Page 11 of Untraced Magic (Cutters Cove Witches #1)

A nervous laugh escaped my lips. “Was my dancing that bad?”

For the first time since Tyler sat down, his heavy stare held mine. Shit, he was serious. “Things are just complicated,” he continued.

I couldn’t read him, his voice hollow and void of emotion.

“It was just a dance. Don’t make this into something it’s not,” I said carefully, trying to defuse the awkwardness between us.

He remained silent, which only served to frustrate me further.

“Honestly, it’s not like we kissed. It was nothing,” I added.

But that was a lie. I’d slipped my fingers between my thighs at the thought of him last night when he’d left. Not that he needed to know that .

No, to him, all this needed to be was simple, a casual flirt.

His irises stirred as if sensing the falsehoods on my tongue. As if he knew every way my body reacted to his presence. Heat stroked my spine as his eyes dropped to my lips and for a moment, I thought he might actually kiss me, before they swerved away.

Tyler ran his hands through his disheveled hair, then without warning stood up.

He rubbed the side of his neck in what looked like frustration. Clearing his throat, he said gruffly, “I should go.”

His jaw set tight as he turned away from me, running in the opposite direction.

I pulled myself to my feet, unable to comprehend the conversation.

Did that seriously just happen?

I’d never let a man get under my skin before. Not like this. But Tyler had somehow squashed that theory and slapped giant red tape right on it.

I needed to get my shit together.

***

That evening, I made my way up the street towards Jinxed on Skye’s recommendation, reaching the bar just as a drizzle of rain started to fall. A line snaked its way around the entrance to the bar and into the parking lot, where scantily-clad women braved the elements awaiting entry .

I approached the front of the line, where the same security guard stood at the entrance.

“Hey, I’m hoping to speak with Reid about a job.”

The guard gave me a once over, my clothing obviously not here for a night out.

“The name’s Eaden,” he said, shaking my hand and nodding toward the door. “Go on in. Reid’s on the bar.”

The moment my foot pressed onto the familiar carpet, my heart stammered.

There was a strange buzz about the place tonight.

Behind the bar, Reid took drink orders as fast as he could pour them, with the line around the bar already a few people deep—all of which looking more impatient by the second. He caught my eye, lifting his chin.

“Do you need a hand?” I called over, leaning around the edge of the bar.

I laughed inwardly as he eyed my standard black jeans and jacket, weighing up his options. I folded my arms. Reid was in the shit, and we both knew it.

As he poured a beer, I noted the tattoos covering his lower arm under his long-sleeve black tee.

He raised a brow. “You done this before?”

“I need a job and you need help. And yes, I’ve done this before.”

He mulled it over for a moment. “One night,” he said with a nod. “If you impress me, you may get a job.”

I smiled and swung around the side of the bar, dumping my bag and jacket into a vacant space .

He watched me with interest as I took in my surroundings. Glasses, cash register, fridge, top shelf. Typical digs.

I nodded. “Don’t worry,” I said confidently. “I’ve got this.”

***

As the clock neared 8 p.m., most people retreated to their groups to mingle and dance, allowing us room to breathe for the time being.

Reid eyed me as he dried a glass. “You turned up at the right time. I was getting slammed.”

I laughed, leaning against the bar to observe those on the dance floor. “You think?”

He grinned the signature Reid smile I had become used to seeing. I bet he got all the women on that merit alone.

“Usually when we hit a lull, I like to get someone taking orders from the booths. Get to know the locals if you can.”

I nodded in understanding before Reid’s gaze hardened, focused on someone approaching the bar.

“We meet again. You never did tell me your name?”

I turned towards the voice that sounded vaguely familiar, wondering if the words were directed at Reid or myself.

To my surprise, against the other side of the bar leaned the guy I’d been dancing with on opening night. His dark features emphasized by the black jacket he donned this evening.

I tried to recall his name. “Jett, right?”

His eyes gleamed with that same intensity I remembered as he swirled the ice in his empty glass .

“That’s correct. And you are?”

He cocked his head to the side, curiosity twisting his gaze. “I’m Morgan,” I replied, leaning over the bar to shake his hand.

He captured my palm in his, holding it to his lips, his touch cool like he’d just come from outside.

His irises sparkled, even in the dimly lit bar. “It’s nice to officially meet you. I haven’t seen you around before, aside from the other evening… Are you new to town?”

“You ask a lot of questions, don’t you?” I countered, unease curling my stomach.

His lips turned upwards at my comment, shifting in closer.

“Only to the women that intrigue me.” His eyes fell to my lips, then traveled back up again. “Now, are you going to take my order or not?”

Two could play this game.

“You never said please,” I bantered with a shrug.

He shook his head with visible amusement.

“Could you be so kind as to pour me another whiskey please ? I like it on the rocks.”

He had a seductive allure to him that put me on edge, and I was acutely aware of his roaming eyes as he watched me pour his drink. I handed it over to him, and they never left mine as he brought it to his crimson lips, taking a slow drink.

He set the glass back on the bar. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. So, how long have you lived in Cutters Cove?” I asked .

“Lived?” A light laugh left him. “You ask a lot of questions, don’t you?”

I should have seen that one coming.

I used his own line on him. “Only to the ones that intrigue me.”

He tipped his head back with subtle laughter, his gaze snatching mine once more. A dizziness fogged my thoughts, and I grabbed at the side of the bar.

“Morgan?” came Jett’s voice from further than I remembered him sitting.

The room suddenly drifted as in slow motion. A blur. I blinked, clearing the haze.

I shook my head. “Yeah, sorry, I’m good.”

What was up with this bar tonight?