Page 38 of Hexed & Hazy

“You’re busy too.” I clear my throat, all too aware of Seth watching. “How has your father been?”

“Still spry enough to work at the shop. Not sure he’ll ever let it go.”

“That’s good.” I bite my lower lip and look away. “And you have my number if you’d like to get in touch again. About… anything.”

Seth makes a choking sound.

“I do, and I will.” David lifts his beer and stands, tilting the drink toward us. “See you around.”

I watch him saunter to the other side of the tavern, and I turn to Seth. “I think that went well.”

“I’ve never seen you smile like that.” He leans closer the moment Dave is out of earshot—thank the gods for not giving witches stronger hearing. Seth would certainly embarrass me. “He was flirting with you.”

What’s the point in denying it? I lift a shoulder. “And?”

“And… are you going to date him?”

“I haven’t decided if I have the time for anything like that, especially not considering that he’s apparently looking for something serious. But I like him.”

“Like him, or like him?”

I roll my eyes. “Stop it. We’re not children anymore. And besides, there’s a chance he was only flirting with me to make you jealous.”

“I doubt it.” He crinkles his nose. “That would be a dick move. Dave isn’t a dick.”

“Perhaps not. Time will tell.”

He frowns and stares down at his drink. “I, um… I had something for you after this. But, like, if you want to go hang out with him⁠—”

“Seth. Stop.” I place a hand over his. It’s natural, thoughtless, but it sends my heart racing. “I have time. Whatever you want.”

Chapter 14

Seth

Dave likes Rowan. Huh.

Dave and I were never a romantic match—at least not from my side—and when he admitted his feelings, it kind of ruined our friendship. I tried not to let it get between us, but he was clearly awkward around me, and there was no fixing it. When he asked for space, I gave it to him.

It’s been half a year since we stopped talking, and he never tried to clear things up. As much as I miss hanging out with him, I don’t think I can be the one to start our friendship up again.

And based on our conversation, I don’t think he’d want me to.

Still, after everything, I thought my attraction to Dave was over. So why is jealousy gnawing at me when he smiles at her? Looks at her? Talks to her? When I think about him taking her out, there’s a pang in my chest, and I don’t know why.

I’ve never seen Rowan date anyone. She goes to every Starbrook event alone. That doesn’t mean she’s never dated, but I didn’t consider what this would be like.

Maybe they’d be good for each other. They’re both smart, hardworking witches. He makes her blush. He’s a good guy. And she’s good too—so good. Anyone would want to be with her. It’s not much of a surprise that he likes her. Or that she likes him.

But it’s a relief when she agrees to hang out with me, at least for tonight. There would be a big, useless mess for me to clean up otherwise.

“Where are you taking me?” she asks as we weave through the icy, quiet streets.

“Not far. Just to the park.”

I can tell her that without giving too much away. It’s cold enough that my fingers sting by the time we finally make it, and the tip of her nose is red. Rowan bounces on the balls of her feet, burying her hands in her jacket pockets as I lead her into the greenhouse.

We step inside, and the warmth from the heaters wraps around us. Flowers of every color fill giant pots, and the aroma is intoxicating.