Chapter 7 #2
“I just hope this event is everything she’s dreamed of and more.” Pride swells in my chest, my lips curling into a smile. I glance at my watch and blink—it’s already half past three. “I’m going to do another walk-around before heading out. Are you locking up soon?”
“I’ll be here a few more hours. Shipment came this morning, and I need to finishing setting up the bar so I can get to other things this week. Holler if you need anything.” Charlee hefts a crate of wine bottles and disappears down a stairwell leading to the basement.
“Thank you,” I murmur to his retreating steps, though my voice falters as a sudden chill slides down my spine. My steps stall. The room looks perfectly ordinary, but the prickling at the back of my neck says otherwise. I swear it feels as though someone—or something—is watching me.
Forcing a breath, I shake my head and press on. The newly renovated back hall stretches ahead, each alcove dressed in careful detail. I slow my pace, jotting notes as I go, but my pen feels heavy in my hand, my focus tugged by that lingering unease.
Get a hold of yourself, Rose. There’s no one here. You just need more sleep.
I walk the length of the hallway, peering into each doorway until I reach the last room, where enchanted sconces flicker against carved wood and velvet lounges.
Mauve and bronze hues wrap the space in a muted glow, the low table arranged as though expecting company.
My gaze drifts to the far wall. Heavy drapes conceal what looks like a window, though even from here I can feel it—an odd magical pull, beckoning me closer.
Crossing the room, my fingers caress the velvet before tugging it aside.
Sunbeams spill in, motes of dust suspended mid-breath.
But it isn’t the outside world I see. The glass hums faintly with magic, showing a forest of towering oaks, their leaves aflame in oranges and reds.
The air itself seems to shift, crisp autumn coolness brushing my skin despite the lounge’s warmth.
An enchanted window. Angelique has really outdone herself.
Despite the wonder, unease clings sharp and insistent. I let go, and the curtain falls shut with a heavy whoosh. Darkness rushes back in, and it takes several long heartbeats for my eyes to adjust.
“You definitely need sleep, Rose.” I turn toward the kitchen, jotting a note to ask Angelique which coven handled the spellwork on the windows—and what wards were in place.
“I’m all done here,” I call to Charlee, who’s perched precariously on a tall ladder, stocking bottles in a dozen shades of blue behind the bar.
“Oh, good. I was about to send a search party for you. Thought maybe you’d fallen prey to one of the rooms. She’s going to put half the patrons to sleep with how comfortable some of that Italian furniture is.” He chuckles, climbing down and dusting off his hands.
“It’s going to be such a unique experience.” I slip my notepad into my purse and hitch the strap higher on my shoulder, my gaze sweeping the details once more. A smile tugs at my lips. “I know I’m just here to help with the opening, but honestly? I’m in awe of what she’s pulled together.”
He gives a quiet laugh, leaning against the doorway. “From what she told me, half these ideas started with that luncheon you two had. I can see why she said you’ve got a gift—for people, for creating an atmosphere. It shows.”
Heat creeps into my cheeks at the compliment.
I look away, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.
“That’s very kind of you to say.” Adjusting my purse strap, I force a lightness into my tone even though my heart thuds harder than it should.
“Thanks for letting me get the last details down. This won’t be the last time you’re stuck seeing me. ”
“You’re welcome anytime. I’ll be here pretty much every day, and the door’s always open. Oh, before I forget—” He ducks behind the bar and pulls out a folded piece of paper. “Some young man stopped by while you were in the back and dropped this off for you.”
Excitement bubbles in my chest. Had Carter stopped by with more information?
But why wouldn’t he just text me—and how would he even know where I’d be?
Still, I’d be lying if I said he hadn’t lingered at the edge of my thoughts all day: the warmth of his hand on mine, the wondering if I’d been too rash walking away from a long-distance chance with him.
I take the note from Charlee and unfold it eagerly—only to feel my elation burst like a bubble. Not Carter’s neat script, but Jett’s hurried scrawl. My stomach knots. I crumple the paper and shove it into my purse, heat burning down my neck as my magic flares with anger.
Who does he think he is? It was bad enough he left notes at my house, but showing up at my new job? That’s a step too far.
“Everything alright?” Charlee asks, eyebrows furrowed, his voice edged with fatherly concern from the top of the ladder.
“I’m fine. Just… not who I was expecting.” I inhale through my nose, exhale through my mouth.
“I remember faces. If you don’t want him coming around, he won’t get access.” The look he sends me is reassuring. Calming. I don’t think Jett would hurt me—he just wants the connections I have. But he should’ve thought of that before getting into a lip-locking match with—
“You know what, Charlee? That would really help.”
“Do you want me to walk you out?” He climbs down again, steady and solid.
My first instinct is to refuse. But then I remember the note under my door, the cracked window, and that feeling of being watched.
I’m exhausted. My nerves are fried. And I still have a dozen things to do today. The last thing I want is a confrontation with Jett.
“If it’s not too much trouble, I’d appreciate that.”