Page 30 of The Cinnamon Spellbook Bakery

‘I have a good feeling it will.’

‘Well, I can think of a favour I’d like.’ Aiden drummed his fingers on the dashboard. ‘If you’re insisting on offering.’

‘What?’

‘It’s a bit bigger than taste-testing biscuits. I don’t want you to feel like you have to say yes. Honestly, I’m half-expecting you to say no.’

Mia twisted more to look at him, intrigued. ‘What do you want, Aiden?’

‘Your body.’ The look he gave her was pure mischief.

‘I’m not putting out just because you came rushing over to fix my nuts.’ She raised an eyebrow, half-glaring at him and half trying really hard not to laugh. ‘So, you’d best explain yourself PDQ!’

‘Sorry. Couldn’t resist. You know I mentioned learning reiki with Rayenne? Part of the qualification is hands-on – or, as it’s reiki, more hands off – experience. I’ve done the learning and attunements for the first level, and I’ve done practice sessions with Rayenne, Katie and Ophelia – but it’s best to practise on more people.’

‘Why’s that?’

‘I’d imagine it’s very similar to your job.’

‘How?’

‘Even though two people can have the same condition, they’re still individuals, so will have different needs and experiences.’

‘You’re right. No two patients are the same.’

‘Similarly, every person has different energy, ailments, tensions and needs. The more practice I get working with that, the better I’ll be at reiki, and the more people I should be able to help.’

‘Phrased like that, I’m not sure I can say no.’

‘You definitely can if you’re uncomfortable.’

‘I’ve never had reiki. What would I be agreeing to?’

‘A session lasts around an hour. You either sit or lie on a treatment couch, and I work through the different energy points in your body. Sometimes my hands will be just above you, but I might also touch you gently too.’

‘What does it feel like?’

‘Different for everyone. And I’d rather not influence you by telling you what others experience, but it’s not unpleasant.’