Page 27

Probably not since college two and a half years ago. She hadn’t been in any real relationships, just short flings here and there. Which was a pity, as she liked sex very much. More than that, she craved connection—to be held, caressed, touched. She handed Maybelle her pumpkin spice latte, giving her a smile.

After Maybelle walked away, Lucy turned to look at Grayson standing beside her. He had finished up with the customer and was cleaning his glasses on the hem of his sweater. She watched his long fingers, a shiver running through her as the veins in his hand moved in a steady rhythm.

Lucy imagined how he might touch her if given the chance, what those large hands might do on her body.

How would he kiss her? Would he be gentle? Coming tantalizingly close before brushing his lips against hers, sending that first bolt of desire straight through her before kissing her sweetly? Each press of his lips coaxing, the slide of his tongue warm in her mouth?

Or would he seize her roughly and crush his lips to hers, making her gasp as he brought their bodies together, building up a frenetic energy? His hand around her throat, fingers pressing into her skin?

“Lucinda?” Grayson’s voice pulled her out of the salacious images running through her head.

She blinked fast several times. “Huh?”

He gave her a funny look. “You’re still staring,” he said. Her cheeks heated. “What have I done to offend you now?”

He had fantastic forearms. And shoulders. And a slutty little waist.

God, she loved a slutty little waist.

When he wasn’t speaking, she could easily appreciate how handsome he was. She wondered if there was a spell to void his need to speak to her. Or perhaps just void an entire horrible personality. She’d have to look into it.

He leaned against the counter, and her eyes roamed over the long expanse of him, desire spreading through her. Her body pulsed.

GOD. She’d had enough of him.

“Stop leaning,” she ordered, clearing her throat. His jaw dropped open. “You’re not allowed to lean.”

“I’ll lean if I want to!” he shot back.

She sent a current of magic his way and watched as he jumped away from the counter after receiving the tiniest of electric shocks.

She smiled sweetly. He glowered.

“You are pure evil,” he informed her, shaking his head.

“What was that you said about preparing for war?” She blew him a kiss as she walked away, his muttering furious behind her. Catching her breath, she fanned herself discreetly.

Clearly she needed to go out on a date or two because Grayson was the last man in the world she should be imagining kissing. Maybe it was time to download Hinge again and swipe through the nightmare dating trenches. She shuddered at the prospect, but sacrifices needed to be made.

Releasing a breath, Lucy busied herself once more with work. There was always something to do, after all! As she tidied up some misplaced books in the back, she spotted an unopened box.

Ask and ye shall receive.

She smiled mischievously.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Grayson

Grayson sat at one of the tables, looking over emails from his teaching assistant. Lucy mostly had the store covered, but he was happy to help check out customers if she was away from the front counter. Whenever he did, though, she seemed pissed off, which he didn’t understand—but surely there was no use in trying to understand her. Even as a part of him ached to.

At the moment, she was nowhere to be seen, and he had a bit of peace. Until he heard her voice, calling his name from somewhere in the back. He furrowed his brows, wondering if he’d heard correctly.

“Grayson!” There it was again. “Grayson!” she yelled, and the sound of her voice screaming his name sent a titillating jolt through him.

He closed his laptop and gave the front a quick check, making sure there were no customers, then followed her voice to the back.

She had cleared a space where some bookshelves had been—seemingly with magic because he hadn’t heard a thing—and was standing in front of a large cardboard box.