5. Chapter 5

Chapter five

Netti

" N etti! Just the person I was hoping to grab," Hazel’s voice comes through the phone. "I have a huge favor to ask."

My stomach drops, and I rub my eyebrows, glancing around at the patrons eating their pasties before turning away.

"Is it little Eddie again?"

"Yes," she groans, and I can hear clattering on the other end of the receiver. "You know what its like... well

, you don't but he's sick again. I need to run him to the doctor's to see if it's another ear infection. Otherwise, no one is going to get any sleep tonight."

"Poor thing. I hope he gets better soon." I hold my breath while waiting for the request I know is coming.

"Is there any way you could cover my closing shift tonight? I don't think I can come in. Eddie, put that down right now!" A loud thunk followed by crying echoes in the background. It wasn't the first time I'd covered for Hazel when she couldn't make it in because her toddler was getting sick since the weather had started getting colder.

"Of course, Hazel. Let me know if there is anything you need." I smile, hoping it comes through the receiver. I was the oldest of four kids. I remember how every cold season went with little ones.

I hang up the phone with a sigh and wipe my hand on my apron. At least it was Wednesday.

As the hours drag by, I diligently finish going through the extensive list of inventory items, meticulously checking off each item as I go. With a sense of accomplishment, I pick up the phone and call the grocer, placing our order for tomorrow. Surprisingly, there were no special or urgent orders needing to be prepped for Wednesday, which is a rare occurrence. Thankfully, our standard stock for EnchanTea seemed sufficient to meet the demand. As I take a moment to look up from my task, I notice that the once bustling shop is now completely empty, and the usually busy street outside is unusually quiet. Despite the stillness, a gentle smile forms on my face, knowing everything is in order and ready for the next day of business.

I might have time to finish prepping the orders before closing time and leave a little early. I'd been dying to swing by the used bookstore, but they ware always closed before I finish my shift, and I'd rarely had time to wander into town.

Did I even have time to read books?

With a sigh, I grab a rag and start cleaning off the tables. I was so tired lately I couldn't even remember to tell a customer the most important instructions for his order.

"Oh shoot, someone needs to feed Honey!" I dash to my purse and pull out my cell phone. With a sense of urgency, I hit the speed dial for my roommate's number.

"Hey, Netti. Are you off work yet?" she asks, and I hear the sound of people laughing on the TV in the background.

"Yes, but Hazel called out. Eddie's sick again," I reply. I shift uneasily on my feet, then sink into a nearby chair, sighing with relief as I pull the tie out of my bun. As I let my hair fall around my shoulders, the weight of the week’s tension seems to ease, a brief reprieve from the stress. A gnawing frustration keeps me from feeling content, and it’s more than just Hazel asking me to stay late for her.

"Again?" she responds, her voice filled with disbelief. "Let me guess, you said you'd cover for her?"

"Mhmm, yes," I reply, twisting the phone cord around my finger. The bakery was the only place I knew who still used a corded phone. Even my parents upgraded our house and shop to have wireless phones.

"You're such a softie." She laughs.

"She needed the coverage, and I need the money," I explain, my thoughts drifting to the upcoming bills. It's not just the condo expenses but also the costs for my final semester in the nursing program. On top of that, Honey, my fruit bat, recently got injured, and the vet bill has put me even further behind financially than I had anticipated.

"I don't understand why you don't apply for some grants or scholarships," she suggests, her voice trailing off.

"I just..." My gut tightens, and I stare at the waning moon outside the window.

"I get it. It's a sense of proprietorship, but Netti, it's literally free money they're giving to help you learn. You deserve it."

The bell above the door jingles, and I jump from the chair.

"Welcome to– Alita, I'm going to have to go." My eyes flick to the shifter who shut the door behind him. He looks worse for wear, hair mussed and eyes cold as he stares at me hungrily.

"You okay?" she asks, worry lacing her tone.

"Yep, I'm fine. Just customers. I'll see you when I get home," I quickly reply before ending the call and dropping my phone into my pocket. "Connor," I say breathlessly, and I can't help but notice how his muscles bulge against his black button-up shirt.

"Witch, what have you done to me?" He stares at me with eyes nearly feral. I step back, my pulse racing as adrenaline floods my system—prey before a predator.

"Wh-what are you talking about?" I twist the edge of my apron in my hands, glancing between him and the front door. Would running from a shifter only urge their hunt instincts? It wasn't the full moon; it was still a few days from now. What was going on?

"You. This." He steps toward me, eyes leaving burning trails along my body as he examines me head to toe. "The scones."

Oh no. The scones.

"I'm so sorry," I stammer and take another step back, the counter bumping against the back of my legs.

"You're sorry?" He places a hand on either side of me on the counter, pinning me in. The smell of wood and cinnamon fills the space between us as heat radiates from his body. Conflicting emotions rise in me; I should want to run, but heat coils in my guts and I don't feel afraid. "You could very well have cost me and my company," he growls. "Your scones made me do anything but focus.”

