by Cindy Stark
A soft caress touched her cheek, and she paused to smile. Clarabelle was there, letting her know she approved of Hazel’s service.
Mr. Kitty watched her from a sunny spot across the lawn, his eyes droopy with sleep. Maybe later, she’d stretch out on the grass and nap with him. She doubted anyone would enter the property and catch her back there.
Two weeks had passed since the whole incident. She hadn’t seen nor heard from Peter. She hoped that meant he’d leave her in peace. It would take her a long while to get over him, but they’d never been meant for each other, and one day, she’d find a way to be happy again.
Of course, her heart didn’t believe that, but she’d have to rely on her brains for a while.
If she ever was lucky enough to own this place, she’d need to hire Charlie again to help her with the overgrown trees and shrubs. Or maybe she’d leave it. She kind of liked the wildness of it.
Mr. Kitty’s sudden dash into the trees startled her, and she whipped around, alert for danger.
Peter stood not far from her, near the edge of the property that butted up against the magical grove of trees with his hands buried deep in the pockets of his jeans. She got to her feet, putting her in a less vulnerable position. They both stared for several long moments. Hazel opened her senses, looking for malice or any other hint as to Peter’s intentions.
Nothing.
Her heart pulsed in sickening thumps. “Are you here to arrest me? To turn me in for being a witch?”
He shook his head but didn’t speak.
She swallowed. “Then why are you here?”
He shrugged.
Another bout of silence stretched between them. Her heart begged her to make amends while her mind argued it was a lost cause. “I never wanted to lie to you.”
His stoic expression didn’t change. “Then why did you?”
Her composure broke. “Because of this town, the way everyone is against witches, including you. I wanted to be here, to learn more about my heritage and what happened so long ago, but people wouldn’t let me. Not if they knew.”
After several long seconds, he gave a quick nod. “Just so you know, at the end of Glenys’ questioning before the feds sedated her, she called out you and many others, labeling you as the damned.”
Hazel inhaled. For all she knew, someone could be plotting against her right now.
“I don’t think anyone believed her,” he continued. “She named too many people and was out of her mind with rage. The men who took her said it was unlikely she’d be fit for trial. She’ll end up in a mental institution.”
For witches.
“How many people?” she asked quietly. She’d like to know who amongst the town might be an ally.
He gave a dubious snort. “I think you already know.”
“I don’t, though. I’m new here, remember? Besides Belinda and Glenys, I only know of one other person.”
He shook his head, dismissing her question. “Others can tell you. I’m not one to speculate and spread rumors.”
Of course. As police chief, he wouldn’t. He was right though. She’d hear it from others.
She accepted his statement with a nod. “Did she say why she killed Belinda? I’ve only been able to guess at it. And what about Grant? Did she murder him, too?”
“Whatever you did to her made her spill everything. I wish all suspects were so forthcoming.”
If he’d truly let her, she might be able to help him with that. But then that would put him in danger, too.
He kicked at a clod of dirt on the grass. “Glenys had thought Belinda had the potential and lineage to be more powerful than her. Supposedly a descendant of one of the original four. If she couldn’t lie, then I suppose that was true.”
A shiver raced over Hazel. “Did she say which one?”
His gaze hardened. “No, and I didn’t ask.”
She nodded solemnly. “Of course.” He wouldn’t want to know.
“She gloated about hatching what should have been the perfect murder that would take out two foes at once, Belinda and Timothy. She probably would have gotten away with it if not for you.”
Hazel wanted to feel proud of that, but she only felt sick. “I wasn’t trying to take her down. I just wanted to find Belinda’s killer and help Cora with closure.”
“I guess you can’t help but be a good detective. Did you use a scrying mirror or something similar?”
Hazel frowned. “No. I don’t own such a thing.”
“Then how did you figure it out?”
She shrugged, trying not to feel insulted. “Same way you would have, by following the clues and asking questions.”
He seemed doubtful, and it broke her heart that she’d lost his trust. But what could she expect. She’d have to settle with being grateful he wouldn’t persecute her.
“Thanks for the heads-up that she named me. I appreciate it.” Though in his eyes, she probably didn’t deserve it. Maybe it was a parting gift for what would never be.
She focused on the garden and blinked rapidly, willing her tears to remain hidden. She knelt and buried her hand-shovel to the hilt into the rich dirt, letting him know she was finished with their conversation. There was no need to continue. They would go on with their lives, and she would do her best to survive this.
