“Alex Cruz was in her shop doing some recon, and Agnes offered to have me bring in Kaley, my boyfriend’s daughter, to read the auras of any male customers who show up to see if they mean you harm.”

Roxy flattened her hands on the table. “I had no idea that was even a possibility. But I really hope this guy doesn’t show up tomorrow. I don’t want any trouble. It’ll be chaotic enough with the signing and the parade.”

Delaney patted her hand. “It’ll be fine.”

“I agree,” Pandora said. “One guy against an assorted bunch of supernaturals? He’s got no chance.” She stood. “And now I better get going. I have a lot of work to do before making it to Cole’s at seven. Thanks for the cake, Delaney.”

Delaney started to get up. “I’ll walk you out.”

“Rest, mama-to-be. I know where the door is.” Pandora waved as she hiked her briefcase strap onto her shoulder. “I’ll see you guys tomorrow.”

Morning came bright and early, and as Alex was carrying his mother’s things to her car, a gleaming black Bentley pulled into Roxy’s drive. Roxy got out of the back, an overnight bag in her hand. Stanhill, Hugh Ellingham’s rook, was behind the wheel. She waved to him, then walked over to Alex. “Hiya.”

“Hi. How was your night at Delaney’s?”

“Oh, you know. Full of girl talk.”

He popped the Caddy’s trunk. “You two all right now?”

“Yep. We talked it all out. She told me about the history of the town and the Ellinghams and everything. Even about the water and the spell that’s in it to keep humans from figuring out the truth about this place.”

“You really did talk it out. Did you get any writing done?”

“A little.” She leaned against the car. “Kind of sad your mom’s going home today. I haven’t eaten that well in a long time.”

“She’s not happy she’s missing the signing, but I told her I know people. And my freezer is full of meals. You’re welcome to join me anytime.” He put his mother’s bag and cooler in the trunk and shut it.

Roxy smiled. “I like your mom. If you give me a few minutes, I’ll go sign a set of books for her to take home.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“I know.” She lifted one shoulder. “But I want to. She’s the mother of the guy I’m crazy about. I need her on my side. And I have to come over and say goodbye.”

He laughed, warmed by her words. “She’s already on your side, trust me.”

“I do.” She stared up at him.

He tried to read her expression. “Are you worried about today? Because you shouldn’t be. It’s going to be fine. Even if this guy shows up, I’ve got it covered.”

She nodded. “I know. I’m not worried. And I think I’m going to be too busy to get worried.”

She continued to study him, but he couldn’t read her. “There’s something on your mind. I just can’t figure out what.”

She pursed her lips. “I was thinking that you could kiss me hello from now on.” She ran her fingers along the line of the car’s trunk. “If you wanted to, that is.”

Hell yes, he wanted to. He leaned in and laid one on her. “Does that answer your question?”

She laughed. “Very well.” She took a step back toward her house. “I should go get ready.”

“What time do you need to be at the bookstore?”

“The signing is from one to four. I told Agnes I’d be there at twelve thirty.”

“Okay. I’ll drive you. If you want, you can come over here and have lunch, then we can go.”

“I might be too nervous to have lunch.” She fiddled with the earring dangling from her right ear.

“You have to eat something. That’s too long to go without food.”

She laughed. “I can tell your mother’s been visiting. Okay, I’ll come over. In fact, let me go grab those books for your mom and then I’ll come say goodbye to her.”

“Excellent. I’ll keep her occupied until you show up.”

She turned to go, then stopped. “You didn’t see anything going on around my house last night, did you?”

“No, and I did a perimeter check this morning. Nothing out of the ordinary.”

“Good. Thanks. See you in a bit.”

He watched her go, distracted by the sway of her hips and the flavor of her berry gloss on his mouth. He was still smiling as he went inside.

“That happy I’m leaving, huh?” Carmen turned back to the sink and put the last of the breakfast dishes into the drainer.

“You know I have a dishwasher.”

“Eh, this is faster.”

He doubted that, but if she wanted to hand-wash his dishes, he wasn’t going to put up too much of a fuss. If there was anything he knew about Carmen Cruz, it’s that she liked to feel useful. “I’m not happy because you’re leaving.”

“Then why were you smiling?”

“Because I’m a happy guy.”

She turned to face him again. She leaned against the sink, taking off the rubber gloves she must have also brought with her. “You’re in love.”

“I’m not in love.” No way. Not yet. It was too early for that. Much too early. But if Roxy really was his soul mate—

“You smile like a man in love. Your father gets the same look every now and then. Mostly when I make flan.”