Page 84 of Hexed & Hazy

It’s getting harder to keep our relationship a secret. Spring is blossoming outside—a March day with sparse sunlight, snow turning to slush, and flowers soon to spring to life—and with it, my love life is blossoming. I’ve never been the sort to share that part of my life with anyone, but it’s different with Seth.

We’re already so intertwined in each other’s lives.

I struggle to keep from holding his hand as we enter the kitchen, where Maple is flipping pancakes, and Juniper is scrambling eggs.

Juniper, the only person who has complete confirmation of our relationship, gives me a sharp look. “Where have you two been?”

Well, Maple likely knows as well, considering that I told her about my feelings for Seth, but she’s kind enough not to press us about it. Her lips purse as if she’s fighting off a smile.

“Around,” I say vaguely. “Do you need any help?”

“Sure. Set the table.”

Seth springs into action before I can. “On it!”

He works in perfect tandem with my sisters, setting out plates and silverware and dragging over extra chairs for our abundance of guests. And when everyone else has sat down, he’s the last one up…

Leaving only one available seat: the one next to mine.

It’s normal for Seth and me to sit next to each other, but the proximity makes me hot now. While the others joke and laugh throughout breakfast, I keep my head down, enjoying the food without saying a word.

“Why are you being so quiet?” Laurel asks, leaning across the table. She’s whispering, sure, but her version of a whisper is far too loud.

I look up. “I’m not.”

Nerissa, her demon girlfriend, chuckles. “Rowan is always quiet. Aren’t you?”

“Almost always,” Seth says.

As if my face could get any hotter. Laurel giggles, Juniper shakes her head, and I want to melt into nothing. The words are innocent, unless someone knows what Seth and I are doing together, and none of them should…

Gods. Why do I even bother?

“Fine.” I set my fork down and cross my arms. My lips twitch as I do my best to suppress a smile. “Seth and I have been seeing each other. Are you happy?”

Maple lets out a sound between a gasp and a giggle. “Yes!”

Liezel, who’s seated in the living room with Mac’s mother, waddles over. “Are you really?”

I look at Seth. It’s probably too late to take it back, but it’s still his family—his choice.

It doesn’t even take him a moment to respond. “You bet your ass we are.”

“SJ!” His mother laughs, though I can tell she means to scold him. “Language.”

“Sorry.” Seth rests his hand on my knee. “I’m just really happy.”

I give him a slight nod and, to my relief, the attention doesn’t stay on us for too long. As happy as Seth may be, I doubt he knows just how happy he makes me. I’m not the best with words, but I’ll show him soon.

Chapter 27

Seth

“She’s too good for you, you know.”

I pause at the mirror near the front door and turn to my mom, my eyes wide. “Are you serious?”

She laughs, like she told a hilarious joke. What she really did was pluck at my insecurities. All I want is for one date with Rowan to go right, and I spent longer planning this one—even though she said I didn’t have to.