I’ve been going through Spellbound Haze again, trying to work out the kinks, and I’ve found quite a few squee moments. So, I thought I’d start sharing them.

This is fairly early on in the story. Liam is the love interest. Calvin is not. But Liam doesn’t know that. 🙂

Sunday night dinner at the pub was a village institution and the place was packed. Hazel clambered onto a barstool and gazed at the specials board.

“What can I get you?” Calvin came to a stop in front of her. He looked nice in a crisp white shirt, with the pub’s logo on the pocket.

“Chicken schnitzel and a Coke, thanks.” She paid then asked, “Did you think about my offer?”

photo credit: Anders Adermark
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“Yes.”

“And?”

Calvin sighed. “I’d like to stay. If you’re sure your parents won’t mind.”

Hazel grinned. Mum would probably have a conniption. Which was why Hazel didn’t plan on telling her.

Calvin wandered over to the kitchen and hung up her order slip.

A hand landed on her shoulder. “Excuse me, ma’am. I believe you’re in my seat.”

Hazel glanced over her shoulder. Liam loomed over her, sending everyone else in the pub into greyscale. She raised her fists. “Fight you for it.”

“No way.” He sat on the stool beside her. “I know you, you’d fight dirty.”

“Damn straight.”

Calvin stepped up in front of them. “What can I get you?”

Liam turned to him, a frown flicking across his features. He gave Calvin a once-over, like he was sizing up a threat.

“This is Calvin,” Hazel said. “Remember, I told you? He’s the one who saved Sean.”

“Hi.” The word rolled off Liam’s tongue like a warning.

Hazel smacked his arm. “What’s up with you? Be nice.” She turned to Calvin. “This is Liam, Sean’s brother.”

Calvin folded his arms across his chest and met Liam’s gaze straight on. “Hi.”

Hazel rolled her eyes. Boys. They’d start thumping their chests in a minute.

Liam stood up. “I need to talk to Mum.”

He headed to the back of the pub and banged through the door into the kitchen. Hazel watched him through the window. He towered over Maggie as he jabbed a finger towards the bar.

“I think I’m about to get fired,” Calvin said.

Maggie caught Liam’s hand and gave him that look that all mothers seem to share. Liam’s shoulders curled. Poor boy. He was getting told off.

“Nope.” Hazel smiled. “You’re good.”

A minute later, Liam sat down beside her, his gaze still firmly fixed on Calvin. Then his arm went around her shoulders, and he pulled her hard against his side. She let out a squeak.

What was he doing? He was acting like a jealous boyfriend. Like he’d believed her joke about wanting to rip Calvin’s clothes off.

A swarm of butterflies danced a musical number around her stomach.

He’s jealous. He likes me.

“So, what’s the plan for tomorrow?” Liam asked.

“Dinner and a movie.” She placed a hand on his broad chest and pushed herself upright, giving herself room to breathe. “You better not ditch me again.”

Liam finally tore his eyes away from Calvin and grinned at her. Dimples appeared in his cheeks and sent the butterflies into an encore. “No way. Sean might, though. I’m not sure he’s up to it.”

Hazel tried to look disappointed. “I guess you’ll have to do.”

Her fingers drifted to the necklace that hung hidden under her shirt. Maybe it was a good-luck charm after all.