“Okay,” I whispered, even more breathy than before.
“Fuck, you’re cute.” He tapped my nose with his finger. “You need help with anything before we go?”
“Um. No. I just have to straighten up these books, then get changed in the back.”
“Don’t change on my account.” His lips twitched. “I like the witchy getup. Makes me wonder what you’ve got on under all those layers.” He paused, leaned in, and whispered against my lips. “I plan to find out.Soon.”
My mouth went dry.
“Though you might get some looks from the boys at the station if you wear that to press charges against Donny.” He glanced at his watch, brow furrowing. “We’re short on time tonight if we want to pass out candy. Probably better we go tomorrow morning, anyway.”
“I haven’t agreed to pressing charges,” I reminded him.
“Not yet.” He leaned in an inch, eyes locked on mine. “I plan to be… persuasive.”
I fought the urge to slam my mouth against his. “Isn’t that witness tampering, detective?”
He just smirked, turned on a heel, and stalked over to the espresso bar, where he settled his tall form onto one of Gwen’s girly, gold-legged stools. Most men would’ve looked ridiculous sitting there, but he pulled it off like that stool had been crafted specifically for his ass — long legs stretched out before him, elbows planted on the edge of the counter. Totally at ease.
I swiped at my face to check I wasn’t salivating like a St. Bernard and forced myself to turn back to the books. Honestly, it wasn’t fair. He had no right to be so hot all the time. It was messing with my head! And?—
“You plan to sort those books or stand there frozen for the rest of the night?” Cade called from behind me. “Not that I mind the view. The way your ass moves in that swishy skirt…” His words tapered off into a growly sound of appreciation.
God, I was so screwed.
A feminine squeal came from the mystical curiosities section. “Detective Hightower! You’re here!”
Flo raced up the two mahogany steps that led into the front. She was dressed as the third Sanderson sister in a getup much like mine, only her hair was sprayed within an inch of its life into a gravity-defying updo that resembled a lopsided witch’s hat. Her gorgeous features were lit up in a grin as her eyes landed on me.
“Gwen and I will finish up here, Imogen. You should go.” Her brows waggled suggestively. “You haveplans.”
Cade chuckled.
“So do you,” I contended, crossing my arms over my chest.
“Yes, but our plans aren’t until later.” She looked at Cade, her grin widening. “The Bay Colony Coven invited Gwen and I to spend Samhain the old way.”
“The old way?” Cade asked.
“Yep. Dancing naked under the moonlight. It’s going to beawesome.” Her eyes shifted to me. “Too bad you’re going to miss it, Imogen.”
Normally, I would not classify dancing naked with a dozen octogenarians asawesomebut, hell, this was Salem. Normal had gone out the window the second my car began to smoke on the bridge into town. And I had to admit, after working with them, Sally and Agatha were a hoot. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to meet the rest of their coven.
“Hey, maybe you can still come!” Flo exclaimed. “Were aren’t meeting in the sacred grove until midnight. Gwen and I could pick you up on the way?—”
“Imogen will be naked at midnight, but not in a sacred grove.”
We both whipped our heads around to look at Cade when he spoke. He was still sitting on the stool, legs planted out in front of him, but his arms were now crossed over his chest and his expression was serious as a heart attack. My cheeks began to burn with a fierce blush as his words processed belatedly.
“Please tell me you did not just say that in front of Florence!” I hissed, mortified.
“Goldie…” He shrugged, totally unapologetic. “It’s the truth.”
“You still can’t just say things like that!”
His lips were twitching. “Too late.”
“Cade!”