinks, I think I’ve heard of a good place to get some pumpkins and cinnamon. Plus, it’s bound to be rather crowded this time of year—though I can’t say for certain, as I haven’t been before.”
I gaped at him. “You’ve never been to a pumpkin patch before?”
His expression shuttered. “Until recently, I never had the time.”
Keeping my curiosity in check, I opted not to pry, my mind flashing back to the scars I had seen on his chest. “In that case, I would be happy to give you the grand tour. The pumpkin patch is just outside of town, and owned by a dryad. It’s a little unusual, compared to those in the human world, but that only makes it more fun.
We can go together after I finish putting together Silas’ cat tree. ”
“Sounds like a plan.” The hint of a smile softened Thorne’s expression. “Your familiar wants…a cat tree?”
Silas hissed from his spot on one of the armchairs. You try being nearly sat on and see how you like it.
“He has an irrational fear of people’s rears after Rasmus accidentally sat on him. Hence he wants his own comfy spot all to himself,” I translated.
You didn’t have to tell him that part. Silas turned baleful eyes on me.
Your phrasing leaves much to be desired, I retorted.
With the utmost gravity, Thorne told Silas, “I agree that it is very important to have one’s own space. It helps reduce the urge to take a swipe at people who bother you.”
The cat’s tail flicked back and forth. See? He gets it.
Yes, yes. You’re both anti-social. I rolled my eyes. I’ll get to work.
I crooked my finger at the box that had arrived this morning via the pegasus mail service, and it obediently slid over to me. A small slicing spell and levitation charm later, and the box was open and all of the parts were floating in the air in front of me.
“Would you like some help?” Thorne offered.
“Are you sure?” I still wasn’t used to how freely he offered his help.
“I am.” He gave me a wink. “How hard could it be? Besides, the sooner we get this done, the sooner I get my tour.”
I laughed. “Alright then, let’s get to work!”
Two botched attempts and four cat treats later, we had finally assembled the cat tree. It was three stories of scratching posts, ramps, and cushy lounging spots, but so far, Silas was far more interested in the box it came in.
“Will you at least try it out?” I asked him, exasperated after all that effort.
Maybe later. He watched me through half-open eyes from his loafing position in the box.
I rolled my eyes.
“So? Does he like it?” Thorne folded his arms over his chest.
“He’s absolutely thrilled,” I deadpanned. Shaking my head, I said, “Why don’t we get ready to go to the pumpkin patch? Silas can explore it while we’re gone.”
“Then I will meet you there.”
I arrived a little late, since I had spent longer than I wanted to admit selecting an outfit from my limited wardrobe back home.
Why teenage me had worn nothing but short skirts and skinny jeans was now a complete mystery to me.
Eventually, I had picked out a lovely chestnut-colored maxi skirt and cream sweater to wear, with my favorite soft leather boots.
I looked around for Thorne’s distinctive silhouette, shading my eyes from the warm afternoon sunlight with my hand.
But although there were a handful of other people milling about near the entrance, I didn’t see him.
Perhaps he was waiting for me inside. I started strolling along the main dirt path, reminiscing about my previous visits here.
The pumpkin patch was owned and lovingly tended by Thistle, a soft-spoken dryad with hair like trailing willow leaves and skin the hue of autumn bark.
She spoke to her pumpkins in the old tongue of roots and rain, coaxing them to ripen in shades of dusky orange, moonlight white, and even the occasional pale lavender—kissed by her own unique enchantments.
When I was little, I had been absolutely fascinated by her magic, which was so different from my own.
But Thistle was a kind and patient spirit, and would answer every question I cared to come up with.
She took meticulous care of the property, which was obvious even at a glance. Winding vines stretched like lazy cats across the loamy soil, which was dotted with fat pumpkins beneath fan-like leaves. Unlike a regular pumpkin patch, the vines here prospered all year long.
Wooden archways draped in flowering ivy guided visitors along the winding footpaths, each marked with charming hand-carved signs: Cinderella Pumpkins , Fairy Lantern Gourds , Cider Hollow .
A gentle breeze always seems to carry the scent of cinnamon throughout the property, and hidden in the patch’s corners were quaint gazebos and fountains.
I had spent many a lazy afternoon reading in them, or tucked away in one of her cushioned swings.
“There you are.” Thorne’s low timbre echoed out from a shadowy archway.
“Don’t do that!” My heart leaped out of my chest for a moment as he emerged from the darkness, looking striking in long pants and a dark, collared shirt. I could have sworn there was no one there a moment ago. Wait, unless… “Were you hiding in the shadows?”
“An occupational perk.” His violet eyes skimmed over my outfit, and he took my hand, pressing a light kiss to the back of it. “You look lovely, by the way.”
I flushed. “Don’t change the subject.”
Thorne looked down, seemingly chagrined. “Sorry. It’s a habit. I promise I won’t scare you again.”
I noticed he hadn’t promised not to sulk in the shadows again, but I supposed I should be happy with the compromise. “Thank you. And for the compliment—you look dashing as well.”
Surprise flashed in his eyes. If he was that unused to compliments, I should make sure to slip them in more often.
“Thank you,” he said hesitantly, before clearing his throat and offering his arm. “So, where are we going first on our tour?”
“I thought we could start by picking out a few fresh pumpkins to use as decorations for the shop.” I slipped my arm through his, and started strolling down the path labeled, Fairy Lantern Gourds .
“More pumpkins?” His tone told me he thought we already had plenty in the shop.