The Witching Hour

Chapter 19 - Moon

All the drinks and the dancing came back to haunt Ivy the next morning. She woke up wrapped in sheets with a massive headache. It was as if someone had taken a hammer to her skull and nailed it shut. The worst part about it was that she had to be in form that evening. Somewhere along the lines last night Ella came up with the brilliant plan to try and summon Cassie. If she could reach us, they had to be able to reach her. At the time, the impulsive decision sounded great even though they had been through a series of shots and cocktails.

Not the brightest plan.

In addition to that, the burning sensation gnawed at Ivy. So far it hadn't made a reappearance except very briefly late in the night. Even then, it equaled that of a cup of hot chocolate warming her hands. Thankfully, Marina didn't sense it off Ivy so she didn't have to bring it up. She could keep it hidden a bit longer.

The following morning, the ever-sweet Hunter brought her breakfast in bed and slid under the covers next to her. He laid back and watched as she devoured the eggs and toast mercilessly. It was quite a sight to behold, one that made him chuckle. Ivy looked at him with wide eyes and a full mouth, earning a bigger laugh.

"Hey," she managed to get out. It sounded more in the range gurgling, which only made him laugh harder. She slapped his shoulder playfully as she swallowed down the food.

"Babe, you're adorable. That's all." He sat up to plant a light kiss on her lips. "Girls' night go all right?"

"It went fine." Ivy's voice practically cracked as she avoided his gaze. She had no desire to recount what happened in the bathroom nor how much the group had really drank. He only ever wanted her to be safe, and Ivy had definitely drunken enough alcohol to teeter that line.

"You're lying." He glowered at her down his nose. "Your voice always go high when you're not telling the truth."

"This guy tried to come at me in the bathroom," she replied quickly sticking more food in her mouth so she wouldn't have to answer his oncoming onslaught of questions.

Hunter bolted up in bed. "Why didn't you call? Were the girls there?"

Not quite, but technically yes.

Ivy nodded, pointing at her cheeks full of food. Tapping his finger on his knee, Hunter waited for her to swallow. She took extra time by chewing slower and taking a swig of water. When she finally got her food down, Hunter had crossed his arms over his chest.

"Yes, all is well." She pushed back the food to twirl over him out of bed and give him a quick peck. The less he knew the better. "He got what he deserved. I have to get going. I do have to sell to the tourists, but I need a quick shower first."

"Feel like having company?" Hunter wiggled his eyebrows and squeezed her hand.

When Ivy looked back at him, her stomach wasn't doing backflips to have him join her. If anything, the notion almost revolted her – a rather new feeling if she were honest with herself. She chalked it being due to the hangover, but she hesitated long enough for Hunter to drop her hand. Narrowing his eyes, he studied her face.

"If you're not feeling well, no pressure." He lay back down and put his hands behind his head. "Hangovers are the worst, and sometimes company doesn't make it any better."

Nodding, Ivy plastered her classic smile on her face. "Maybe another time."

Rushing through her shower, Ivy got dressed and slipped out of the house stealthily to avoid a run-in with Hunter. She couldn't explain the morning nor did she truly want to. All she desired was to be surrounded by her plants as she made literal and figurative magic. They would help ease this guilt that grew in the pit of her stomach. She never lied to Hunter, at least nothing more than telling little white ones.