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‘You know that look doesn’t work on me. Any more than it does the cat.’ Aiden shrugged. ‘Besides, I know you don’t really hex people.’

‘I think I liked it better when he was scared of me,’ Ophelia muttered to Mist, who h’rumphed in agreement. ‘Fine, we can do the decorations. But it still seems like a massive job.’

‘Which is why I’m helping.’

‘You really don’t mind?’

‘Nope.’ Aiden shrugged. ‘I know you only hired me for my baking and to be your minion for all the jobs you don’t like!’

‘Minion? I like that.’ She cackled.

‘Well, this minion better get to work. How about I get the boxes out, you tell me where to put things, and I’ll do all the climbing about?’

‘Thanks.’

‘No problem.’

He polished off the rest of his breakfast before putting his mug in the sink and holding out his hand for Ophelia’s things. While she got the store ready for opening, he washed up quickly, put food out for Rayenne’s garden birds, then grabbed his bag from one of the high cupboards Ophelia didn’t use and headed for the little washroom. He’d just pulled his shirt over his head when he heard movement behind him.

‘Did I know you were keeping clothes and stuff here?’ Ophelia asked.

‘Um. Maybe not?’ In fact, definitely not. He’d made a point of usually changing before she saw him. ‘It’s just a stash bag. You know, in case I spill something. Some of your oils and essences are pretty strong, and baking is always a bit messy.’

‘Right.’ She watched as he shook out the shirt. ‘Do you often need to change from spilling things?’ Mist miaowed, and Ophelia turned to look at her. ‘Why didn’t you tell me sooner?’ She glared at the cat before turning her attention back to Aiden.

‘You know, the more time I spend with you, the more I think you really are having proper conversations with her.’

‘No changing the subject.’

‘I hadn’t mentioned it because I didn’t think it was a big deal. If it bothers you, I’ll stop.’ He’d just go back to stuffing things in his bike panniers, or making sure he got home in the mornings. Even if it meant skipping some of the nicer wake-ups.

‘If I hadn’t noticed, I guess it’s not an issue.’ She shot the cat another look before stalking off, muttering about unreliability.

‘Why do I think she’s talking about you, and not me?’

If Mist had an answer, she wasn’t sharing it.

Aiden shook his head, amused to find himself talking to the cat like his bosses did. He peered at himself in the mirror and his hazel eyes grinned back from beneath level, dark eyebrows. His hair was a mess – hazard of the bike – so he yanked it loose, smoothed it back and retied it.

When he was done making himself presentable, he found Ophelia sat behind the till, still scowling at Mist. He wondered if the cat had broken another relic.

‘Can I ask you something that might be a bit personal?’ Ophelia glanced up at him.

‘Sure.’

‘I don’t mean to be offensive, but you are… being careful, aren’t you?’

‘Yeah, I’m a good boy. My mum would plant me in her compost bin if she thought I was taking risks. I won’t leave any of my ladies with unpleasant surprises.’

‘Good to know, but I didn’t think you were stupid.’ She shook her head. ‘I was more checking you’re protecting your energies. I’d hate to think you were doing anything to paint a target for karma on yourself.’

‘I promise I’m not. I’m always honest with my lady friends about what I’m looking for… and what I’m not. I never lead anyone on, and I’m very clear about not making promises and managing expectations.’

‘You’re one of the good ones, Aiden. Even if I’m now going to worry about your private life a bit.’ Ophelia smiled, and he felt another rush of affection for the boss who’d fast become his friend.

‘I promise I wouldn’t risk bringing negative energies into your business and home. I’ve avoided… seeing… anyone from Hudsbury in case it came back on Glimmers. I can keep doing that.’ There were plenty of women on different apps he could find.

‘Thank you.’