The heated look on his face eased into one of amusement. “Sexual blackmail, huh? Well played, Miss Williams. Well played.”

He took her hand again and started up the stairs.

“What grade would you give that kiss?”

He gave her a quick glance. “B-plus. But you can bring it up with extra credit.”

She made a little choked sound. “That’s what she said.”

He laughed and led her into the bedroom, shutting the door behind them. “You’re going to do everything in your power to make it impossible for me to leave, aren’t you?”

The room was military-grade neat, which was what she’d expected after seeing his truck. “Yes, but it’s a win-win, so relax.” She sat on the bed and leaned back. “All right, show me your raven.”

He rubbed his hands together.

“Nervous?”

“A little.” He closed his eyes. “Here goes.”

A few seconds ticked by. Then a shimmer of energy passed over him like a heat mirage.

And an enormous raven sat on the floor before her.

Another shimmer of energy distorted his image again, and Cole stood before her. His eyes were solid black, even where the white should be. He blinked, and they went back to normal.

A surge of desire went through her with such power she flushed with warmth. “Whoa.”

“What?”

She stood, reluctant to tell him she felt like she was going into heat. “I should go. Busy day and all that.”

“Pandora, what aren’t you telling me? Did I do something wrong? Freak you out?”

“No, but…” She hesitated. “You gave off some kind of metaphysical power surge. I think. Whatever it was, I felt it.”

He seemed to ponder that. “The shift was much easier that time. Maybe because you were here. You didn’t do anything magical to help, did you?”

She shook her head. “Nope. Not doing that anymore. Whatever happens, happens.”

She just hoped it happened fast. There was no way she was going to be able to keep her hands off him for very much longer.

Cole’s Monday zipped by in a blur of getting Kaley off to school, finishing the front living room clean-out, calling the hauling company to come empty the dumpster and finally, getting ready for his date with Pandora.

Around lunchtime, she’d texted to say it would be easier for her to come by after work since she’d had a last-minute meeting with new sellers. He’d planned to pick her up, but he knew how busy she was. Whatever worked for her worked for him.

He took a quick shower, checked in to make sure Kaley was at her friend’s house working on their school project, then ran into town to get Pandora more flowers. Maybe it was overkill, but this date was going to be as perfect as he could make it. Which was also why he was doing this in person instead of ordering flowers online again.

Not until he walked inside the Enchanted Garden florist shop did he remember the business belonged to Pandora’s sister Marigold.

She smiled when she saw him. “Hi, Cole. What brings you in?”

“Hi, Marigold. I need flowers.”

Her brows did a little wiggly thing. “I’m fresh out.”

He looked around at all the flowers and greenery and potted plants. “Uh… Really?”

She laughed. “Obviously, that was supposed to be a joke.”

“Oh. Right.” He laughed too, feeling weirdly under pressure.

She shrugged. “I’m not really the funny one in my family. Don’t sweat it. What kind of flowers do you want? Same as last time?”

“Last time?”

“I’m the shop that fulfilled the order you did online.”

“I didn’t know that’s how that worked.” He thought for a moment. “Not the same thing. Roses. I guess.”

“These are for Pandora again?”

“Yes.”

Marigold’s grin reminded him of Pandora’s—bright, dazzling and utterly captivating. “Any particular occasion?”

He squinted at her. “You’re digging for info, aren’t you?”

She dragged her finger along the counter. “Maybe.”

He smiled. “It’s okay. I like how you all look out for each other.”

“You know how family is.”

“Not really. I was an only child.”

She nodded. “Saffie is too. I worry that she’s missing out by not having siblings. She hasn’t stopped talking about Kaley since dinner. I’d ask about a play date, but I’m sure a thirteen-year-old doesn’t want to hang out with an eight-year-old.”

“I don’t know. Kaley really took to all of you, and she’s enamored of the whole witch thing. Maybe we could do some kind of cookout next weekend.”

“Or you and Kaley could come to Saturday dinner again.”

He nodded. Getting to know Pandora included getting to know her family, something that could only help strengthen their relationship. “That would be great. We’re in. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Now about those flowers… You don’t want roses. I mean, they’re okay for accent flowers, but Pandora loves big, bright, slightly wild arrangements. I’ll put something together.”

“I appreciate the help.”

She nodded. “You’re going to need it with that one. She hasn’t dated much.”

He stuck his hands in his pockets. “She told me about Ren.”