One of the things I loved most about living in Havenwood Falls was that it truly was a gorgeous place. Set in the midst of lush greenery that still caught my breath in the morning, my childhood home was surrounded by beautiful, majestic mountains. If there were ever a place that could cater to the many needs of the supernatural, it would be this town. It lacked the constant hustle and bustle of larger cities, but the residents liked it that way. As it was, the many prying human eyes always seemed to be on the verge of discovering how closely they brushed shoulders with the supernatural.

Not that the humans we lived alongside were completely oblivious, but it was much easier for the Court to govern and watch over a small town like ours. As for me, I loved the quaint charm Havenwood Falls held, and while there were definitely times I wished I could be invisible and simply blend in with the crowd, the small population was less chaotic against my empathic nerves.

I’d carved out a piece of heaven for myself and didn’t really see myself leaving. Taking in a lungful of clean, fresh air, I could feel the energy that often thrummed quietly around me gently caress over my senses.

Spring was coming. While each season held its own brand of appeal, I loved watching the world wake up and the coming of new life—the trees leaving behind the bareness of their branches as green leaves flourished and flowers blossomed. The rivers and creeks would grow fuller as the snow melted. Creatures would emerge from their wintry slumber, and the days would grow longer and warmer.

Something inside me whispered that this spring would bring something more personal and fulfilling than the picturesque scenery waking up. A new feeling was brewing deep within my spirit—a promise of growth and something I couldn’t quite put my finger on. All I knew was it caused butterflies to flutter in my stomach and a pulse of excitement to quicken my breath.

Leaving the main streets of town, I followed the familiar path that would lead me to where Micah and his niece were currently residing. I was a little envious as I paused long enough to sidestep a heavy branch hanging over the trail. Small snowflakes glittered onto my hair from the pine needles above.

While I loved the magical feel of winter and Christmas, I was ready to say goodbye to wet boots and cold fingers.

It didn’t bother me so much today, though, and I knew it had to do with seeing Micah. The man had taken over my thoughts and refused to budge. Over and over, I relived our encounter, questions filtering through my mind of possible reasons for him moving to Havenwood Falls.

With his modest home finally in sight, those butterflies kicked up a notch into a full-blown flurry and storm. My mouth dried from nerves, yet I kept on walking, as though drawn to him like a magnet.

The books that I read described this feeling as falling in love, and while I was a romantic at heart, being an empath had layered that feeling with a healthy dose of practical reality. There was no such thing as insta-love, at least not for me. Unfortunately, I wasn’t some gorgeous heroine being swept off her feet by some tall, dark, and handsome stranger, and as mysterious as Micah was, I was pretty sure he wasn’t my knight in shining armor.

I swung the small wooden fence open and approached his front door. With each step, my anticipation grew, and for the briefest of seconds, I prayed that he wasn’t inside. I was being a coward. Yes, I often felt uncomfortable around people and would much rather be back in my bookstore with a cup of hot chocolate and my nose in a book, but life was about risk.

As scary as it was for an introvert like me, it was good to step out of my comfort zone. Besides, it wasn’t like Micah was a werewolf or vampire. He wouldn’t be biting me anytime soon.

Rapping my gloved knuckles against the thick door, I bounced on my toes to keep warm, my breath making white fog in the air.

“Hello?”

The door opened a crack, and from what I could tell, a teenager stood peering at me.

“Hi.” I smiled, lifting the book in my hand. “I’m Sedona, and I’m looking for Micah Westbrook. He ordered something from my bookstore.”

Whatever hesitancy she’d felt evaporated instantly as the door flew open, revealing a cute brunette wearing white fluffy unicorn slippers.

“You brought me my book!” she exclaimed, pulling the package from my arms and hugging it to her chest. “Micah said that he ordered it, but I was afraid it was never, ever, ever going to get here!”

“Holly?” came a deep voice from within the house. “What did I tell you about answering the—” And then he appeared—the man I’d had a hard time forgetting. Not that I wanted to. “—door?”

Much to my mortification, I let out a small gasp as I drank in the sight of him. Wearing dark blue jeans with a regular green flannel shirt, the man was attractive, but that wasn’t what elicited such a reaction from me.

It was the glorious yellow shimmer that glowed around his entire body. I’d never seen anything so bright or so beautiful. There was a purity about it that stole my breath.

“Hi, Mr. Westbrook,” I stammered, desperately trying to gather my thoughts.

So much for being professional.

“Your book came in early, so I thought I’d drop it by instead of waiting for you to come to the store. From the looks of it, I made the right call.” I chuckled lightly and pointed to his niece. “I think I saved her from the torment of waiting forever, and ever, and ever.”

“Don’t be angry, Micah. She’s right. You know how hard it is for me to wait when I want something badly!” Heaven help the poor man, but the puppy dog eyes she gave him were powerful enough to melt even the coldest of hearts. Hell, she wasn’t even leveling that gaze my way and I wanted to take her back to Shelf Indulgence and tell her to go crazy.

The glow that had encased him vanished. Whatever wall he kept up between him and the world returned. But I still caught a glimmer of gratitude and, dare I say, interest.

My cheeks heated. I could only wish that someone like him would find someone like me interesting.

“Then it seems I’m in your debt, Miss Mathews. Thank you.” He’d come to stand by Holly, placing himself slightly in front of her body as if to shield her from something. I didn’t have to understand their relationship or read him to know she was someone he felt incredibly protective of.

Her small hand tugged on his shirtsleeve. “Aren’t you forgetting something, Micah?” Holly asked, her smile wide and eyes twinkling. She adored him.

His expression grew confused as he looked at me. “I paid for the book when I placed the order, didn’t I?”

