Page 31 of The Tea Witch's Promise

"Fair enough." There was a part of me that wanted to ask him if it was Hana, but I knew better than to push my luck. I stepped out of his way and took off my imaginary hat. "Good day to you, sir."

For the first time since Oliver got here, he smiled. He took a few paces, turned around and nodded. "Be good to her."

"I will," I promised.

"You'd better, or I'll set my attack owl on you."

I chuckled dryly. "I wouldn't want to mess with Howie, I've seen the damage he can cause."

"Just remember that," he said in what I was reasonably certain was supposed to be a menacing tone.

I nodded and said my goodbyes to him, relieved over how the confession could have gone. It really could have been worse. But the most important thing was that now Katie and I could enjoy our date completely guilt-free.

Chapter16

Katie

There wassomething exciting and naughty about sneaking out at night even though nobody would've thought twice about me leaving through the front door. Despite still living at the farmhouse I grew up in, it wasn't like Grandpa or Oliver kept tabs on where I was going and who I was with. And even if they did, they weren't really going to think anything of me going to spend time with Brew.

Banjo followed me to the door with an expectant look on his face.

"Not tonight," I told my familiar. I gave him a good scratch and directed him back to his bed by the hearth.

He gave me a confused look but flopped down. It wasn't like he never stayed home alone, he was just trying his luck at a late-night walk. My heart ached at the sight. It was hard to leave him behind, even if I knew he was capable of it, but I wanted some alone time with Brew, and some of what I hoped was going to happen wasn't suitable for Banjo's eyes.

"I'll be back soon," I promised.

He whined, but finally let me go. I was going to have to get him a good bone from the butcher tomorrow to make up for leaving him.

A cold breeze blew around me as I walked through the fields, but there was no doubt it was a beautiful night. There wasn't a cloud in the sky and all the stars were on full display, shining in the sky like gems.

With every step, I could feel the excitement in me grow. I was going on a date with Rooibos Brewster. I had no idea what we were doing but I had some hopes, and I was looking forward to it no matter what.

I arrived at the gate where Brew was already waiting for me. His hair was flattened again and he was carrying a big basket with him. A smile sprung to his face when he saw me and he let out a breath of white air. How had I never noticed how handsome he was? Or how happy I always was to see him?

"Hey." I pressed my lips on his cheek.

He hugged me with one arm. "Hi. You made it."

"I wasn't going to miss it."

"No Banjo?"

I shook my head. "I left him at home. I didn't want him to get in the way if..." Heat rushed up to my face and I pointed at the basket, eager to change the subject. "What's this?"

"I heard there's supposed to be some falling stars this week, I thought we could have a picnic and see if we could spot any," he said as he opened the gate for me. "They say that it's good luck to see them with someone."

I smiled at the thought. "That sounds really nice. Cold, but nice."

"I brought tea. And lots of blankets," he said, gesturing to the spot he had prepared.

True to his word, there were blankets stacked on top of pallets. He even brought some pillows in a wheelbarrow and extra scarves.

"You thought of everything," I said, already melting inside. This was the most effort anyone had put into a date before it had even started.

Brew held out his hand and we sat down on the pallet. I tucked myself under the blankets, making sure there was enough room for Brew to slide in. He handed me a cup of hot tea that warmed me from the first sip. It was cosy, intimate, and perfect.

I leaned my head against his shoulder as we looked up at the stars. "Do you know any of them?" I asked.