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“Coffee and books.” Deus’s fingers tightened on mine. “Tell me this isn’t better than alchemy homework.”
I couldn’t hide my grin as I pushed open the front door and was greeted by the smell of paper and roasting coffee. The front room held a long bar with a pastry case and an espresso machine.
Two tiny circular tables were squeezed into the space, and a window well had been padded with cushions to make a cozy reading nook. Potted plants hung from the ceiling and decorated the bookcases to either side of the bar.
“Amadeus!” the rosy-cheeked woman at the bar greeted with a beaming smile.
I rolled my eyes. Of course she knew him.
She had a riot of black curls she kept out of her face with a headband, a proud nose, and kind, violet eyes that matched her wrap dress.
“And I haven’t met you before.” The woman worked as she talked, rinsing out milk pitchers and wiping up coffee grounds.
She gave off such a no-nonsense air that I couldn’t help but like her. “Here’s the deal. You tell me what you like to read and what you want to drink. I’ll make your coffee and bring you a book.”
“Cool, right?” Deus whispered. “And Marita’s a witch, so everything she brews is pretty much magical.”
My surprise must have shown on my face, because Marita burst into laughter.
“It’s a mundane town, but us paranormals have to live somewhere. I teach the advanced witchery classes at Slaymore, but I don’t guess you’re a witch since I haven’t met you,” she said shrewdly.
“Mermaid.” Repeating the lie was getting easier, but I still didn’t like it.
I gave her my coffee order and asked for a fantasy novel. With a nod, she ground the beans, steamed the milk, and swirled it three times before pouring it counterclockwise into my glass. We all watched closely as the milk speckled the espresso.
“Got it. Take a seat, and I’ll be right back with your book.” She bustled off, leaving us to take the window seat.
For once, I was happy to let the sun warm my face as I leaned back against the aging wallpaper. “I can’t believe there’s no one else in here.”
“You’ll have to catch it on the off days if you want the place to yourself,” Deus said. “Personally, I like coming in to see the people.”
“Of course you do.” I took a sip of white chocolate mocha.
Marita reappeared, handing me a leather-covered novel. “Anything for you, Deus? Otherwise, I have some restocking to do upstairs.”
Deus’s eyes cut to me, and that full mouth twisted. “I’ll be right back.”
My fingers drummed on the cover of my book as I watched him head to the bar. Getting a boyfriend hadn’t been part of my plan.
In fact, my mother’s insistence on me being mated as quickly as possible had driven out any desire to pursue a relationship. But I couldn’t deny I was dying to feel his lips against mine again… and possibly more.
Stop it, Seta.
What proof did I have that Deus wanted anything more than a casual fling? And in all honesty, what was wrong with having one?
We studied well together, and it seemed like we might do other things well, too. As long as I kept up my grades, there was no reason I shouldn’t enjoy my time on land. And right now, I wanted to enjoy my book, my coffee, and my guy.
Smiling into my mug, I had to admit my first semester at Slaymore was going swimmingly well.
* * *
I waseager to start the next marine mythology project right away but was forced to acknowledge the existence of my other classes at Slaymore. Writing academic papers was something I could do in my sleep, and I knew I’d be getting an A in all my courses at the end of the semester.
There was only one class that made me work harder.
Alchemy.
“I bet you could turn these into an art project.” Ayla held up a pebble I’d been trying to transform into a sapphire.
