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“And what’s that?”
“Anything that boosts her career and ego.”
“What about love?”
Tegan choked on her drink. “That woman isn’t capable of loving anyone but herself. Madison is as fake as they come, and if those two ever did get together, she would break Payson’s heart.”
Hannah’s stomach bottomed out. Payson was a kindhearted soul and someone who she would take pride in being with. The thought of knowingly pushing her together with someone who would hurt her would haunt Hannah forever. Something about this whole thing just wasn’t adding up. Hannah shook her head to clear the thoughts as she leaned forward in the booth, put her elbows on the table, and scrubbed her fingers through her hair. She needed to detach from the situation and from her own feelings. Madison couldn’t bethatbad, could she? And the universe couldn’t bethatfar-off, could it?
“Move…move.” Madison waved her hand as she shooed people out of the booth. “I need to use the restroom.”
“Mind if I follow?” Hannah jumped at the opportunity to get a better read on Madison, which shocked her. She had never before given a mark a second thought, much less questioned the universe’s pairing process. She had always assumed that by the time she received the arrows from Piper, all was as it should be.
“Come on, girl, follow me.” Madison waved.
“So,” Hannah said as she caught up to her. “Payson’s really beautiful, huh?”
Madison raised a brow. “Um, yeah. And you’re asking because?”
“Oh, I don’t know. I just kinda thought—”
“Are you into her?”
“What? No, I was actually thinking about you. In fact, have you ever, you know…” Hannah shrugged. “Thought about asking her out on a date? Or even kissing her?” Okay, maybe that wasn’t the smoothest way to help plant the seed or push the laws of attraction forward, but the clock was ticking down on the binding spell, and like it or not, she still had a duty to perform.
Madison’s icy stare sent a chill through Hannah. “You know what, temp?” She stabbed a finger in Hannah’s chest. “Ithink you need to mind your own business,” she said as she pushed a stall door open, slamming it against the wall for added emphasis.
“Hannah. My name’s Hannah. Not temp. And it was only an observation,” she spat as she turned to walk out.
“Whatever,” Madison mumbled.
Hannah heard the dismissive bite in Madison’s voice and cursed herself for not paying more attention to Piper when she was practicing her magic. If ever there was a time she wished she could conjure a spell to blow up a toilet stall, this was it. What the hell did the universe see in this woman?
* * *
An hour later, Payson yawned and announced, “I think that’s it for me. Time to head home.”
“You’re leaving?” Hannah asked with disappointment. The past hour had been unexpectedly pleasant, and even though she was still leery of Madison, the rest of the group she found to be entertaining and nice. Surprisingly, she could easily see herself being friends with all of them.
“Well, yeah, it’s been a long day. I’m beat.” She gazed at Hannah. “You good, or do you need a ride somewhere?”
Hannah paused long enough to give her butterflies time to take a lap around her stomach, then settle. How was it that a single stare, the slightest touch of skin, or a smile could melt her so completely? “No need.” She shook her head. “I’m staying here.”
“You’re staying here?”
“Yeah. Why, is this not a good place?”
“No, I mean, yes. It’s fine. Definitely close to the station.”
Hannah nodded. “Which is why they picked it.”
Tegan wrapped Payson in a hug. “I’m going to enjoy another round with everyone, then play some cards. See you tomorrow?”
“Sounds good,” Payson said as she broke the hug and stood. “I’ll see you guys later.” She waved as she began walking away. “Oh, and Hannah.” She turned. “I’ll see you at the station around one.”
“Hold up, Payson. I’ll walk you out.” Madison scooted across the booth. “Move…move!” She snarled as she waved her hands. “See you later, losers.” She chuckled as she stepped next to Payson, threw an arm around her shoulder, and escorted her out of the lounge.
“Bye,” Hannah meekly whispered as she watched them disappear into the vastness of the casino. She lowered her head, and a sinking feeling washed over her. If she were in Madison’s shoes right now, there would be no doubt this evening would end with a kiss and a hell of a lot more. The thought caused her heart rate to soar as the urge to sabotage her own mission bubbled to the surface. She blew out a long breath as she tried to calm herself. Let it go, Hannah, she told herself. Lethergo.
