7. Kiera

SEVEN

KIERA

I stretched lazily in bed, having spent the last day and a half there. Stranded without my car, my only means of getting around Crescent Creek were my own two feet. However, given the sweltering heat, I'd opted to stay indoors to avoid the risk of heatstroke.

Plus, Crescent Creek Inn had everything I needed—TV, Internet, a comfy bed, and even a complimentary breakfast. Gio and Estelle, the brother and sister duo who ran the place, were awesome, too.

While Geo was some serious eye candy—tall, dark hair, and cool gray eyes—all I could think about was Neo. The guy had gotten into my head, and he refused to leave. I didn't understand the draw, and I was doing my best to ignore it. However, the more I ignored it, the more Neo filled my head.

My cell rang. I picked it up off the nightstand, hoping it was the repair shop calling to say my car was ready. While I wasn't eager to hop in the back of crazy Tammy's taxi for another near-death experience, I was relieved to know it would be the last time.

"Hello?" I answered, recognizing the number from the repair shop.

"Hey, Kiera. This is Cherry from Dark Moon Automotive. I'm calling to let you know your car is ready. The AC works like a charm now, which is sure to feel good on a scorching day like today."

"Awesome. Thank you. I'll be there soon to pick it up," I said, already digging through my bag for a clean pair of shorts and a tank top.

"No rush. We're open till six."

"Great. Thanks again," I said before hanging up.

I changed and then located the business card for Tammy's Taxi Service. Even though I didn't want to, I dialed crazy Tammy's number, and then made my way downstairs to wait for her.

Geo was staffing the front desk as I descended the stairs. I said hello to him and then made my way outside to sit on the porch in one of the rocking chairs to wait for my ride.

Tammy arrived shortly, her car skidding to a halt in the gravel parking lot, kicking up a cloud of dust as it slid several inches. Watching the dust settle, I couldn't help but wonder if walking would be a safer option than another car ride with her.

"Hey, Kiera," Tammy called to me through her open window. "Hop on in."

I waved to her and then settled into the backseat. The old woman immediately hit the gas, pushing me back against the seat as she accelerated to a breakneck speed, heading toward Dark Moon Automotive. Her swiftness worked in my favor, because we arrived in no time. I paid her, said goodbye, and stepped out, more than relieved at the thought of never having to ride in her backseat again.

"I see you opted for what those in town call the death trap taxi," an unmistakable voice said from behind me.

I spun around, finding Neo standing there. His dark eyes locked on mine, and then dipped to my lips where they lingered for a moment.

A flicker of warmth surged through me, and again I was reminded of the strong attraction I felt toward him.

"If I'd known they were finished with your car, I would've given you a ride to pick it up," he said.

His offer would have been tempting, but Neo owned a motorcycle. All of the Ashen Tribe did. I'd seen them parked outside their campers the night I woke Neo from the spell. The idea of riding on his bike with him nestled between my thighs and my arms wrapped tightly around him was enough to send me into a frenzy. My reaction to him was overwhelming and completely out of character for me.

I was the witch, but this man—damn, he'd cast a spell on me.

"What are you even doing here?" I asked, hoping he couldn't sense what was going through my head.

The hint of a smile crooked those sexy lips of his. "I work here."

I blinked. "Oh. Congratulations," I said, my voice tinged with genuine happiness for him. "It sounds like things have turned around for you."

"I guess so." He erased some of the distance between us, the scent of his cologne enveloping me, as he handed me my keys. "Test your AC."

I took my keys from him, a giddy grin spreading across my face. It had been forever since my AC worked in my vehicle. After walking to my car, I cranked the engine to life and spun the dial on the dash. Cold air blasted against my face, causing my grin to widen. "You have no idea how exciting this is." I closed my eyes and leaned back against the seat.

"I can guess," he said with a chuckle. "I fixed your brakes, too."

My eyes snapped open. "You did?"

I wasn't sure I had enough money to cover the cost of the AC repair and new brakes.

"The pads on your back ones were paper thin," he said, oblivious to the panic settling in me. "You shouldn't let them get that bad. It's dangerous." There was an edge to his tone I didn't understand.

Was he concerned for my well-being?

"I didn't mean to. Finding time to make an appointment always slips my mind." That was part of the reason. Not having the money was the other. "How much extra did that add to my bill?"

"Nothing." He raked his fingers through his dark hair, a nonchalant look on his face. "I did it for free. Head to the office. Cherry has your bill ready for the AC repair."

"Wait, you fixed my brakes for free? Why?" I demanded, cutting the engine on my car and slipping out.

"It needed to be done." His brows furrowed with displeasure, but only for a moment. Another sexy, crooked grin pulled at his lips a heartbeat later. "And I'm willing to bet your financial situation isn't great if you let fixing your AC go for so long."

I balked at his statement. "Are you calling me poor?"

He wasn't wrong, but still.

Neo shook his head, his grin growing. "Not at all." His eyes locked with mine, and I swore every nerve ending in me sparked to life with want. "I'm returning a favor."

"What favor?"

He drew closer to me, close enough to touch, and lowered his voice. "You bled to wake me from Miranda's spell, which could be viewed as saving my life. I changed your brakes, in theory, doing the same for you. Now we're even."

I licked my lips. "Oh. Okay. Sure."

Neo's eyes heated, and something indescribable sparked in the space between us. For a moment, I thought he might kiss me, and I wanted it. I wanted to feel his lips pressed against mine, his tongue exploring the deep recesses of my mouth, and his fingers digging into my hips as he held me close. Something about him screamed he knew how to rock someone's world with his mouth and I wanted to experience it.

Neo didn't kiss me, though.

Instead, he took a step back, allowing my head to clear and my hammering heart to return to its normal rhythm. "You should go pay your bill."

"Yeah, I'll go do that," I whispered, before walking in that direction.

Neo stayed where he was, his intense gaze fixed on me. I could feel the heat of his stare, and it took everything in me not to turn around and look back at him.

Entering the dimly lit office, my mind still reeling from the charged moment with Neo, I made my way to Cherry's desk. Once I paid my bill, I headed back outside. Neo still stood by my car. His arms were folded over his solid chest as he leaned against my hood.

My mouth watered at the sight of him.

His gaze lifted to lock with mine as I neared him, and I swore his dark eyes could see into the depths of my soul.

"Shouldn't you be working on someone else's vehicle right now?" I asked, hoping he couldn't hear the awkward tinge to my voice.

This man could be intimidating in the best of ways.

"When are you leaving town?" he asked, his voice low and rough, causing goose bumps to prickle across my skin even in the scorching heat of the day.

"Tomorrow. Why?"

"Have a drink with me tonight." It wasn't a question, but more of a demand.

I didn't mind. Neo could demand anything of me, and there was a good chance I'd do it. He had power over me. I didn't understand it, but I didn't need to.

All I needed to do was experience it—experience him .

"I'll pick you up from the inn at eight," he continued, his expression fierce yet somehow tender.

"I haven't said yes," I countered, my pulse quickening as I held his stare.

His eyes narrowed playfully. "But we both know you're going to," he said before walking away.

I stood there in shock, staring at him, and knowing he was right. It was my last night in Crescent Creek and I deserved to enjoy myself—even if that meant enjoying him .