Page 32 of The Tea Witch's Promise

"Not really," he admitted. "I did go to the library to see if there was a book I could borrow, but that place is a mess, I'd be surprised if there even is one."

"Mmm, maybe we should hire someone to actually look after it," I said. "Maybe an ink mage?"

"Maybe. But we're not supposed to talk about family business while we're on a date," he said.

"That's a good rule," I agreed. "But one thing before we do. Oliver."

"Ah, yes. I talked to him earlier. I thought he was going to set Howie on me for a moment, but he understood."

I let out a relieved sigh. "That's good." I shuffled closer to him and put a hand on his chest, feeling it rise and fall as he breathed.

It was strangely comfortable to be here with him. Or maybe it wasn't strange at all. I'd known Brew for years, and that included knowing that he was a good guy, even if he did charm everyone.

"I have another question," I said cautiously.

"Mmm?"

"The people you flirt with..."

"I'm not really flirting with them," he pointed out. "They flirt with me, I'm polite back. Believe me, I only have eyes for one person."

I swallowed hard. "Good. Because I don't think I'd be able to deal with it otherwise."

"Jealous, Katie?"

"Yes and no."

He chuckled. "You've no need to be," he promised. "You're everything I need."

My breath caught in my throat. "You really believe that, don't you?"

"Absolutely."

"I can tell." I touched the blanket lying over us. "This is the perfect date."

He looked at me, his face silver from the moonlight. "I wanted to make sure we had a great time."

"I am. You're so sweet." I touched the side of his face. "You know you don't have to keep flattening your hair for me? I love the way your curls look." I ran my hand through his hair, teasing the strands and enjoying how close it made me feel to him.

"You do?" He grimaced. "I always thought they looked messy."

"They're carefree, like you. And I happen to really like you." I leaned in to give him a gentle kiss, delighted by how warm his mouth was. He tasted of tea and honey and promise.

His hand touched my hip. "I really like you too."

I pulled him closer to me but it wasn't for warmth this time. I wanted to feel him, wanted to know if his heartbeat was going as fast as mine. He locked eyes with me and touched my cheek before capturing me in a deep kiss.

I returned it instantly, showing him that I wanted this just as much as he did. The blanket fell away but I didn't feel cold anymore. There was a burning heat in my lower belly that was spreading through my whole body.

"Katie. Oh, Katie." He nipped at my bottom lip. "You're driving me crazy."

I placed my hand on his thigh and moved it upwards. "Good, that's what I want."

He groaned and twitched from my touch, even with layers of fabric between us. A tingle of excitement travelled through my body and ignited something within me that wouldn't be easy to quell. The only thing that could satisfy me was Brew.

He kissed my neck and my wrists, worshipping every bit of exposed skin. I wrestled out of my coat, desperate to feel his lips in other places. He realised what I was doing and shifted so that he could move my coat away, his own joining it.

I sat up, taking the opportunity to straddle him, pressing my body against his and searching for more of the connection between us. I captured his lips with mine and kissed him with barely restrained passion. I wanted him more than I'd ever wanted anyone before, and I didn't care if he knew it.