“Hazel.”
She glanced up, surprised to find him walking toward her. “I thought you were leaving.”
He clenched his jaw. “Is that what you want? You want me to leave and pretend there was never anything between us?”
Tears slipped from her eyes. “No, of course not. But I can’t picture any scenario where you’d want to stay.”
He held out a hand. She accepted it, and he pulled her to her feet. “My feelings don’t turn off like that. Trust me, I’ve tried.”
“I wouldn’t blame you if you did.”
“Yeah? Well, it’s not that easy. Whatever was between us felt real. At least to me.”
She pulled off her garden gloves and let them fall to the ground. “For me, too. But it could never work. Not when you don’t believe witches should live here. I should never have let you kiss me that first time.”
“Are you serious?”
“If I hadn’t, I wouldn’t be hurting you this way.” She placed a hand over her chest. “I literally feel it right here, and I hate myself for doing that to you.”
He glanced at her hand and then to her face. His beautiful green eyes bored into hers for a very long time. “Are you planning to leave Stonebridge?”
She shook her head. “I probably should for safety reasons, but I’ve already put earnest money down on this house. I want to buy it and live here.” She swore she could hear his heart thundering in sync with hers.
“If you stay, you’ll have me and my department working to keep you safe.”
The spark of hope he gave her exploded. “But I’m a witch.”
“Trust me. I’m well aware of that fact.”
She wanted to reach out to him, to touch his cheek, but she didn’t dare. “Are you asking me to stay?”
“Yes, Hazel,” he said without hesitation. “I’m asking you to stay. I don’t know how we’ll make things work, but you’re in my heart, and I don’t want to think of a future without you.”
He opened his arms.
“Then I’ll stay.” She stepped into his embrace, burying her face against his neck. The scent of his cologne and the sound of his heart would always feel like home to her.
She had no idea how they’d make things work, but she knew she wanted to try. “I should warn you. One of my ancestors haunts this house. She can get a little moody at times, but she’s nice.”
A low chuckle rumbled from his chest. “You mean Clarabelle? Don’t worry. She likes me.”
Bewildered, she leaned back to look into his eyes.
“What?” he shrugged. “It’s a police chief’s duty to keep an eye on things. I’ve had to chase kids off this property more than a few times. She’s let me know s
he’s grateful.”
Hazel gave a soft snort of amazement. “You should probably kiss me before I start thinking about this too much and my head explodes.”
His smile deepened, putting her world back into alignment. “I’m under your spell. How could I refuse?”
His lips captured hers in a heart-melting kiss, and for a moment, she had no worries what tomorrow would bring. Everything that mattered was right here, right now.
****
If you enjoyed reading this book, the greatest gift you can give me is to leave a review at Amazon or Goodreads and tell a friend. It helps others find stories they might love and helps me to continue pursuing this crazy writing career.
Thank you and happy reading,
Cindy
****
Click here to pre-order Book 4: FOUR WARNED
Book List
TEAS & TEMPTATIONS COZY MYSTERIES (PG-Rated Fun):
Once Wicked
Twice Hexed
Three Times Charmed
Four Warned
BLACKWATER CANYON RANCH (Western Sexy Romance):
Caleb
Oliver
Justin
Piper
Jesse
ASPEN SERIES (Small Town Sexy Romance):
Wounded (Prequel)
Relentless
Lawless
Cowboys and Angels
Come Back To Me
Surrender
Reckless
Tempted
Crazy One More Time
I’m With You
Breathless
PINECONE VALLEY (Small Town Sexy Romance):
Love Me Again
Love Me Always
RETRIBUTION NOVELS (Sexy Romantic Suspense):
Branded
Hunted
Banished
Hijacked
Betrayed
ARGENT SPRINGS (Small Town Sexy Romance):
Whispers
Secrets
OTHER TITLES:
Moonlight and Margaritas
Sweet Vengeance
About the Author
Award-winning author Cindy Stark lives with her family and a sweet Border Collie in a small town shadowed by the Rocky Mountains. She writes fun, witch cozy mysteries, emotional romantic suspense, and sexy contemporary romance. She loves to hear from readers!
Connect with her online at:
http://www.CindyStark.com
http://facebook.com/CindyStark19
https://www.amazon.com/Cindy-Stark/e/B008FT394W
