The Dirty Coven
Page 20
“How come I only have magic here?”
He felt helpless. “I don’t know that you do. I think it’s more likely you’ve always had magic and it’s just now pushing to the forefront because there are so many other magical beings around.”
She stilled, something occurring to her. “Are you magical?”
He smirked at the way she asked the question. “Are you asking me if I’m a witch?”
“No. I just ... you said there are a lot of magical beings around. Are you one of them?”
“My grandfather was a shaman. I know that. I don’t have any magical abilities, though. I’m just a normal man.”
“I think you’re more than that. I think you’re something special.”
The words warmed him. “Well, we’ll talk more about that when the time is right. For now, it’s important that you know Boone is writing up what happened to Leanne as an accident. The report will say that something hit her in the head during the storm. Your name won’t be anywhere near it. Since we believe that she poisoned Kip and Jordan before killing them – and hope the autopsies will prove that – it should be open and shut.”
“I guess he can’t include paranormal stuff in his police reports, huh? That makes sense.”
“The only people who know what really happened are Boone, me, and you. He didn’t even tell his other deputies who were on the premises. You’re safe.”
“I still killed someone.”
“You protected yourself. I’m never going to believe you’re a bad person because of that.”
“I guess.” She let loose a sigh and closed her eyes. She didn’t make a move to pull away from Cooper and he didn’t appear keen to increase the distance. For now, they were both content to sit as they were, wrapped around one another. “Do we know why Leanne killed Kip and Jordan? I mean ... did she at least have a reason?”
“According to Astra, she needed blood and tears from two men she’d been intimate with. It was for a love potion she wanted to use on Tyler.”
“Why?” Cooper waited for her to catch up, and when she did, she was horrified. “That is disgusting.”
“I couldn’t agree more. I haven’t told him yet, by the way. I’m going to have to and I’m not looking forward to it.”
“I’ll bet he’ll be disgusted, too.”
“He’s likely to feel guilty about two men dying because Leanne was obsessed with him. I’ll have to talk him down.”
“Is that what you’re doing? Talking me down, I mean.”
“I don’t know. Is it working?”
“I feel a little better.”
“Will you feel a lot better if I tell you Tyler is out buying that Chinese I promised you earlier?”
She was taken aback. “You’re still spending the night?”
“On the couch.” He wasn’t ready for anything else. Neither was she. They had plenty of time to figure things out. There was no rush. “I figure I’ll stick close to make sure you’re okay. Just for tonight, though. Tomorrow you’re on your own.”
“The town opens again tomorrow, right?”
“Yup.”
“Then I guess that sounds about perfect.” She flashed a genuine smile. “Maybe I can try another job tomorrow.”
“And not wear your saloon dress? That’s sacrilege.”
“It might be worth a shot.”
“It’s up to you ... but I’m a big fan of the barmaid’s uniform.”
“I noticed,” she said dryly. “I think everyone noticed.”
He was uncomfortable with the way she looked at him so he cleared his throat and glanced around. “When is that Chinese going to get here? I’m starving.”
Hannah had to swallow her chuckle. He was as nervous as she was. The realization was comforting. This was something they could both muddle through together ... and at a slow pace. What more could she ask for?
The answer was nothing. Even though it had its fair share of problems, Casper Creek had a lot to offer. She was dying to find out all its secrets ... and learn to love the place rather than just live in it.
She was finally home. She felt that to her very bones.
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Acknowledgments
I’m a romantic at heart. A true romantic. I love the idea of a happy ending, so much so I have trouble writing a sad one. The world is sad enough. I like escaping in fiction. That’s just me. I like sarcasm and snark – but I’m not sure a sad ending is in me. If you’re looking for an edge like that, you’re probably looking in the wrong place. Just FYI.
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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the author, except for the inclusion of brief quotations in a review.
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> Lily Harper Hart, The Dirty Coven