Things I’ve never wanted to do toanyone.
Is he some sort of trap from hell? Is a former boss trying to get me to go back to the traditional shadow demon ways?
That isn’t me anymore, and I won’t let somemandestroy everything I’ve worked so hard to create—the life I’ve built for myself.
“Over here I have essential oils in rollerball form, so they're easy and mess-free to apply.” I gesture toward a shelf, leading him. “The oils are diluted to make them safe for the skin.”
He nods along, fixing those golden glasses frames as his eyes scan the shelf. “That’s convenient.”
“For energy levels, you’ll probably want peppermint, lemon, or sweet orange,” I say, pulling one ofeach off the shelf. “For creativity, lemon and sweet orange would also be my recommendation. If you want something separate, clary sage is also good.”
When I turn to look at him, the last rollerball in hand, his attention isn’t on the shelf or the items I’ve handed him—he’s staring at me.
His irises shift from side to side, showing the layers of blue even more clearly from such a close distance. It takes everything in me to pry my gaze away and look at the shelf.
“They are seven dollars each, and if you keep the original packaging, I do refills for three dollars.” I straighten my shoulders and dare to look back at him.
This time, his eyes are on the items as he turns them over in his hands. “I’ll take them.”
I blink at him. “All four?”
Enthusiastic newbies often get a variety of whatever they’re buying to try, so I shouldn’t be shocked. I can’t help but wonder what’s driven him to purchase from my store. Is it just a coincidence, or was it intentional?
He’s got to be hiding something.
“Yep.” He gives me a grin, and I swear I can see hints of pink in his cheeks. A telltale sign that he’s hiding something.
Narrowing my gaze, I turn on my heel and head back toward the counter. My tail whips behind me, winning the fight against my will to keep it still.
An idea pops into my head—I can see if he’s trouble.
I’ll give him some complimentary amethyst, maybe even a bracelet so he’ll always have it on. That is, if he’s a bracelet-wearing kind of man. Based on the necklacearound his neck, which has a key hanging against hismuchmore muscular than expected chest, I’ll take my chances.
“Here, since you’re just getting into this stuff, let me give you a freebie—to help you get acquainted with the other side of it.” I detour on my way to the till and snatch a bracelet from a display. “An amethyst bracelet goes perfectly with those.”
Setting the rollerballs on the counter, he watches my hands as I approach. I wait for his response. Will he want it? Will he decline? Will he be offended that I’m trying to give him a bracelet?
Instead, he asks a question. “What is amethyst good for?”
“Well…” I certainly can’t tell him the crystals will expose any ill intent he harbors. A little reframing is required. “It provides spiritual protection, shields against negativity, and calms the mind.”
Huh, maybeIshould put some amethyst under my pillow tonight. Then I might get a good night’s sleep.
With a smile, he takes it from me, instantly sliding it over his wrist. If he’s carrying any negative energy, or any ill intent toward the town or me, he should lose the drive for it soon enough. Or at least, some of the drive.
Lots of people think crystals don’tactuallybring benefits, but they do—they’re just not magical fixes like people expect them to be. The effects happen over time, and can be weak if it’s a poor-quality crystal.
Ringing up his total, I tell him, “Okay, so for the four of those, your total comes to $30.25.”
He pulls out his wallet, and at the sight of a card ofsome sort, I turn on the debit machine. As he pays, I pack the rollerballs into a little bag.
The machine beeps as it completes the transaction, and I hover my hand above my printer, place the receipt in the bag, then extend it toward him.
“Thank you for shopping at Tranquil.”
He takes it from me, our fingers grazing as he loops his through the handles.
The electricity I feel at the mere touch of his skin…I can’t let go of the bag fast enough. What the hell wasthat? And why is my heart beating so fast?
