Something Magical (Witches of Hawthorne Grove Book 1) by Leighann Dobbs, Emely Chase

but—”
    “Don't.”
    Recognizing the direction her sudden speech was heading, Jordan reached across the table and covered her hands, holding them in place around the mug beneath his. He paused, waiting until she looked up at him again to release them, and then said, “It's just coffee, Kaylee. Nothing serious, nothing to be afraid of, and definitely nothing to run away from.”
    “See?” Holding his hands in the air, he twisted them back and forth. “No strings.”
    After a moment, she offered a hesitant nod and relaxed back in her chair. “Alright. Just coffee. I think I can do that.”
    Not daring to let her see how relieved he felt at her acceptance of him in her life, for the moment at least, Jordan smiled. “Now that we have that out of the way, how do you feel about movies?”
    Tilting her head slightly, she paused with her latte half-way to her mouth. “Are you asking me to see a movie with you, or my thoughts on them, in general?”
    Feeling a little sheepish for pushing forward so quickly after having assured her she had no reason to worry that he was trying to make a move on her, he shrugged and admitted, “To see one with me.”
    Her brow rose, and he held up his hands, halting her refusal before she could give it. “But it's not what you think.”
    “Oh?” He heard her quiet little snort, but there was still a mixture of surprise, disbelief, curious interest, and even a bit of humor in her expression when she finished with, “Please, feel free to take a moment to explicate how it is not.”
    “I don't know anybody.” Leaning forward, he entreated, “I'm new here, remember? I don't know any of the people—well, except for Sam, but he always wants to talk through the best scenes. Then, there are the whispers showing up at the movies with him would start that I just don't want to deal with. Forgive me for being sensitive about it, but no way am I asking him.”
    Kaylee swirled her drink in the mug. “You left out the part about how this is not you asking me out for a movie date.”
    She had him there. He crossed his arms over his chest and leaned back, hoping she couldn't see through the calm facade he hoped he was projecting to the man who was still allergic to rejection underneath. “That's because I am , but if you'll say yes, I promise not to expect you to drive me home after, or to kiss me goodnight at the door before you leave. Fair enough?”
    Her laughter floated into the almost awkward silence, surprising them both. Her cheeks flushed with color and she lowered her gaze. “I think I might actually enjoy a night at the movies, Mr. Parker, but—”
    Quickly, before she could finish, he held up his hands again, reminding her there would be no strings, and she smiled. “No strings. Right.”
    “I promise,” he said. “Just a guy and a girl enjoying a silly old chick flick and some popcorn together.”
    “You want to watch a silly old chick flick?” She asked, side-eyeing him with a hint of rebellion in her gaze.
    “Not my fault, or even my preference. Just happens to be the only things playing at the theater right now, okay? How's Saturday night? We can meet here at seven.” When she hesitated, he arched a brow. “Come on, Kaylee Dean. It's just a movie. What do you say? Will you help a new guy out?”
    “Yes,” she said after a pause so long Jordan thought he might actually start to perspire in preparation for rejection anxiety. “Yes, I think I will.”

Chapter 6
    B y the time Thursday afternoon rolled around, Kaylee was ready to call the whole thing off.
    Hefting the linens bag off her shoulder and into the back of her car, she closed the door with a little more force than necessary and marched to open the front one. Exasperated, she tossed her purse into the passenger seat and slid behind the wheel. A few minutes later, she maneuvered into traffic, headed for the cleaners to drop off today's towels and things and pick up fresh ones for tomorrow, her thoughts still