Page 87 of Not Your Ex's Hexes
He chuckled. “Point in your column, little witch, but maybe we can postpone our repeat until tonight?”
So, so tempting.And it was on the tip of her tongue to say yes.
“Actually, I have some pretty lively plans for later.” She fought against a grin as an idea formed in her head. “You can come with me if you’re up for it, but fair warning, rolling with this group isn’t for the faint of heart.”
“No?”
She shook her head. “Only the strong survive.”
“Good thing I’m pretty good at holding my own. Count me in.”
“Tick-tock, lovebirds,” Vi chimed, tapping her nonexistent watch.
Rose dropped her head onto Damian’s chest with a groan. “But first, I’ll have to survive this freaking opening.”
Her temporary pillow vibrated as Damian chuckled. “It’s just peopling. You did that professionally, didn’t you?”
“And it wore me out then, too. But now I’m theejectedPrima Apparent. As far as anyone knows, that’s never happened before. I may as well be the two-headed snake at the zoo.”
“Nah, you’re definitely a lot cuter.” He casually slid his palm down her waist. “And look, no scales. I would’ve seen them after last night.”
She honest-to-goddess blushed, making Damian chuckle. “Call or text me the time and place, and I’ll meet you for these lively plans tonight. Vi? Olive?” He turned to the other two Maxwells, flashing them a wink. “Catch you later.”
They all waved to Damian as he left them alone. Rose mourned the loss of his touch immediately and took a private moment to collect herself for the incoming sister interrogation.
Instead, she turned to meet Violet’s annoyed huff. “I will never forgive you for this, Rose Marie Maxwell.”
“For—”
“Divulging something this juicy involves wine, ice cream, andquite possibly aMagic Mikerewatch, and now we’ll have to hear it from inside the car.” Vi shooed her toward her bathroom. “Get a move on, because if we’re late for this grand opening and Mom breaks into one of her rants, that’s another thing I’ll never forgive you for.”
Rose grinned, knowing her sister would do no such thing, and practically skipped into the shower. Not even the threat of earning Christina’s ire could dampen her current mood.
“Hey,” Olive called out, “what lively plans do you have tonight?”
“Mrs. Powers,” Rose answered back. Hearing Vi’s chuckles, her mischievous giggle turned into full-blown laughter.
Having been Mrs. Powers’s neighbor for years before moving in with Lincoln, the oldest triplet knew exactly what kind of night lay ahead… and it made Rose a little happy knowing Damian had absolutely no clue.
Wolves and witches and angels, oh my!An eclectic array of Supes and Norms came out to celebrate the grand opening of Supernatural Spirits Winery, a boutique vineyard located on the outskirts of Westchester. The idea had been their father’s brainchild, an offhand comment made while talking with friends, and Christina had latched on and run with it, the winery becoming their mother’s latest obsession.
Most Supes had to consume copious amounts of alcohol to feel even the slightest buzz, but the spirits brewed at SSW catered specifically toward Supernaturals and their higher-than-average tolerance.
No one was more surprised than Rose to find the entire winery had an understated, comfy atmosphere. Christina did things to excess, but the entire facility featured a rustic, natural beauty and had the homey feel of Napa Valley wineries, right down to the hardwood floors and creamy walls. Upcycled wine barrels doubled as decoration and provided accent touches to everything from hanging artwork to the doors and handles.
It was adorable and not the least bit ostentatious. Maybe Rose’s father had had more say in the design than she’d previously thought.
Sipping a sweet raspberry rosé, Rose eyed Vi and Edie across the room. Edie listened raptly to something Angel Representative Ramón said and her sister pretended to. Olly had retreated to the bathroom fifteen minutes ago and had yet to return, but what concerned Rose most was that she’d lost track of her mother.
In social situations like this one, that was never a good thing because the second you lost sight of her, she’d pop up with a surprise, and not one involving horn-blowers and confetti.
“And there’s my elusive daughter now,” Christina’s songlike voice chimed.
“And let the games begin…” Rose conjured every drop of patience before turning toward her approaching mother.
A tall, lithe blonde walked next to her, both wearing near-matching smiles. Rose reflexively pushed one to her face, too.
“Rose, sweetheart.” Christina pulled her into an affectionate hug that caught her off guard. “I wanted to introduce you to someone I think you’d get along with fabulously. This is Callie Sanderson, from the Massachusetts coven. Callie, this is my second-oldest pride and joy, Rose.”
