Page 70 of Summer L.A.W.

“Why? What would he say?”

“It’s not what he’d say. It’s more his smug expression and the roll of his eyes I dread.

Sahara gazed down at the couple on the floor. “You two can lie there as long as you like, but I’m going to my suite to shower.”

“Make it quick,” Rayna said. “I came by for a reason.”

Magda rose shakily. “What? You didn’t sense your witch sisters in dire straits and come to rescue us?”

“Not originally.”

“Well, give us all a few minutes to shower and change,” Joell said. “We can meet in the library to discuss whatever’s on your mind.”

“Sebastian can use my shower,” Rayna offered.

“Thanks,” he said, “but the sooner I get out of here, the better. No offense.”

“Some taken,” Magda said, looking like she wanted to pout.

“You don’t have to get naked, if that’s what you’re worried about,” Sahara said, smirking. “Getting those chemicals off your clothes might be a good idea.”

“I’ll risk my SUV’s upholstery.” He struggled to his feet.

Magda’s face fell, doubting he would be coming back. Ever.

The library glowed with warm lamplight and the faint ginger scent of Crystal’s emergency cookies. The long, oval table had been cleared of notebooks and grimoires, replaced by mugs of tea, a plate of biscuits, and one very tense atmosphere.

Rayna paced in front of the fireplace like a general preparing to brief her troops, and the Army sweatshirt she’d thrown on did absolutely nothing to hide the agitation rolling off her.

Magda slipped into her chair, still mentally replaying Sebastian’s exit. Sahara sat beside her, smelling faintly of eucalyptus shampoo. Joell arrived last, smoothing her magically laundered blouse.

“All right,” Joell said, dropping into her seat. “We’re clean, we’re alive, and Magda’s not fused to a scientist anymore. Spill it, Rayna.”

Rayna stopped pacing. Her eyes flicked to each of them in turn.

“I… need advice.”

Three witches straightened. A request for advice from Rayna usually meant one of two things: Either a hex had gone sideways, or she had accidentally disappeared someone.

She wrung her hands. “Adam proposed.”

Silence. Thick, wide-eyed, incredulous silence.

Then Joell swallowed her gasp, resulting in a coughing fit.

Magda squeaked and slapped both hands over her mouth.

Sahara blinked once, then said, “Well, that explains the sweatshirt.”

Rayna groaned and collapsed into the nearest chair. “Don’t. Just don’t.”

“But congratulations!” Magda burst out. “Or condolences? Which one are we aiming for?”

“Neither,” Rayna said, dragging both hands down her face. “I haven’t answered him.”

Sahara cocked her head. “Rayna. Major Adam Payne—six feet of disciplined military dreamboat—got down on one knee, and you didn’t say yes?”

“I didn’t say anything!” Rayna cried. “I panicked. Completely. It was a full-body internal meltdown. One second, we were having breakfast, and the next, he was holding out a ring and looking at me like—” She shuddered. “Like I’m the only woman on earth.”