Page 64 of Hexed & Hazy

And I hate lying to a witch. It’s pointless. Each of us, whether or not we’re a divination witch, is too intuitive to be duped. And not only that, but he was friends with Seth. I have a feeling he knows him too well.

I sigh and give him a remorseful look, shaking my head. “You’re a great person, and I’m certain you’ll make a spectacular partner.”

“But not for you?”

“If only it could have worked out that way.”

I glance at Seth’s home thoughtlessly. The lights are still on.

“I get it,” he says. “I got it from the start, but I had to shoot my shot. You have feelings for him after all, don’t you?”

“I’m afraid I do.” I lift my shoulders. It’s getting easier to say. “I’m sorry for not telling you the truth in the beginning. It’s something I never admitted to anyone, and I truly didn’t want to hurt you⁠—”

“You didn’t. I appreciate the honesty, and we still had a good night.” He holds out a hand. “Friends, yeah?”

I take his hand, shaking it firmly. “Friends.”

There’s something more that flickers behind his eye—something soft. Concern. “I just hope he doesn’t hurt you. I know a thing or two about that, in case you forgot.”

Of course, I didn’t forget. It’s still a wonder to me that David could have an interest in both Seth and me, considering how different we are, but I’m not complaining. Our first date was a good one, even if it turned out to be the last.

“Yes.” I chuckle and let my hand drop to my side. “As do I.”

I remain there in the cold after David leaves. I can’t stop staring at Seth’s house, where I know I can wait for him, talk to him…

But I won’t. Not tonight. It’s his turn.

Finally, I turn around, my fingers brushing against the cold metal doorknob. The sound of a car approaches, tires crunching in the snow. A car door slams shut.

And then, there’s the voice I know so well.

“Ro?”

Chapter 21

Seth

I think I’ve talked to almost everyone here—or at least everyone I’ve dated. We ran out of witches, and I don’t want Rowan’s help anymore. I have to figure this out myself, to be better for her. I will be better for her.

Which is how I find myself tapping a werewolf named Julia on the shoulder.

She sighs as she turns to face me. “No, Bautista. I don’t want to dance.”

Julia and I only briefly saw each other, and while it wasn’t the messiest ending, I’ve learned a lot over the past few weeks. If someone is annoyed at me, they probably have good reason to be.

I wince. “Sorry. That’s actually not what I’m here for.”

Every time I explain the hex, the person on the other side laughs. And every time, they say they have nothing to do with it. Sometimes, they say I deserve it. Julia is no exception, and neither were the two people I talked to before her.

It’s hopeless.

By the end of the night, with my heart heavy and my feet sore, I don’t want to be here anymore. Usually, when I get that feeling at a party, it’s because I want to be with my mom. I worry about her even when I’m trying to distract myself.

But now, when the clock is about to strike midnight, I only want to be with Rowan.

Before I can leave, Farrah’s timid voice floats through the racket of the event. “Seth?”

I offer her the only smile I can—an exhausted one. “Hey.”