I nodded, and before I could reassure him he had, Holly piped in again. “You forgot your manners.” Then, pushing gently past her uncle, she stared up at me. “Do you have time for a cup of hot apple cider? It’s pretty cold outside, and you look like you’re part snowman!”

It was on the tip of my tongue to refuse, not wanting to invade their privacy. I could only begin to imagine the interrogation I’d get from Aunt Millicent once she found out I’d been in Micah’s home.

He beat me to the punch, however. “My apologies, Sedona.” The sound of my name on his lips sent a shiver through me that had nothing to do with the cool temperature. “Please, come in.”

The door swung open wider, and I banged my boots on the side of the step before entering. I instantly went on sensory overload, and my gaze swept across the room, taking everything in. If I expected to uncover all his secrets by inspecting his home and the things he collected, then I’d be sorely disappointed. The living room was functional, holding all the appropriate furniture and décor, but it lacked his personal stamp and style. Holly’s was all over the cozy room, from the laptop on the table where some website was currently opened up to the several piles of books scattered over the different surfaces. Just the sight of so many volumes brought a smile to my face.

“Can I say how happy I am to have another bookworm here in town?”

Micah was watching me from the entryway that I assumed led to the kitchen. His stare seemed to press against my aura, like he was trying to figure me out as well. I stared at him openly, showing him I wasn’t someone to fear or worry over. Whatever he was looking for, he must’ve found, because the next moment he ducked out of the room and left Holly and me alone.

“I love books. All kinds of books. I love how they smell and the stories they share.” Her words gushed out with an excitement akin to my own whenever I talked about my passion for reading. “One day I’m going to be a writer because words are my life!”

“Then, as one reader to another, you are more than welcome to come to Shelf Indulgence and read to your heart’s content.”

Her eyes widened to the size of saucers. “Seriously? I can read whatever I want?”

I nodded and drew an X over my chest with my finger. “Cross my heart.”

You’d have thought I’d given her the moon when she threw her arms around my neck and squeezed tightly. “Thank you! I need to convince Uncle Micah, but I’m sure I can. He likes to think he’s all tough and mean, but he’s really a soft marshmallow.”

“Are you sure of that?”

Micah’s appearance caused Holly to squeak in surprise, her face flushing a mottled shade of red. “You can’t say no! If you do, I’ll run out of books and die!” And to her credit, she gripped her chest and fell dramatically to the floor, one eye peeking to see if he was watching.

“How could I possibly refuse?” Micah’s voice was full of love and humor. He adored his niece just as much as she adored him. “There will be ground rules, though. Like always. Miss Mathews and I will discuss them, and if . . .” Holly sat up, holding her breath as she hung on his words. “If I feel it’s okay, then we’ll arrange for you to visit.”

The young girl bounced on the ground, her smile so big that it brightened the whole room. “You are the best!”

“Yeah, yeah,” he replied, shaking his head slowly. “I hope you remember that next time I tell you no.”

Scooping up the book I’d delivered, Holly rushed over to Micah, threw her arms around his waist, and hugged him hard. “I won’t ever argue with you again. I promise. Thank you!” And with that, she blew out of the living room like a whirlwind of adolescent hormones.

That left us alone together.

With him studying me as if I was a puzzle to solve.

“I hope you have good intentions, Sedona,” he finally said. He hadn’t moved closer and instead folded his arms across his chest, leaning against the doorframe. “I love my niece very much, and there’s nothing I won’t do to protect her.”

An ominous chill swept over me, causing the hairs on my arm to rise.

“I’m not sure who you think I am, but I assure you, I’m no one to worry about.” I lifted my hand up. “I’m just a girl who owns a bookstore.”

His gaze narrowed. “No offense, but looks can be deceiving. I guess we’ll just have to see.”

His demeanor and response roused my curiosity. I once again sent out my senses in the hopes of picking up something—anything—from him.

He was still a blank slate.

I pushed again, determined to leave with at least some kind of clue.

“You’ll have to try much harder than that, Sedona,” he bristled. His stare held such intensity that it was hard not to flinch. This was a man I would never want to cross or anger.

“Than what?” I replied, feigning innocence.

“I know about your gifts, and by now, you should know they don’t work on me. I hope that’s sufficient for you to stop trying to read me.” While his tone wasn’t cold or unfriendly, it didn’t hold the warmth it had before. I missed it.

Bowing my head, I nodded. “I’m sorry to invade your privacy,” I murmured softly. “I guess you could say it’s an occupational hazard.”

His voice thawed slightly, and his gaze softened. “Not all secrets should be uncovered. Trust me. It’s more for your benefit than my own.” Then with a focus that felt like it pierced my core, Micah added, “Pass that on to your aunt. I am not her enemy, nor will I bring trouble to the Court or Havenwood Falls. I am simply an uncle trying to raise his niece the best he can.”

Words failed me. There was an honesty that rung out—truthfulness that whispered he wasn’t lying. It was more than I deserved after being caught using my gifts.

“Okay. Hopefully we can be friends, Micah.” I stood from where I was sitting, suddenly needing to be anywhere but here. His presence filled the room—pressing back against my senses. “I need to get back to the store, so I’ll take a raincheck on that apple cider, okay?”

He nodded. “Perhaps when I bring Holly into town we could go to one of the coffee shops.”

He followed silently behind me as I headed toward the front door, pausing long enough to look over my shoulder, one hand already on the doorknob. “Let Holly know that I hope she enjoys King Henry.”

“I will.”

We stood there—looking at each other—a thousand unspoken words between us.

Just as I reached the end of the walkway, Micah called out. “Be safe, Sedona. Things aren’t always as they seem.”

Before I could ask him what he meant, he closed the door.

As snow began falling from the heavy clouds above, I gave his home one last look and started back into town, more confused than ever.