Page 141 of Flirty Fall Fling

“Oh, hush, I’m serious!”

“Why my blood?”

She could tell me the spell runs on cash and a gallon of my blood, and I’d reach for my wallet, then give her my wrist.

“Not here.”

She checks both ends of the street and pulls me toward the manor by two fingers. I rub my thumb against hers before she pulls away.

We cross the garden that’s covered in leaves.

The kitchen window glows gold, and Josie’s voice carries through the glass.

“Is that Celine Dion?”

“I think,” Blaire responds just as Josie hits the high note of “My Heart Will Go On.” Blaire walks faster. “I’m so stupid. I should’ve just listened to my aunt. She warned me this could happen.”

Blaire opens the back door, checks the hall, and pulls me in, out of the cold.

The second the door shuts, she turns and pushes me against it with both palms flat on my chest.

“The only thing that breaks a love spell is the blood of the witch’s current lover.” Her chin comes up like I might argue the terminology. “You have to help me.”

I’m her lover, and this proves it.

I wish I could confess how I feel, but I can’t do that.

“Lover?” My brow pops up. “Are you claiming me?”

“Yes,” she whispers.

“I’ll help you,” I say, realizing how fucking important this is to her.

She breathes out, relieved. “Thank you.”

I grab her chin between my fingers and try to kiss her, but she backs away from me.

“Why?”

“He kissed me,” she confesses. “I need to scrub my entire fucking body of him.”

Now I’m fucking pissed. “I’m gonna beat his ass.”

“No, you’re not.” She grabs a fistful of my shirt, acting as frantic as I feel. “You can’t let the hands take you under, Jamie. This is a test. You have to pass The Tower, okay? Promise me.”

“Only if you seal it with a kiss,” I say, resting my hands on her waist.

She steps closer. Our mouths are an inch apart. Her eyes close and⁠—

“You’re home early!” Josie says with a whisk in her hand. “Autumn sent some pumpkin bread! It’s still warm.”

She comes back with two small slices, and Blaire slaps them out of her hand.

“No! That’s a love loaf!”

“What?” Josie asks, utterly confused.

Charlie trots over to investigate the food on the floor, but snubs it.