Page 14 of Christmas Magic

“I should. It’s a little crowded in here, though.”

“Local folks know this is a good place to eat,” Cora said with a smile.

“Again, my apologies,” the man said.

Before she could ask if he was new to town, he’d blended into the crowd.

Dennis stopped near one of the bakery’s windows and typed a quick text message.

Made contact moments ago. No problems.

He slid the phone into his jacket pocket and discreetly studied the laughing, chatting people around him. He didn’t need to consult his magic detecting devices to know they were all Regs: humans without magical abilities who had no clue as to what The Experts did in the town—or even that they and The Dealers existed.

His gaze strayed through the glass that reflected lights from the nearby Christmas tree. Cora and Roberta had exited the bakery but hadn’t walked away yet.

Bumping into Cora had worked perfectly. The seemingly unintentional act had justified him setting his hand on her arm long enough to entrap her in a spell.

The enchantment would convince her to attend the craft fair and purchase what would undermine Molly and Lucian’s relationship.

More than once, Dennis’s superiors had expressed concern that while Molly was still a novice, once she’d learned the extent of her abilities—and The Dealers suspected they were vast—she and Lucian working together would be a formidable force.

But, the core of all good magic was love. If he destroyed their love, he’d eliminate the threat of them working together—and he’d do so through a clueless Reg.

Smug triumph burned within him. For such a coup, his position in The Dealers would be secured for the rest of his life.

They wouldn’t dare consider terminating him ever again.

Stopping on the sun-drenched sidewalk, Cora looked at the flyer. She hadn’t had a chance to read all of it before the stranger had bumped into her.

“When’s the craft fair?” Roberta asked.

“This Wednesday evening. It’s in Calico Court, as usual.”

The glimmer of interest inside of Cora grew.

She thought back to past years she’d attended: the glowing lights encircling the court; the smiling families spending an evening together; and the array of lovely items to purchase. Such a wonderful, wonderful event.

She must go.

Hadto go.

Oh, goodness. If she missed the craft fair, she’d be devastated.

“Remember the woman selling handmade soaps last year?” Roberta said. “They lathered nicely and smelled really good. If she’s there again, I’m going to buy some to give as gifts.”

Cora nodded. Hard to believe she’d get so excited about a craft fair, but it was one of the town’s annual events. She’d been every year for as long as she could remember. It made a pleasant evening out—far better than being home alone—and she liked to support local craftspeople. “We’ll go. I’ll phone you later, and we’ll finalize arrangements.”

Roberta beamed.

After tucking the flyer into her purse, Cora walked with her friend to the antique store. Anticipation quickened her steps as the awning of the shop came into view. Oh, how she hoped she’d catch sight of Lucian on the stepladder again. But, as she peered through the glass, neither he nor the ladder were in view. Perhaps he’d moved on to decorate another area of the shop.

One way to find out.

As she entered the store, the bell on the door tinkled. Strains of a piano rendition of “Joy to the World” played in the premises.

Molly left the table where she’d been hanging ornaments on a small tree. “Good afternoon, ladies.”

As Molly swept blond hair behind her ear, her engagement ring glittered. Cora fought a stab of jealousy.