Page 162 of Flirty Fall Fling

“I don’t know what she wants right now,” I admit. “I left without an explanation to keep my promise that the fling would end on November first.”

He glares at me like I’m a moron.

“When the fling ends, the relationship can begin,” I tell him.

“Don’t be a doofus,” he says, standing shoulder to shoulder with me as we watch people walking around Central Park. “So, what’s your plan?”

“I don’t know.” I sigh.

“I do.” He refills his glass and pushes mine toward me. “Take the house on the ridge. I’ve never seen you happier than I did when I visited. Look at you,” he says. “You’re fucking miserable here.”

“Let me buy it from you,” I offer.

“Please. I have plenty of money. I’d rather you owe me for life,” he says with a laugh. “I get to visit without notice whenever I want.”

I stare at my brother, sipping the champagne. “You’re serious.”

“Yes. You only find love like that once in a lifetime.”

Laughter falls from me, and I wrap my arm around him as a chill runs up my spine.

“What do I do about this place?”

“Keep it. Rent it. Who gives a shit? Worry about it later.”

Excitement rolls through me. “I guess I’m moving.”

“Yes, you are. Get to packing.”

He helps me pack a few of my bags and skiing gear and promises to let me know if Blaire calls him. I buy a new phone and try calling her myself, but there’s still no answer.

As the sun begins to fade, I stare out the window at the city lights glittering. I think about Blaire and how after I take care of a few things here in the morning, I’ll be back in Pine Haven.

I can’t wait to see her again. She’ll never expect it.

37

BLAIRE

Idrink two terrible cups of hotel coffee, and they nearly take me out. I might give up coffee for life after that monstrosity. Outside the window is the city, and it’s louder than I imagined it would be. I have not had the best time so far, but I’m trying to stay positive because it’s the Witches’ New Year.

Yesterday, between my rideshare and the hotel, I lost my phone. I don’t know anyone’s phone number other than my parents’, and they answer unknown numbers as much as I do. They don’t.

I sit on the edge of the hotel bed and then remember Charmed Cauldron. Shit.

I dial the number, and Winter answers.

“It’s a charming day at Charmed Cauldron. How can I help you?”

“Winter. Oh, my goodness. It’s me!” I almost burst into tears. I’m so happy.

“Blaire! Where are you? You went dark. Josie has been threatening to fly out there with a search party.”

“I lost my phone! I don’t know anyone’s number. I’m calling you from the hotel phone like it’s 1985. I’m going to buy a burner phone until I can get back home.”

“Write my number down right now,” she orders before giving it to me.

I dig the hotel pen from the nightstand and scribble it on my palm. That’s when I see the scar across my palm. I wonder where Jamie is.