Page 71 of Jingle Spells

“Towns can’t feel things,” Jasper replied automatically, then regretted it. “I mean, normal towns can’t. Obviously.”

“Obviously. So anyway, back to Louise . . .”

Jasper realized the decorations weren’t the only things trying too hard: Delilah hadn’t stopped talking since they’d left the inn, her words tumbling out in an anxious stream.

“Whatever you do, don’t look her directly in the eyes. She’ll take that as a challenge.”

“Okay.” Jasper nodded. Seems straightforward enough.

“But also, don’t look at the floor. She’ll take that as weakness.”

“So . . . where should I look?”

“At her face, but slightly to the left. Maybe focus on her earlobe? She wears these complicated earrings . . . I think they’re the crystallized tears of her enemies, maybe? Or that’s what Scarlett told me. Anyway, they make a good focal point. And, trigger warning: never, ever mention Jacksonville. Long story. Also, don’t compliment her outfit, but don’t not compliment it either. Stay neutral on the outfit. And if she offers you tea, you should accept, but absolutely don’t drink it.”

As Delilah rattled off more warnings (don’t sneeze, don’t check your watch, don’t think about the color orange), Jasper found his attention drifting to the graceful curve of her neck. He couldn’t help wondering what it would be like to press his lips against that spot, to feel her pulse quicken under his touch.

Focus, Hopkins. The woman’s mother has been kidnapped by evil magicians, and you’re daydreaming about making out.

But his treacherous mind continued its wandering. Recent days had been a surreal blur: witch meetings, magical banquets, and that mind-melting kiss on the stairs. Now they were headed to consult a time witch who might help them rescue Kelly Melrose from a space that technically didn’t exist . . . but somehow, all Jasper could think about was how beautiful Delilah looked with snowflakes in her hair.

“. . . and that’s why you should never, ever mention quantum entanglement theory unless you want to spend an hour listening to her rant about Schrödinger’s fundamental misunderstanding of feline psychology.”

“Delilah.” Jasper stopped walking.

“What?” she asked, her eyes wide with concern.

They’d paused in front of All Who Wander, Oak Haven’s travel agency, whose window dressing featured an elaborate scene of Santa’s sleigh visiting the Seven Wonders of the World. Beside the entrance, an enchanted snowman was crooning “Every Year, Every Christmas” in a surprisingly accurate Luther Vandross voice.

“Did I forget something important? Oh no, did I mention her thing about shrimp cocktail? Because you absolutely cannot⁠—”

Jasper reached out and gently brushed a snowflake from her cheek. Delilah’s skin was soft beneath his fingertips, and he let his hand linger there longer than strictly necessary.

“You’re worried,” he said softly.

She gave a short, humorless laugh. “My mother’s trapped in interdimensional limbo, magicians are trying to destroy my home, and I’m bringing a civilian to see a witch who once turned a mailman into a sundial for delivering too much junk mail. Worried doesn’t cover it.”

“I know.” He moved closer until there was barely any space between them. “But we’re going to figure this out. Together.”

“You’re very confident for someone who thought card tricks were the height of supernatural activity until a couple of days ago.”

“What can I say? I’m a fast learner.” Jasper leaned forward and kissed her. She tasted faintly of cinnamon and coffee. Delilah stiffened momentarily in surprise, then melted against him, her hands coming up to grip his lapels.

“Try not to worry so much,” he murmured when they finally broke apart. “Everything is going to be okay.”

“You haven’t met Louise.”

“True, but I’ve met you.” He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “And I can’t imagine anyone, be it witch, magician, or otherwise, getting one up on Delilah Melrose.”

She laughed, a genuine bit of music better than any carol. “You’re either very brave or very foolish.”

“I’ve been called worse.”

As he leaned in for another kiss, a thought suddenly occurred to him. Jasper pulled back, frowning slightly. “Wait a minute. What do I have to worry about? Witches gave up their powers for Saturnalia, right? So the worst Louise can do is be rude to me, which, frankly, is an occupational hazard at my office.”

Delilah’s expression shifted from dreamy to alarmed. “Oh no. No, no, no. The time witch does not participate in our town’s tradition.”

“Why not?”