wasn’t sure what that meant, but it had pissed him off enough that he’d almost sent a bolt of electricity through the guy that would trigger his shift. It would have been comical to see the guy bust out of his clothes and turn into a bear right there.
“Of course, you don’t have an answer. I don’t know why I bother giving you the time of day. You’ve caused me nothing but grief and heartache since the age of five.”
“Come on, Wills. It hasn’t been all bad.” At least he didn’t think so. “I’ve always thought of us as great friends.” He liked it when they bantered back and forth. She was one of the few women who didn’t simper and fall at his feet. Now, if she wanted to fall to her knees… he had to stop that thought before it finished. He wasn’t here to seduce. He was there to get back into her life and good graces. A week without talking to her or hearing from her wasn’t too horrible, but a couple…well that was simply too long.
“Really? I don’t know how you remember our history, but there hasn’t been one good moment with you— ever . As for being friends, I would hate to see how you treat your enemies. Now please, tell me why you’re here. It certainly wasn’t to apologize.”
He thrust his hands into his front pockets and suppressed the urge to argue. He should tell her he was sorry, but without that eye-opening moment, he wouldn’t have realized he was crazy in love with her. “I thought I would check in with my partner.”
Her eyes widened and her mouth dropped open. “Partner? For what?”
“To help out with whatever it is you’re doing for the upcoming celebration. The coven felt it would be best if we worked together to ensure the event went off without a hitch.”
“I know how the coven feels. I was at the monthly gathering when it was decided, which is more than I can say for you. I haven’t seen you at one in months.” She paused and took a breath. “But, I’m getting off track. I already have a partner. Not that I need one or he’s been much help.” She mumbled the last part, her disgruntlement easy to hear.
“No, you have a new one. Perry was called out of town, and I’m his replacement.”
Her dark eyes narrowed with suspicion. “Did someone con you into it? Tell you it would get you laid or something equally juvenile?”
If the Gods are on my side, yes ! Cedric knew enough not to say that out loud. “I volunteered.”
Willow snorted indelicately. “No way. Volunteering isn’t in your DNA. Tell me what really happened.”
He was a little offended she thought he was lying. “I’ve offered to help with things before.”
“Oh, please! Wanting to run a kissing booth isn’t helping. It’s a celebration, not a carnival game to see how many skirts you can go up.”
He grinned when she reminded him of his proposal from the previous year. He’d done it on a dare and to get under her skin. He didn’t know what she did with the proposal, but would bet she incinerated it with a touch of her finger.
“I thought the kissing booth was a brilliant idea. I would have let you cut to the front of the line every time. I know you’ve been dying to kiss me.”
Instead of smiling, her frown deepened. She shook her head and a look of disappointment washed over her face. “When are you going to grow up?”
He opened his mouth to answer, but she cut him off. It was a good thing too, since he didn’t think she’d like what he had to say.
“Never mind. Don’t answer that. I swear, you have Peter Pan syndrome. Back to this partner thing, I don’t need your help, so I absolve you of your obligation.”
“Nice try, but that isn’t going to work, Wills. I gave my word to the coven I would help you out, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do. I never go back on a promise.”
“Stop calling me, Wills. I’m a girl, damn it.”
Her temper flared and Cedric’s dick responded. Hell, it responded to most things she did, but when she was feisty—it