Pumpkin Spice & Poltergeist (Maple Hollow #1)

I looked at her, my eyebrows shooting up. “I don’t know if that’s a good idea. Ramona is . . . well, she’s a high-ranking demon—and dangerous, especially to people she doesn’t know.”

Harlow rolled her shoulders back and extracted herself from my grip. It was adorable watching her try to puff herself up with confidence. “I’ll be fine. If I’m with you and Iris, I’ll be safe, and I want to be sure nothing happens to you.”

I couldn’t help my smile. Maybe she could protect me through sheer determination alone.

“I’m going to let you two say good night.” Iris waved her arms around her as she awkwardly added, “And I invite any other spirits gathered on the street to also give you some privacy.”

Lou snorted. “Okay, fine.”

“Thanks, Iris,” I said, flashing her a quick thumbs-up to let her know that Lou was following her inside.

Harlow chuckled. “So I’ll see you tomorrow night?”

I nodded, those damned butterflies dancing low in my belly again. “See you then.”

Harlow bracketed my face with her hands and pulled me into a scorching kiss. One so hot and torturous that it made me desperate to get somewhere far more private. The ache between my thighs was building when she pulled away and looked into my eyes.

“See you tomorrow, Detective Jordyn.” She gave me one last wink before she sauntered down the street.

And I watched her walk all the way back to the café before I finally went back inside to have an ice-cold shower.

18

HARLOW

The next morning, every booth was crammed full and there was a line out the café door. Willow had me set up the outdoor chairs and tables that she normally reserved for the summer crowd, and each one was immediately occupied despite the chilly breeze. Billy had some choice words about town ordinances for her, but he eventually let the matter go when she reminded him that it was all for the good of the town’s economy.

I was taking care of the local fishmonger, Katie, at the till when I heard the back door open.

I repeated her order and set the cup down on the pickup counter. “One large iced matcha latte with oat milk and lavender whipped cream.” The thick green liquid mixed with the light purple foam on top.

“Thanks.” Katie placed a lid on the cup and swirled her drink around until tendrils of lavender sank into the depths of grassy green. “Looks a little swampy when it mixes, but it’s my favorite combo.” She reached into the pocket of her thick coat for a few damp bills to drop into the tip jar.

“The other day, I was playing around with the syrups and coffee,” I said. “Looked like puke, but it was the best orange, peanut butter, white mocha with almond milk I’ve ever had.”

“Uh, I don’t think I’m brave enough to try that one out.”

I laughed and grabbed a milk pitcher to clean out. “I was more bored than brave.”

“I can see that.” She smiled and stepped away from the counter, drink already pressed to her lips.

If more people in this town were like Katie, maybe I could actually make some friends. Katie was one of the few fellow humans who resided in Maple Hollow, but everyone seemed to like her even though she was a little bit strange. But aside from the fish smell, I couldn’t put my finger on why. Of course, in this town, that could be said about me too.

“Hey, Mini-Miller,” a familiar voice called from behind me.

I turned to see Wyatt walking in with a box of baked goods. I wanted to point out that there was nothing “mini” about me, but seeing as I was the younger Miller sister, the nickname had stuck.

I glanced at Willow through the front window. An elderly couple had stalled her, asking questions that I could tell by the strained look on her face would be easily answered with a quick internet search or a trip to the information booth in the town square.

“It calms down a lot after Halloween,” Wyatt said, following my line of sight. “A few more weeks and the rush will be over. Everyone will head off to one of those Christmas-y towns.”

“Are those towns like this one?” I perked a brow at him and noted the curl of his lips. “Don’t tell me there’s a real Santa Claus too. I’m not sure what to believe at this point.”

“Maybe you’ll find out someday.” Wyatt leaned against the counter, and I decided that was a discussion for another day.

I opened the box he’d brought and surveyed the contents inside: cinnamon rolls, macarons, muffins, scones, and an assortment of puff pastries. He’d also included little sticky notes that listed each baked good’s name and any allergies. It struck me how off-theme these foods were for a town like Maple Hollow.

“Hey, Wyatt?”