Page 90 of Kiss and Spell

It emitted the familiar scent that comforted him. It felt good to be home.

He joined Ursula in the bedroom.

“I think I got sand everywhere!” Ursula cried out. She brushed a few grains of sand from her jeans. “I’m definitely going to need a shower.”

She slid out of her jeans, giving Xavier a view of her shapely butt. He came over and caressed her, giving her a teasing squeeze.

“Do you want any company?” he asked.

“Next time.” She flashed him a promising grin, wiggled her fingers, and went into the bathroom. Once he heard the shower turn on, Xavier slipped off his shoes and undid his waistcoat. Her singing carried out from the shower and into the bedroom. He hummed along with her, picking up the melody. He’d bared his soul tonight. Xavier barely felt the heat from the fire, but he felt the warmth of Ursula’s touch. Why in the world did he tell her? He’d never told anyone, not even Prim and Royce, about Father’s arrangement with Lady Helia. But looking at Ursula and hearing about how she was willing to take a risk, he wanted to take one too.

He’d trusted her with kisses. Why not trust her with his secrets?

Ursula came out of the bathroom wearing nothing but her robe. She gave her hair a quick fluff.

“That water pressure will change your life,” she cooed.

Xavier got up from the bed and joined her. Water glistened on her rosy skin. She stood in front of the full mirror that hung on her bedroom door and ran her hands over her shiny curls. The scent of fresh honeysuckle and rich pomegranate flooded the room and his nostrils.

How did she smell like nectar from the most precious flower on Earth?

He nuzzled her neck. “You smell nice.”

She giggled and leaned back into his arms. “It’s my leave-in conditioner.”

Xavier eased the robe off her shoulders and let it fall to the floor. It pooled around her feet, leaving her bare and flushed. She looked at him in the reflection, at his half-lidded eyes, desire sparking in their depths. He trailed a finger down her cheek, down the length of her neck, and underneath her chin. Xavier lifted her face to his and kissed her deeply. She hummed a pleased tune against his mouth, making him vibrate with joy.

I love her little sounds. I love how she feels. I love her—

Shock hit him right behind his eyelids. His head swam. He broke off the kiss, as his breathing went ragged, and he shut his eyes to gather these thoughts. He waited several heartbeats and then forced them open. It was too soon. He couldn’t possibly tell her now. It was less than a month until midsummer.

Ursula stood nearer, the robe back on her body and belted. “Xav, are you okay?”

“I… I feel strange,” Xavier said, his tongue thick in his mouth. “I probably had too much sugar today. I’ll drink more water next time.”

“No,” Ursula said. She clutched the robe to her chest. “This thing feels different.”

He placed his hands on her shoulders.

Her body trembled. “We should call Whitney. It might have to do with the enchantment.”

Resolve steeled his nerves. If he stuck to Whitney’s rule to keep his love to himself, then he’d be safe for now. He didn’t want to spend this night with Ursula talking about spells, magic, and enchantments. All he wanted to do was listen to her fall asleep. All he wanted was to wake up and spend the rest of his time with her. He’d deal with it in the morning.

“I’m fine,” he said. “I just need to go to sleep.”

“Xavier,” she warned sharply.

He loved that bossy tone of hers. Panic raced through him, and he willed himself to be strong. He fought from showing it on his face and flashed her a smile. Xavier brought her hands to his mouth and kissed them. “If I don’t feel better in the morning, then we’ll call her, okay?”

Ursula opened her mouth to protest, her body seeming to go into fight mode.

“Please, I just want to rest.” He was shocked at how weak his voice sounded.

“Okay.” Ursula pressed a kiss to his forehead. “I love you.”

His heart nudged him forward. She said it. Now you say it. He hesitated. Coward. His brain hissed. Xavier didn’t know what would happen once he said it out loud. Would he disappear or would she vanish when he was spirited away back to the Realm? He went to respond, but she put a finger to his lips. “Say it when you’re ready. I wanted you to know.”

Ursula got ready for bed, slipping into her top and pajamas. Xavier watched as she quietly tucked her hair under a purple satin cap, not meeting his eyes.