Page 69 of Kiss and Spell
“Try me,” Gwen warned impishly. “I’ll have these people discovering the glory of Poetess Ursula.”
Ursula cleared her throat in awkwardness once she heard her stage name. She didn’t want Lincoln’s grandma to hear her very vivid description of her college boyfriend and how they warmed each other up with their hands when the dorm room heater didn’t work.
Gwen won this round of sibling blackmail.
“Okay, I’ll go,” Ursula said. “What’s got you so interested in my visions?”
Gwen gave her a sly look. “Let’s just say I have a huge investment opportunity and I want to know if I make the right decision.”
Ursula nodded, impressed. It seemed with her business on the rise and possible future deals that her little sister was a baby financial shark in the making. Ursula was thrilled for Gwen for making her own choices.
She did have one worry.
“You didn’t apply for Millionaire Madness?” Ursula asked.
It was one of Dad’s favorite reality shows, and during their monthly dinners he was always dropping hints that Gwen should nominate the bistro. Ursula didn’t want to watch Gwen get yelled at by a hedge fund manager dressed in a dollar-bill-covered suit.
Gwen frowned. “No way, but… I can’t talk about it yet. That’s my reason why I need you to see your cousins.” Gwen lowered her voice. “It’s time you forgave yourself. Go back home.”
Ursula shifted her weight, not trusting herself to talk. Love welled in her throat. The Caraway House had been home for many years, and the last nine months was the longest she’d ever stayed away from it. It was time to go back.
Ursula let out a rough breath. “It’s hard. I made a fool of myself.”
“We’re all foolish. I’m sure they understand. They’re your sisters too,” Gwen insisted. “I mean, you asked them to be your bridesmaids. I get why you did it—you grew up with them and spend so much time with them. I’ve always envied how close you were to your Caraway cousins.” Gwen made a little growl of annoyance. “My customers treat me better than some of our Ellis cousins.”
“Really?” This was news to Ursula. She assumed that because Gwen wasn’t a Caraway, and her mother was more in line with the Ellises’ expectations for a wife, that she’d be readily accepted into the fold. It seemed that no one was going to be good enough for the Ellises.
“Yes, but that’s a story for another day. Do you know why I opened the bistro in the Grove?” Gwen asked in a hushed voice.
“You have a massive crush on the gargoyles,” Ursula joked.
Gwen grinned. “Yes, and I wanted to know my big sister better. You’ve never treated me like less than because of what happened between our parents. You shared your magic and your stories with me without question. I’ve always loved you for that.”
Ursula merely stared at her, tongue-tied. Whatever future she saw when she eventually recovered her leap, she knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that Gwen was going to be a part of it. If Gwen had the courage to claim her future, then Ursula had the strength to see her leap.
“I hate it when you get all squishy on me,” Ursula said gently. “I love you too, kid.”
“So, you forgive me for lightly blackmailing you?” Gwen asked.
“No, not yet,” Ursula said, more annoyed than angry.
Gwen glanced over Ursula’s shoulder, outside the front window, then looked back at Ursula. It seemed like she spotted an arriving guest.
She smirked. “You’re adorable when you’re annoyed. I hope your man sees that.”
Ursula spun around, and there Xavier was, standing outside the bistro looking at her from the sidewalk. Even though they were separated by the glass, Ursula swore she could sense his energy. Her breath caught in her throat as she felt her heart pounding against her ribs. Their eyes connected. Her skin burned with the memory of his hands wandering over her and trying to find a way inside. Let him in.
“He’s not my man,” she corrected.
“Then why is he staring at you like you’re the perfect bite of food? Like he just wants to nibble you up like an éclair? Like—”
“Gwen,” Ursula warned, her attention staying on Xavier. He did look ravenous.
“I don’t even look at my cupcakes that way,” Gwen said over her shoulder. “You’ve got eighty minutes left. Have fun.”
Xavier entered the bistro. He was dressed in his usual waistcoat, button-down shirt, and dress pants. A honeysuckle flower was tucked into his breast pocket. This charming fae man was just as fine as he wanted to be. He held out a slightly budding yellow rose to her. Its scent was delicate and soothing, easing her party nerves.
“My apologies for being late,” he said gently. “I figured this would go nicely with your outfit.”