Page 72 of Kiss and Spell
Only a month ago, Xavier had been ready to let her go. To let Ursula find her true love. To let him find his real happy ending. Now, his plans had changed. Whitney was right. What was the rush to get back to the Realm? Father humored Xavier by letting him stay in the human world because he was enchanted. Now that the spell was broken, Father could call him back at a moment’s notice and rip him from Ursula’s arms. Xavier couldn’t tell Whitney that he’d broken the enchantment and then ask her to lie to Father on his behalf. He was still her king. If Father found out he broke his promise, then he’d come to the Grove and—Xavier shut that thought down.
Father wasn’t going to find out. Who was going to miss the spare heir? Father told Xavier to break the enchantment. He completed his task and now he was extending his stay in the Grove. It was time to make memories now that he’d found his perfect kiss.
“Kiss me good night,” Ursula said. Her breathy giggle turned him on and set his blood flowing.
There was something a little wonderfully wicked about the way she looked at him. He leaned down, so near to her mouth that his beard tickled her skin. “With pleasure, Madame.”
He growled deeply and gathered her to him. Xavier captured his mouth with hers. He swung her up into his arms and lifted her off the ground. She squealed gleefully, making his soul soar. The prince had swept her off her feet.
Chapter Twenty
It wasn’t a Caraway slumber party until someone ended up with cucumber slices on their eyes and shea body butter on their arms. The three Caraways were gathered in the living room, surrounded by enchanted items, stuffed garlic knots, and scented lotions. The space was covered in the usual slumber party items—open pizza boxes on the coffee table, homemade beauty products laid out on the floor, and of course an open spell book or two on the mantel. Ursula flipped through the spell book, taking in and enjoying the familiar magic that emanated from its pages. She looked around the living room, relishing in this moment. Callie lay on the couch in her silk pajamas, arms folded over her chest and eyes covered with thick cucumber slices. Shadow, the house cat, hid under the couch, those moon-bright eyes peering at Ursula. Sirena in her nightgown came out of the kitchen carrying a tray of sparkling fruity drinks that seemed to fizz with kitchen magic. Ursula sighed happily. Her soul rejoiced.
It felt good to be back home.
“The cookies are cooling,” Sirena said. She put the tray down in an empty space on the table. “I put on the egg timer. They’ll be ready soon, so have a taste of this punch.”
Ursula snatched up a drink and took a sip. Her mouth puckered in appreciation at the tart lime-lemonade taste. “Delicious.”
Sirena graced her with a thankful smile. “It’s not a Bathwater Brew, but I improvised.”
Bathwater Brew was Ursula’s signature drink that she used to make for them. She didn’t mind Sirena putting her own spin on the cocktail.
“When I make it next time, I’ll add pineapple,” Sirena said.
“A kitchen witch who doesn’t follow the recipe,” Callie said in a teasing tone. “You’re a trailblazer, sis.”
Sirena rolled her eyes at Callie. “Hush up. You look like a bougie mummy.”
“Don’t be mad when I get up looking refreshed and hydrated,” Callie said, not moving an inch. She sighed deeply. “Why does it feel like this month lasted a year? I’m ready for it to be May.”
Sirena waved her hand. “I’m not ready. May’s going to be a mess. In between the Founders’ Day Festival and Smitten bringing in all these hungry tourists, I’m going to be slammed at work. How many fish and chips baskets can I cook without wanting to jump into the ocean?”
Ursula made a noise of sympathy. “I get it. I won’t have a day off until after July fourth.”
Light as a Feather did brisk business during the late spring and summer months, and Ursula worked ten- to twelve-hour shifts for weeks. She made a lot of money, but then she was too exhausted to spend it.
“Imagine all the money you’ll make because of those tourists,” Callie pointed out. “Put all that extra cash into your Dream Restaurant Fund. Make your money work for you. Invest in your dreams until they’re your reality.”
Sirena shot Ursula a silent look of exasperation. “Thanks for the advice, sis.” She lowered her voice to a whisper. “Cal’s been in hashtag Boss Mode for months. It’s like I’m living with a Pinterest board of business and hustle quotes.”
Callie coughed loudly. Ursula laughed.
Sirena stood next to Ursula by the mantel. “Is there anything in the book that can help you with your Boss Witch List?”
She shook her head. Ursula ran her hand over Nana’s spidery, elegant handwriting. “Being here with you and Callie is number one on my list.”
Ursula had shared the list with Sirena and Callie while they ate their pepperoni slices and mixed salad. They’d offered their support, made suggestions on how to finish her list, and demanded all the details about Xavier. It almost felt like old times again, but Lucy’s calming influence was missing from the table.
“You have to bring him to the May party!” Callie said. “We’re getting together for the Founders’ Day Festival.”
Ursula scratched her neck. “I thought you were making moon tea.”
Callie shrugged. “A party’s a party!”
Ursula looked to Sirena who flashed her a smile. “Do you see any fun spells?”
“There’s a rose bath recipe I’d like to try. I forgot how much Nana loved her baths.”