Page 19 of Hexed & Hazy

“Oh, really?” She chuckles and pulls her hands away.

Whatever it is—her magic, her touch—fades. She cups water in her hands and pours it over my chest, continuing her enchantment. She pours it over my head next, the water dripping down my hair.

“Um… yeah, I think so.”

“I’m not so sure. Open your eyes, please.”

My eyes flicker open. The room is glowing around me, candles flickering from their resting spots.

And Rowan… she’s close. Her pupils are dilated in the dim light, and she looks at me like I matter, concern etched over her features. The glow of candlelight washes over her fair pink skin, revealing the golden undertones in her hair.

I swallow thickly. “What’s wrong?”

“The water should change colors if it’s working. But it’s not.”

Sure enough, it’s the same clear color it was when I stepped in, just slightly yellow from the herbs.

Again, Rowan won’t look at me, staring at her oil-covered hands instead. “I thought this would work. Juniper made it sound like… well, I suppose I shouldn’t shift the blame. I’m sorry.”

“Hey.” I take her hands in mine, squeezing tightly. “This was step one. So what if it doesn’t work? That just means I get to spend more time with you.”

She rolls her eyes, fighting off a smile. “Stop it.”

“I mean it.” I rub my thumb against the back of her hand. “Thank you for trying.”

“I-it was nothing.”

I drop her hand, and when she stands up, I follow suit. The water pools around my calves, and Rowan’s gaze moves lower… lower…

Her lips part, and I look down. The flimsy fabric clings to my hard bulge. Even the cool air in the room can’t take care of the problem.

I swiftly cover up with my hand, and she turns away.

“I’ll get you a towel,” she says evenly.

“Um… yeah. Cool. Thanks.”

Chapter 7

Rowan

Seth needs to put some clothes on.

He’s sitting in my room with just a towel wrapped around his waist, and—we probably should have thought about this before, but it’s too late. I won’t make him wear dirty clothes after bathing. Unfathomable.

So, he’s in my room. Practically naked. On my bed.

I’ll never be able to get the vision out of my head—his large biceps, broad shoulders, chiseled chest, and the V-shape that disappears beneath the towel. He’s all lean muscles, and while I’ve seen his chest before during trips to the lake, it’s different to witness him in my bed.

Luckily for us, he lives nearby.

I shove my frozen fingers into my pockets and shuffle across the street, desperate for a moment alone and a bit of fresh air.

I’ve seen way too much of him tonight, and though I pride myself on having impressive sovereignty over my mind, it’s wandering without permission. It’s an unfamiliar sensation, really, being this out of control.

I bounce on the balls of my feet and knock on the door, waiting for Liezel to answer.

She’s surprisingly swift, all things considered. The door swings open as she greets me with a bright smile. “Ro! What are you doing here?”