Pumpkin Spice & Poltergeist (Maple Hollow #1)

Willow arrived just in time to save me from an awkward explanation. “Hey!” Her voice was an octave higher and far cheerier than it had been when she’d left.

“Hey, Willow,” Wyatt said back just as sweetly, and I wanted to gag.

Like seriously, I was pretty sure the truck driver at the counter could tell these two had the hots for each other. It was just so painfully obvious to everyone but them.

“I made myself a coffee, didn’t want to interrupt your busy day.” Wyatt lifted his mug as if in evidence. “You make it better though.”

“I can make you another one?” Willow offered almost too eagerly.

I rolled my eyes, and she elbowed me hard in the ribs.

“Nah, that’s okay,” Wyatt said. “Next time.” He gave Willow a wink, and I swore she made a sound like a pig snuffling for truffles. “See you tomorrow.”

“See you!” she exclaimed a little too loudly and waved goodbye.

She waited until he left and then twisted toward me, pointing an accusatory finger. “Say one word and I’ll put you back on kitchen duty.”

I zipped my lips and wandered off, humming a song from Lady and the Tramp as I went.

19

JORDYN

“It’s not weird. Just go inside.” Lou peeked through the window of the café, her head sectioned by the glass. “It looks like there’s a lull. Don’t be a chicken.”

I had the sudden urge to cluck just to spite her. It was stupid to feel so nervous just walking into the coffee shop and ordering a drink to go. But Harlow had had all night and morning to think about the scrying she’d witnessed. A gnawing feeling in my gut was starting to make me believe that it was too much for her. That I was too much for her.

“If you don’t go in there, I’m going to throw a brick through this window,” Lou threatened with a scowl.

“Vandalizing private property? You wouldn’t dare.”

Lou stubbornly searched for a loose brick. “Bet.”

“Fine! I’m going,” I whispered. The last thing I needed was to be written up for property damage.

But I’d only taken two steps before a too-sweet voice called my name. “Jordyn! What are you doing here?”

Katie’s big green eyes zeroed in on me.

I should have known it was her by the smell, but today there was a hint of lavender from the drink she was absentmindedly slogging about.

“Oh.” I stumbled over the word, looking from her to the café door and back. “Just grabbing a coffee on my break.”

Her head tilted slightly, but her bright smile didn’t fade. “Funny. I thought you said you don’t drink coffee?”

Did I ever say that?

“I’ve developed a taste for it,” I replied with a feigned smile. “Tea just doesn’t have the same kick it used to.”

Her nose scrunched and she let out a squeal of laughter. “You’re hilarious.”

“Is she for real?” Lou stepped around Katie, evaluating her like some sort of anomaly. “That wasn’t even clever.”

“Are you ready for the Halloween Festival? You always look so pretty in your ceremonial dresses.” A dreamy look smoothed her smile lines.

“Goddess, does every girl in this town have a boner for you?” Lou snarked. “You’ve got even the fishmonger all doe-eyed.”

I ignored the ghostly snipe and said to Katie, “The Halloween Festival is more for the tourists than the coven, but I guess it’s fun to dress up.”