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“Mira doesn’t get a vote?” Eli asked.
Danica shook her head. “Right now, she’s provisional. We’re still in the getting-to-know-you stage, and she’s directly impacted by the situation.”
“That makes sense. I’ll give you my contact info. When you reach a consensus and a workable estimate, let me know. I’ll pay up front.” He touched his phone to hers.
She checked to make sure his details registered properly and nodded. “Nobody in the coven will mind an unexpected windfall. Since that’s the case, I’ll be in touch.”
There, it’s done. No turning back.
Iris would likely be livid when she found out, and then…she would have questions, ones he’d answer at long last. Maybe part of him would even be glad to have it over, even if it meanteverythingwas. His chest ached, and he rubbed it reflexively.
On the way back to the truck, he popped into Sugar Daddy’s to get the cinnamon rolls Gamma had raved about. A cheerful woman waved as he stepped in.
“What looks good today?” she asked pertly.
“Maya! What did I tell you about trying suggestive sloganson the clientele?” A burly, bearded dude scolded from the galley doorway.
“Sorry, just trying to put a little fun in my day. You didn’t mind, sir?”
Eli shook his head. “It’s fine. I’ll have a dozen cinnamon rolls and four éclairs.”
Just in case somebody doesn’t like cinnamon rolls.This might be the equivalent of his last meal, after all.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
“Come with me,” eli said.
Unexpectedly, he’d rung the doorbell instead of letting himself in. When Iris answered, he gave her the sweetest smile, making her heart flutter.
It was early evening, and she had a lot to do, but nothing more important than this moment. He stood on the front porch with an unfamiliar look, an expression somewhere between mischief and tenderness. She smiled and took his outstretched hand, content to let him surprise her.
But she didn’t expect him to lead her out to his truck. “Where are we going?” she asked.
“It’s a surprise.”
She didn’t push for details since that might spoil the mood, and she was so happy about being swept away that she let it happen with delight popping like corn kernels in a hot pan. Soon, Eli parked next to the river. At night, it was quiet and romantic with the yellow lamps glowing along the walkway, but the chilly temperature kept most everyone else indoors. He got out of the truck and opened her door for her, and she had no idea what toexpect, so she was properly startled when he dropped the truck’s tailgate. Inside, there were a couple of blankets and an insulated chest, probably to keep something warm.
“Starlight picnic,” she guessed.
“It’s nothing special. Just some fresh cinnamon rolls and a thermos full of coffee. I thought you could use a break.” Eli vaulted into the back of the truck and pulled her up beside him. “Hope this is okay?”
“It’s perfect. I don’t want to think about anything right now.”
“Cinnamon roll?”
She took the soft, gooey pastry and peeled it apart, nibbling until she had only the soft, sweet core left. Afterward, she licked her sticky fingers and washed the treat down with hot coffee. Eli watched her with a smile, like he could sate his hunger with her satisfaction. Iris leaned in for a kiss, and he moaned against her mouth. He cupped the nape of her neck, fingers dragging through her hair, and his touch sent shivers down her spine. Their kisses drew out, at first delicate like the tremulous notes of a flute, and then they surged into operatic territory, leaving Iris breathless when Eli drew back.
“I could easily lose myself in you,” he whispered.
“Same. But I don’t want our first time to be—”
“In the back of my truck?” He laughed. “Me either. Want to cuddle for a bit?”
“I’d love that.”
Iris knee-walked until she could settle between Eli’s legs, and he drew her against his chest, linking his arms to make her feel even warmer and more cherished. Between the blankets, the warm drink, and Eli, she couldn’t feel any cozier. Despite the generalmessiness of her situation—complaints being filed and another card gone to collections—she still let out a happy sigh.
“Comfortable?” he asked, his voice deep with amusement.
