Page 39 of Blood Sugar

I cringed at the awkward exchange, sensing something was going on between Marigold and Lucian, and I hoped Rowen would fill me in on it later.

“Will do. Have a good night,” the tea shop owner said, waving us off.

As we walked out, Rowen wrapped an arm around my shoulders, pulling me against him. The sudden move surprised me, and I stiffened, glancing back nervously to see Marigold watching us with her arms crossed and one eyebrow raised.

Rowen was making it seem like we were a couple, and while we had spent the night together, I didn’t consider him my boyfriend or anything. We were just two adults spending time together.

“So, what was up with that?” I whispered as the front door of the tea shop closed behind us.

“What?”

“That—the awkwardness, them,” I tried to clarify.

“Oh,” Rowen chuckled. “Marigold and Lucian used to date. I’m surprised she hired him, but it’s none of my business.”

Laughing lightly, I wrapped my hands around his arm, leaning into him. “Thank you for telling me. I feel like everyone in this town knows each other, except me, and it’s nice to feel like I’m on the inside of the circle for once.”

Turning, Rowen kissed my forehead. “I’ll tell you everyone’s business, if you like.”

“Maybe not everyone’s,” I said with a sheepish grin.

“Anything you want to know, just ask. Alright, next is Evie.”

“Evie?”

My mouth fell open as we walked up to the bed and breakfast. I’d admired the place every time I drove past, imagining what it might be like to stay there instead of the shady motel outside of town, but there was no way I could afford something this nice.

Gingerbread trim covered the eaves and surrounded the windows and door, all painted a raspberry color, with ivory accents. It looked like a storybook.

A petite blonde witch answered the front door. “Oh good, you’re here. Thank you so much!”

We slipped past her into the entryway.

“Oh, who is this?” she asked.

“Evie, this is Sadie,” Rowen said, his free arm settling over my shoulders and tucking me into his side.

A blush crawled up my neck.

“Sadie,” Evie repeated, a look of surprise on her face similar to the one Marigold had worn.

“You have a beautiful bed and breakfast here,” I said.

“Thank you. Here, I’ll take those,” Evie said, trying to take the boxes from Rowen. He refused, carrying them into the kitchen for her.

Momentarily left on my own, I admired the beautiful decor. From the charming millwork to the antique furniture, it was one of the nicest spaces I’d ever been in.

“Feel like home?” Rowen asked, returning to my side with empty hands.

“Not exactly,” I said, canting my head. “Not sure I’ve ever been somewhere so classy before.” His brows furrowed, as if he didn’t believe me. This was the last topic I wanted to discuss. “Come on, I’m sure we’ve got a lot to do tonight.”

“Bye, you two,” Evie said, a mischievous smile on her face.

“What did you tell her?” I asked, frowning at Rowen as we walked down the front steps.

“Nothing. Well, she asked about you, and I was honest.”

“Honest? Like what, you told her you made me come this morning just by letting me rub myself all over you while I bit you?” I hissed, blushing harder when I heard my own words.