Page 20 of Hex Appeal

She grins.

“I do think we need to do something about candle safety, though.”

Her smile fades. “I have warning labels.”

“I know. Good ones. But people don't always read them.”

“Clearly.”

“I've been thinking about offering a fire-safety class. Maybe here, if you're interested.”

She eyes me. “You want to teach people how to safely burn my candles?”

“And other candles.”

“But mostly mine.”

“You seem to have a steady customer base as far as candles go in this town.”

“We could do that.” Her smile slowly returns. “No, I like it. I'm just trying to decide how much fun I could have marketing a candle class taught by the hot fire chief.”

I turn my head. She looks completely innocent. Too innocent.

“Hot?” I ask.

“Did I say hot?”

“You did.”

“Huh.”

“Serena.”

Thankfully—or unfortunately—Valerie returns. She sets a drink in front of each of us.

Mine is burgundy, served in a gold-rimmed coupe glass. A dried orange slice rests against the edge, along with a speared dark cherry and a sprig of rosemary.

I pick up the rosemary.

“What’s this?”

“It’s not a lizard tail,” Valerie says.

“I didn't think it was.”

“You looked suspicious.”

“I'm learning to be cautious around both of you.”

“Smart man.”

Serena picks up her own drink. It’s something pink and sparkling with what looks like little bits of dried leaves on top of it.

“What am I drinking?” I ask.

“She calls it the Spirit Guide.”

I take a cautious sip. And almost spit it out in shock. It's good. Really good.