Page 30 of Witchful Thinking
She paused the fantasy of impending summer days and focused on her afternoon snack.
“Go ahead and treat yo’self,” said a voice behind her.
She bit back a yelp and faced him. “Marcus.”
“Hey, Caraway.”
His large eyes the color of coffee without cream were hidden behind ombre sunglasses. His shaved head was shorn down with hair fuzz growing back. She’d loved touching his head whenever it was buzzed down like it was now. He was tall with a slender build and was outfitted in a plaid shirt, dark jeans, and boots. A backpack was slung over one shoulder. There was never a good time to run into an ex-boyfriend. The man looked like he was about to head back to his cabin in the woods. The whole lumberjack-by-the-shore look used to be her catnip. Now she leaned toward more seaside sexiness. Like merman sexiness.
He tucked his hands into his pockets. “How are you?”
“I’m good. Just getting myself a little snack.”
“I know you deserve it.” Marcus popped his lips into his mouth and licked them. She gave a small grin. Oh. Yeah. Those lips were once her ultimate kryptonite.
They asked her a question. She tuned in. “Did you hear about the wedding date change?”
Lucy nodded. “Ursula told me.”
“I think they might be rushing this whole thing.” Marcus scanned her face, as if looking for permission to share his thoughts with her. She wasn’t going there with Marcus, especially since Ursula was her cousin and best friend. Caraways stuck together, no matter what.
Lucy held on to her poker face. “The heart wants what it wants.”
“Really?” Marcus nodded. “What does your heart want?”
Alex. Her heart shrieked like a tipsy college student ordering fries from a late-night food truck.
She absolutely wasn’t going there with her ex, so she pivoted. “I’d really like carbs.”
Marcus took the bait and laughed. “I hear that. Ursula told you about the Atlantic City weekend, right?” Marcus asked. “We’re thinking about having a joint bachelor/bachelorette party. I figured she’d tell her maid of honor.”
“She did. It sounds like a fun time.”
“That’s a whole lie. You’ve never liked AC.” Marcus laughed, using the nickname for America’s playground.
“I never had a reason for not liking AC. I never really gave it a chance.”
“Maybe we could find a reason,” Marcus said gently.
In another life, they could’ve been talking about their wedding party weekend, but she and Marcus hadn’t worked out, despite their best efforts. They just didn’t click. It was like trying to force a USB port into the wrong slot and blaming the computer for not changing. He wanted to solve every little problem instead of just listening to her sometimes. They would make each other terribly unhappy if they settled for their relationship and not for the true love they deserved. She’d sincerely loved Marcus, but she hadn’t fallen for him like one would fall for a soul mate.
She gave herself a mental shake. Marcus watched her, waiting for a response.
“Sorry. I blanked out for a moment. It was a long day.”
“No worries. We should catch up. What are you doing now?” He looked at her hopefully. “Let’s get some coffee.”
Uh-oh. That was his code for “let’s get naked.” A shimmery vision of a possible future clouded her eyes. If she hooked up with Marcus, they’d inevitably get back together. Then they’d go to the wedding together and then…they’d be stuck again as a couple. She’d give up on finding her click and then—no, she had to act fast.
“I’m meeting someone,” Lucy blurted out.
Marcus blinked, stunned. He narrowed his eyes. “You came in alone.”
“He’s not here yet.” Now she had to pull a random name out of the sky and pray to the Goddess they’d magically appear somehow. “I’m just having…tea with…”
Think, witch, think. The doorbell jingled as another customer came in. She saw his suit and tie before she saw his face. He was going to be so smug. She’d deal with him later.
“Alex.” Her voice rose in relief. “You made it.”