“I assume we’re going to the fire station first, since it’s closer?”
“Yep. Then you can drive me to the department, and I’ll get my car and follow you.”
He nodded. “Sounds good. Should we wait outside? I can carry the groceries and beer, since you have your bag.”
She gave him another look but said nothing. Probably she wanted to say something about how she was just as strong as he was. Maybe stronger. She was a valkyrie, after all. A very sexy—whoa, where had that come from? He knew where. He just didn’t want to admit it.
But it had to be the love spell. There was no other explanation. Was she feeling it too? She wasn’t really acting like it.
Was the spell also why he couldn’t stop thinking about all those brightly colored underthings he’d seen earlier and why he couldn’t stop wondering how many of them had made it into the duffel bag?
Whatever the answer, he had the distinct feeling he was already in trouble.
Jenna didn’t want to be impressed with Titus’s house, but she was. The Craftsman-style lodge home seemed exactly like the kind of house a rugged, alpha male werewolf would live in.
To be honest, the place looked very much like the sort of house she’d want to live in someday. From the square white columns that broadened into stacked stone foundations, to the crisp white trim and clean lines, the house had a strength about it. A presence that felt solid and unshakable. Like you knew whoever lived here was someone you could depend on.
She supposed that was precisely who the fire chief should be. And maybe Titus was that kind of guy. Most likely. She didn’t know him that well. Didn’t need to, either, no matter what the love spell was influencing her to do.
What did her house say about her? Probably not much. It was a simple three-bedroom ranch. Neat, well maintained, but it certainly didn’t have this kind of charm or personality.
She’d parked her squad car in the driveway beside his fire chief’s truck. She got out and stood there for a moment as Titus got out of his truck. “Do you think we should park in the garage? Or is your garage too full of stuff to actually fit cars into?”
His glance held a little moodiness at the question. “My garage might not be as empty as yours, but it’s not full of junk either. Why do you want to park in there?”
Her brows bent. Did he really not get it? “You don’t think having my car parked in your driveway is going to cause tongues to wag?”
“Is that another dog joke?”
“No. I’m just saying word’s going to spread fast that I’m staying here.” She’d never been one to give much attention to rumors or care what anyone said about her, but something about this situation made the impending gossip seem unfair.
“For one thing,” he started, “we’re together out of medical necessity. Or…magical necessity. Because of magic gone awry. If anyone can understand that, it’s the citizens of Nocturne Falls. For another, for all anyone knows, that could be my brother’s car. He does stop by every once in a while. He lives just down the street.”
“Right, but does he often stay overnight?” Mostly, Jenna wanted to tell Tessa before she found out through the grapevine and assumed something else was going on.
“No. I guess I see your point. If you really want to park in the garage, I suppose I can make room.”
“I don’t want to put you out. Any more than I have. I just need to call Tessa and tell her what’s going on. Everyone else can get bent.” She hoisted her duffel over her shoulder, grabbed her purse, and headed for the front porch.
He snorted. “There you go. That’s the right attitude.”
She walked up onto his porch. There was an actual swing. A really pretty one too. Looked custom made. If she had one of those, she’d sit in it all the time. “Hey, that’s cool.”
“You like that?” Titus asked as if he didn’t believe her. Or wasn’t sure if she was making a joke or not. He joined her at the front door, his keys jangling in his hand.
She realized she was smiling. “Yeah, it’s really nice. You must use it all the time.”
He shook his head. “Nope. Not at all.”
“Really? Why not? I’d be out here every—”
“Let me get the door unlocked.” He set the crate of beer down, then shifted the bag of groceries to his other arm so he could slide the key in. A second later, he swung the door wide. “After you.”
He’d cut her off so quickly about the swing, she knew better than to ask again. But why? Since when was a porch swing a touchy subject? Maybe he’d tell her after a Warhammer Stout. That brew had a way of loosening up those who weren’t used to its punch.
“Thanks.” She walked into the house, unsurprised that it was equally as beautiful on the inside. And thankfully, pretty uncluttered.
Sure, he had more stuff than she did, but it all worked well in the space. The whole Craftsman cabin look of shelves filled with books, throw pillows spread about, and rag rugs gave off a very cozy vibe. Here and there were small objects that looked like they held significance. Like the red and yellow crudely crafted mug that sat on the fireplace mantel. It had to have been made by a child. Unless Titus had terrible taste in pottery.
“Kitchen’s this way.” He walked past her and through the dining room.
She followed, taking in the house as they went. It wasn’t a large house, but it was considerably bigger than hers. More open, really. And, well, just bigger. At the back was a wall of sliders that looked out over a huge rear deck and the forest that lay beyond.
That alone made it easy to see why he liked living here. All