“Wh-what are you talking about?” I focus on the buttons of his shirt but dread pools in my gut. I can’t control my magic and now I am losing touch with making potions and pastries? I close my eyes tightly, walking through the memory of making the pastries that night. I followed the recipe exactly as I always did, but I was tired that night.

Oh Netti, what did I do?

“I still can't think of anything except you ." Connor’s voice is a low rumble and drags me from my spiraling thoughts. He leans forward, and the stubble of his beard scratches the delicate skin of my neck. Heat coils in my gut and all I can think about is giving in for once until he pulls back and grabs me by the chin, forcing me to meet his gaze.

“Wait, me?” My eyebrows pinch together in confusion. What did the scones have anything to do with me?

"Make it stop," he demands.

"Make what stop?" I shake my head to clear my hazy thoughts.

"Whatever you've done to me. Make it stop. Give me a counterspell." He moves closer until I feel the warmth of his breath on my skin.

"The magic in the scones?" I laugh at the absurdity.

"Yes, witchling. Remove this sorcery you've placed on me."

"I've placed no such spell on you," I protest. Pushing against his chest, I am met with firm resistance.

"Lies, I have not been able to think of anything but you since I ate those scones this morning," he whispers, tightening his grip. His eyes glance to my lips and I have to swallow the lump in my throat. "If that's not a love spell..."

"Love spells are illegal,” I snap, trying to pull from his grasp. How dare he accuse me of giving him a love spell? Not to mention, what would that gain me? I hardly even knew the man, let alone had the time to concoct some elaborate scheme, even if I knew how. I didn’t need to trick someone by magic. “I forgot to tell you to think of your meeting or whatever you wanted to focus on when eating them. I tried to call the shop this morning, but you had already picked up your order and hadn't left any contact information."

"I was not thinking of you after I left," he denies. A muscle in his jaw twitches.

Seconds tick by in silence as we stare at each other alone in the bakery. "Well, whatever you were thinking of, the magic in those scones should only last two to three hours. They would have worn off hours ago."

As I try and fail again to extricate myself from his arms, I feel the rough texture of his fingertips against my skin, sending a shiver down my spine. I manage to move to the side, the coolness of the glass counter behind my back contrasting with the heat radiating from his body. The evidence of his thoughts presses firmly into my abdomen, sending a wave of desire coursing through me. A small gasp escapes my lips, mixing with the sweet scent of vanilla lingering in the air. Wetness pools between my legs, a physical response to the intensity of the moment.

"Netti," he growls before fisting his hand in my hair, tugging gently but firmly.

My senses are overwhelmed as he crushes his lips to mine, the taste of his lingering coffee on his breath. Another gasp escapes as my body betrays me, arching into him on its own accord. My hands pressing against his chest curl into the soft black silk of his button-up, the smoothness of the fabric adding to the sensory overload. We stumble backward, the clatter of metal cookie sheets on the counter resonating throughout the small kitchen.

He slams me against the pantry door, the solid wood providing a sense of security as we hide away from prying eyes that may wander into the bakery. "I've thought of nothing but you all day, little nettle." He runs his teeth along the bare column of my neck, sending shivers down my spine and eliciting a gasp that echoes in the intimate space.

"I. We." I can't catch my breath or my thoughts as his fingers move to my hip and knead into the delicate skin, his face buried against my neck. "Connor," I gasp as the intensity of desire and arousal floods through my body. I can feel its physical effects taking hold. A rush of heat spreads from the pit of my stomach, surging like a wildfire through my veins. Each breath becomes shallow and quick, as if my lungs are unable to capture enough air to satisfy the growing need within me.

"Connor. Please." My thoughts become fragmented, scattered like puzzle pieces that refuse to fit together. The touch of his fingers on my hip sends electric sparks dancing across my skin, igniting a tingling sensation that travels up my spine. It's as if every nerve ending in my body is awakened, eagerly anticipating the next caress.

"Netti, I need you to release me," he demands, his voice a rumble against my skin. Heat flushes up my neck and into my cheeks. He presses his face against my neck, a delicious shiver racing down my spine, leaving a trail of goosebumps in its wake. The sensation is exhilarating and maddening, a sweet torment that leaves me longing for more. His touch becomes more intimate, fingers finding their way to my breast. Through the fabric, I can feel the teasing pressure, a delightful ache that sends waves of pleasure radiating from that sensitive point. The anticipation builds, causing my heart to pound faster, matching the rhythm of my racing thoughts.

When had I last let myself feel like this?

The phone starts ringing, and we spring apart, each panting as we stare at each other, trying to catch our breath. Connor looks at me, then the mess we've caused before returning his gaze to my swollen lips. He shakes his head as if trying to clear his thoughts before backing away.

"I need to go." He turns on his heels and leaves the cafe. I run to the phone, picking it up when I notice his warm knitted scarf on the ground. My cheeks heat as I stare at the discarded garment.

"Magickal Morsels Bakery, Netti speaking, how can I help you?"

"Netti, it's Rosemary! You weren't answering your cell, so I thought I'd try you at the bakery. I'm coming into town to visit you tomorrow! Surprise!”