Fall Into Temptation (Blue Moon Book #2)(50)

“Congratulations, Summer! That’s fantastic.”

She waved away her praise. “What this means is I’m looking for a very flexible, very part-time assistant editor. Preferably someone with a background in health and wellness.” She looked pointedly at Gia.

“Are you offering me a job?” Gia squeaked.

“I’m offering if you’re accepting. Oh my God, your education in plants means we could beef up the gardening content, too!” Summer clapped her hands together. “This is too perfect. I’m thinking between ten and fifteen hours a week would do it and we’ll work around your schedule. What do you say?”

Gia felt shell-shocked. “This is the second time in one night you’ve given me an offer I can’t refuse.”

Summer grabbed her in a tight hug. “Thank you, thank you, thank you,” she chanted.

“I should be thanking you,” Gia gasped as the oxygen was squeezed out of her by Summer’s surprisingly strong grip. You have no idea what this means to me and my family.”

“Hey, you girls want fries?” the man behind the stand barked.

Mrs. Nordeman grumbled past them in her full skirt to order.

“Sorry, Mrs. Nordeman,” Summer and Gia said.

When they finally returned bearing greasy dishes of fries, Carter demanded to know what all the fuss in line had been about. “What’s with all the jumping and hugging?”

“Don’t tell me you’re that big a fan of French fries,” Beckett said, fishing one out of Gia’s vinegar-sodden dish.

“Gentlemen, and Aurora, say hello to my new assistant editor,” Summer announced, waving expansively at Gia.

“Hello, Mama,” Aurora chirped.

“We’re going to need another desk,” Summer winked at Carter.

“I’d better get building,” he said, stroking a hand through his fiancée’s glossy hair. “Hey, how do the twins feel about milkshakes?”

“I like milkshakes,” Aurora said, tugging on his hand. “Ninjas love milkshakes, right, Bucket?”

Beckett grinned at her. “They sure do, shortcake. And I bet if you give Carter that sad face of yours he’d invite you along to the milkshake stand.”

Aurora spun around to face Carter, her sweet face morphing into wide-eyed, lip-trembling devastation.

“What the hell is that?” Carter asked in horror, picking her up.

“Mama, Carter said ‘hell.’” Aurora said in a loud whisper, her faux sadness forgotten in the thrill of a tale to tell.

“Jesus,” Carter said, rubbing his free hand over his heart.

“See what you have to look forward to?” Gia said sweetly.

Beckett grinned.

Summer covered her belly with her hand. “Please don’t be two girls,” she whispered.

“What do you say, Rora? Want to come with Summer and me and get a milkshake?” Carter asked.

Aurora nodded earnestly and stroked her little hands through Carter’s beard. “Yes, please.”

“Mama, is it okay with you?” Summer winked at Gia.

“Sure, just please don’t let her order a large. I’ll catch up with you after the fried cauliflower stand.”

Gia sighed as she watched her little girl dance off between Summer and Carter holding their hands.

“What are they going to do with two of them?” Beckett asked.

“Never sleep again?” She turned to face him. “You know, we probably shouldn’t be seen alone together in front of the entire town,” she reminded him.

“I’m just a mayor having a friendly conversation with a witchy constituent.” His gray gaze was warm on her face. “I like your costume. Very fitting.”

Gia glanced down.

“Thank you. This is my standard Friday night outfit. I’m curious about your costume. What are you, exactly?”

“I’m a man trying to hide his attraction to a very sexy witch.” He reached out and fingered the tassled tie of her cloak. “I don’t understand it,” he murmured.

“Don’t understand what?”

“Why I find you so irresistible.”

“Beckett!” His name crossed her lips on a hiss. “Your logic is the only thing saving us from a mistake right now. I need you to resist.”

“What about your logic? Your resistance?” His voice was low, skirting toward dangerous.

“They both disappeared when you brought me a fairy garden.”

He took a step closer. “Don’t say things like that.”

Gia’s gaze darted around. Was it her imagination or did everyone in line for cotton candy have their cellphones pointed in their direction?

She grabbed his arm and dragged him off the sidewalk and behind one of the giant oaks that stretched toward the twilight heavens.

Out of the lights, away from the prying eyes, she decided to put it all out there. “Beckett, I need to be clear. I’m very, very attracted to you.” Her gaze skimmed down his body and back up again. “Very,” she said again.

“The feeling is mutual,” he said, bringing his warm hands to her hips.

“But I have two kids. I can’t just have a fling any more than I can jump into a relationship.”

“I know that, Gianna. They’re great kids. I don’t want to jeopardize anything for them, or for you. But I can’t get you out of my head.”