Page 37 of Hexed & Hazy

Am I interested in David? And since when is he interested in me?

I’ve never considered it. I’m busy breaking a hex for… for the man I’m in love with. Not that I particularly want to be in love with Seth. Even without the hex, I don’t have time for love. And what are the chances that David’s interest is solely to make Seth feel bad? The last thing I want is to be used that way.

It’s all too twisted.

Seth returns, all smiles, likely unaware of whatever transpired while he was gone. I’m still wrapping my head around it myself. David takes the beer from him and thanks him.

“Well.” I clear my throat and sit up straighter. “I’ll get to the point⁠—”

“Trying to get rid of me already?” David asks.

I think I’m blushing again. “No. Not that.”

He chuckles. “Go on.”

Seth watches us, and I get the feeling he knows what’s happening—even though I can still hardly believe what’s happening. David is flirting with me, and Seth must know. His eyes dart between us, narrowing ever so slightly. I know Seth, as annoying and impossible as he may be, and I believe he knows me as well. Too well.

“Someone hexed Seth to give him bad luck in love,” I intone. “We’re speaking to the witches he’s dated to see who it was.”

“Ro,” Seth whispers harshly. “I know he said to be blunt, but Jesus⁠—”

“That’s what he wants.” I don’t look away from David. “Right?”

“Right.” David leans in, never looking away from me. “And I’ll be blunt right back. I have no clue what you’re talking about, but I don’t cast hexes, and my mom would kill me for casting one this petty.”

He drinks his beer as I speak.

“But your relationship didn’t end on a pleasant note. Is there any possibility it was an accidental, intention-based hex?”

“Nope.” David shrugs. “I got my feelings hurt, sure, but Seth let me know what was up from day one. Friends with benefits. My fault for hoping it would be more. I’m a big boy.”

Seth relaxes next to me, his shoulders slumping.

“There’s no curing commitment issues.” David continues to rant, his fingers making marks in the condensation on his glass. “I don’t blame myself either. It is what it is. Onto better things for both of us, right?”

If anyone else were to say those words, I would think they’re coping, but there’s genuine confidence in him and…

He’s looking right at me.

“I—” Seth looks between us, shaking his head. “Right. Well, thanks for not hexing me, I guess.”

I set my glass down with a thud. “Seth.”

“I’m trying.” He looks at Dave. “Rowan told me I need better apologies.”

“That wasn’t an apology at all,” I mutter.

David laughs, throwing his head back. “I don’t need an apology. I mean it. No hard feelings.”

I exchange a look with Seth, who nods subtly—he trusts him. David wasn’t the one who hexed him, either.

“All right…” I cross his name off my mental list.

My hope is wavering. There’s only one more witch to go, and we’re no closer to solving this.

And of course, I saved the worst for last. I would rather have three more awkward encounters with David than face Scarlet Moreau just one time.

“But I meant what I said.” Dave lowers his voice and leans in closer. “I’d like to see you again—not like this—if you have time. I know you’re a busy witch.”