Marigold went to one of the glass-front refrigerators lining the workspace of the shop. “That whole thing was incredibly hard on her. And none of us really knew how to help her. She blamed herself.”

“Still does, from what she told me.”

Marigold brought bunches of flowers back to the craft table and started arranging them. “We’ve all told her it wasn’t her fault. Charisma even took a series of grief-therapy classes when she was working on her counseling degree to find ways to help. Pandora can’t seem to let go of it.”

He leaned against the counter, admiring Marigold’s deft touch. He’d never really thought of flower arranging as an art until now. “Do you think the accident has anything to do with her magic not working right?”

“No. It was never right. But the accident sure didn’t help. She was more reluctant than ever to attempt even the smallest magic. She did her training along with the rest of us, but all her learning was on paper. She knows her spells, knows her potions, all of it. But it’s all book smarts. When it came to practice, she’d just flat out refuse. After a while, it was just understood that her gifts were broken.” She added some greenery, then turned the bouquet so he could see it better. “There. What do you think?”

That Pandora was good at hiding how hurt she was. His heart ached for her and what she’d endured. “Impressive. And much prettier than a bunch of one-color roses. How much is this masterpiece going to cost?”

“Twenty bucks.”

He narrowed his eyes at her. “I may not buy flowers a lot, but I know that has to be a lot more than twenty bucks.”

She wrapped them in plastic and paper. “Family discount.”

He held out the cash. “That’s very kind, but I’m not family.”

She took his money, then handed over the flowers. “Play your cards right, and you could be.”

He accepted the flowers, unsure what to say in response. He didn’t want Pandora’s sisters to think poorly of him, but Marigold had to know he and Pandora were only at the beginning of their relationship. There was no guarantee of anything more at this point. Including him staying in town.

She laughed. “I know you’re being cautious in case things don’t work out between you two, but you’ll see.”

“Are you a mind reader?”

“No, that’s not where my talents lie.” She popped her hip to the side. “But you’re a man. And all men think pretty much along the same lines, so it’s not that hard to guess what’s going on in that handsome head of yours.” She pointed at him, her expression shifting to one of stark seriousness. “But you’d better not be playing with Pandora’s heart.”

“I’m not. We’re taking it slow. Getting to know each other.”

“Good.” Marigold crossed her arms and a sudden, inexplicable breeze zipped through the shop, rustling leaves and bending petals. “Because you do not want to get on our bad side.”

His brows lifted. Was that magic? There was no other explanation for it. “Noted. And thank you.”

He took the bouquet and went home. Marigold’s words stuck in his head while he got dressed. He had no intention of hurting Pandora, but he knew that if she fell for him but he didn’t fall for her and he decided not to stay in Nocturne Falls, that’s exactly what would happen.

And what if the reverse came true? He knotted his tie. If he fell for her and she ultimately rejected him, he’d be hurt. But so would Kaley.

All three of them had so much to lose. He’d manage. He’d been hurt before and gotten past it. But Pandora… He sighed. Pandora would be once again a witch without working magic. How badly would that hurt her?

And then there was Kaley. She was a kid and very vulnerable. He knew how excited she got every time Lila made any kind of contact.

What would she do if he had to tell her Pandora wasn’t going to be in their lives anymore? And not just because they were moving back to North Carolina.

As much as he wanted this evening to be light and fun and carefree, he had to talk to Pandora about this. Protecting Kaley was his priority.

He shrugged on his suit jacket and checked himself in the mirror. He hadn’t worn this suit since his annual review. Three knocks rang out from downstairs. He looked at his watch. Pandora was right on time. He grabbed his wallet and went to answer the door.

He opened it, and his jaw dropped. Her little black dress and sky-high heels, combined with her gorgeous red hair and creamy skin, took his breath away. She was easily the most beautiful woman he’d ever had the honor of knowing. And he was about to be seen in public with her. He licked his lips and reminded himself this was just the start of the evening.

“Did you really go to work like that? Because if you did, you must have sold everything.”

She laughed, and he decided that was a sound he’d be happy to hear every day. “I had a jacket on. And different shoes.”

“I really like the ones you’re wearing now.” His gaze traveled down her shapely legs to her black patent leather, open-toed heels. They were the kind of shoes he’d love to see her wear all by themselves. His gaze lingered on them as the thought filled him with heat. Her toenails were painted a hot, juicy pink. Like ripe berries.

She cleared her throat. “Are you going to put any on?”

“Any what?”

She pointed at his feet. “Shoes.”

He looked down. Just socks. “Yes. Come in. I have something for you anyway.”