Page 43 of Spellbound & Speechless (Witches of Starbrook #2)

ASPEN

“Turn to the side,” Mac says. “Just like that.”

I do as he asks, tilting my body in front of the floral wall in the boutique.

A soft violet gown is draped across my form. In the past, I would have worried about it clashing with my golden red hair, but I can’t be picky.

The dress isn’t for me, but I’m the only available model. It works out for me that my husband is one of the best photographers in the world.

He may specialize in nature, and he still takes plenty of pictures of birds and rocks, but he’s willing to get low and take a flattering photo of me occasionally. Having a husband is helpful in that way—and many, many other ways.

It’s a good thing we finished building our cabin last month. No one else has to hear me screaming about how good he is.

“Tilt your chin down.” He squats lower and peers into the viewfinder.

I listen again and look toward the camera as he takes another picture. I look away, and the camera flashes once more.

“Perfect. You want these online by tonight?”

“Yes, please!” I turn to rush to the dressing room, not wanting to sully the dress before someone else can buy it.

Before I can move an inch, Mac is at my side, his hands gripping my waist. “Where do you think you’re going?”

“Mac!” I burst into giggles.

“I need my payment.” His lips press to my neck, teeth grazing against my sensitive skin. “I don’t take photos for free, you know.”

“If you ruin this dress, you’ll have to pay me back—with interest!”

Laughter falls from his mouth as he lets go of me, and I turn, playfully pushing his chest.

“Sorry.” He grins. “I wanted to let you know how beautiful you look.”

“That’s inappropriate, sir.” I lift a brow. “Do you speak this way to all of your models? Seducing the lakes and trees now, are you?”

He rolls his eyes. “You’re ridiculous.”

“You started it.”

He bends down and kisses me softly, his lips brushing against mine. “I have a pack meeting in five minutes.”

“Then you shouldn’t start something you won’t finish, him?” I drag a finger down his chest. “I’ll see you tonight.”

“You will.”

The bell above the door rings as someone enters the shop, and Mac pulls away from me. It’s easy for him to shift into professionalism, giving the shopper a slight nod as he slips outside.

I smile at the woman—not a local, at least not one I recognize. There were a few newcomers when I first returned to Starbrook, but now I know everyone. I’ve never seen her before.

This is good! It means people outside of Starbrook are coming to my shop.

She stands taller than I am, nearly as tall as Mac, and just as strong. Her sleek, chestnut brown hair is cropped in a short, neat haircut. Dark wisps of hair frame her forehead like a crown.

It takes a moment to recover from her stunning beauty.

I get to help her with her fashion. Really? Me? She’s gorgeous! If I were bolder, I would ask her to be my new model.

“Welcome!” I lift the bottom of the dress and scamper closer. “Do you have an event you’re shopping for?”

“Oh, yes.” Her dark eyes scan the shop with interest. “It’s a first date. Do you have anything less formal?”

“We do! Formal wear is on that side, but over here”—I lead the way—“is where you can find my more casual designs. Do you know where you’re going yet?”

“Not yet.” She hums. “I’m thinking of dinner and a movie. Too cliché?”

“Not cliché at all. Classic .”

“Good. That’s exactly what I’m going for.”

NERISSA

I leave the shop with a little black dress in a brown paper bag. Our date hasn’t been planned yet, but it’s as good as done. The witch in the shop may be taken, but… most of her sisters aren’t.

We’ll gain what the Hawthorne witches took.

The corrupt witch failed, like the demon before her. That’s fine. It’s my turn, and I already know a lesson the hag did not. The love witch in the shop may agree with me on it, though I doubt we have anything else in common.

There’s no need to take things by force. Winning is always a matter of the heart.

TO BE CONTINUED…