Dances With Witches (A Hannah Hickok Witchy Mystery Book 5) Read online

  Lindy laughed, the sound low and light. “That sounds like me. I want to learn, though, and since this place isn’t open at night, I figured I could work here during the mornings and afternoons and then still do my business classes at night.”

  “With the ultimate goal being to own your own bar,” Cooper said.

  “Eventually. It’s going to take me years to save up.”

  “Right.” Cooper slid his eyes to Hannah to see if she had any questions. When she didn’t speak, he barreled forward. “How easy do you think you are to work with?”

  “You just go right for it, don’t you?” Lindy chuckled. “Well, I think it depends on the sort of person you are. I am friendly but super-efficient. I prefer to stay busy because that makes the shift go faster. I don’t mind a little gossip here and there, but I’m here to work and not to be dragged into drama.”

  “That’s exactly the sort of person we’re looking for,” Cooper confirmed.

  “I should think so,” Lindy agreed. “Your last worker — that Becky chick I saw on the news — lost her cool and actually killed that tourist you had up here. I can’t remember his name. You got a lot of bad press for it, though.”

  Hannah’s heart sank. That was one of her least favorite aspects about what happened to Becky, which was saying something. To keep Casper Creek’s reputation intact, the local sheriff James Boone had concocted a tale blaming Becky for the town’s woes. They couldn’t very well publicly blame furies for what happened, which meant they had to come up with another story, and in that narrative Becky got all the blame.

  It was still a bitter pill to swallow.

  “That’s why we want a self-starter,” Cooper agreed, rubbing Hannah’s knee under the table. He didn’t want her exploding and making her opinion regarding Becky’s guilt known. “Hannah wants to get out of the saloon once things are settled. We want someone who is motivated and competent.”

  “Then I’m your woman.” Lindy’s smile was self-assured rather than smug. “I’m a heckuva worker and I happen to think this place is really cool. I definitely think I’ll be a good fit.”

  Cooper hesitated before focusing on Hannah, who was already nodding.

  “How about we give it a try?” he prodded. “You seem straight-forward, which is exactly what we want. There’s been a lot of upheaval recently. We need someone who is going to tell it like it is and not cause a lot of drama.”

  “I have no interest in drama. I figure I’m too old for high school shenanigans.”

  “I think we can all agree there.” Cooper was relieved to find Hannah smiling. If she wasn’t okay with hiring Lindy, she wouldn’t be able to hide her emotions. As it stood, she seemed comfortable with the decision. “We have some paperwork for you to fill out and then we need to get you a uniform.”

  “Yeah, I’ve seen the uniforms up here. I bet they help with the tips.”

  Hannah’s cheeks colored. “I want to change them, but I was informed it would be bad for business.”

  “It totally would,” Lindy agreed, unruffled. “As much as I would like to live in a world where sex appeal doesn’t matter, that’s not how things are for us. I’m fine with the uniform. I happen to love big tips.”

  Cooper smiled. “Then I think you’re going to fit in really well here.”

  “That’s the plan. I need to give a few days’ notice for my current job, though.”

  “That’s fine. We’re actually shut down for a few days as we get things ready to reopen again. It should work out fine, but we’ll start with the formalities.” Cooper pushed himself to a standing position. “I’ll get the paperwork and Hannah will get the uniform.”

  “Thank you.” Lindy’s expression was sincere. “I really appreciate you guys taking a chance on me. You must be leery after recent events.”

  “We are,” Cooper agreed. “I have a good feeling about this, though.”

  “I won’t let you down.”

  “That’s exactly what I want to hear.”

  2

  Two

  Hannah found she felt surprisingly good about the hire. She’d used her newfound magic to feel out the woman — at least to the best of her ability — and couldn’t detect evil undercurrents. Of course, she had no idea what that would look like, so she was basically going on instinct. Still, it was nice to have one decision off her plate.

  Cooper had been right about moving forward. One simple decision was enough to loosen the hold of the invisible fist that had been gripping her heart.

  Up next was a night on the town with Cooper, away from Casper Creek and the memories of Becky that continued to haunt her. She needed a dog sitter before she could entertain the thought, though.

  “Are you sure you’re okay with this?”

  Tyler James, the longtime animal wrangler and veterinarian at Casper Creek, smirked at her fearful expression. “I have nine goats, six horses, fifteen chickens, and a duck who thinks he’s a chicken,” he pointed out. “Jinx is the best behaved out of them all.”

  Hannah didn’t believe that for a second. “He terrorizes the goats.”

  “They like it, and when they get tired of being barked at and chased, they terrorize him right back. He climbs up on the picnic table to get away from them and everything.”

  “Does that mean you’re sure?”

  Tyler let loose an exaggerated sigh. In addition to being Cooper’s best friend, he’d become something of a confidant for Hannah. He enjoyed her companionship very much, but there were times she drove him crazy ... and this was one of them. “Jinx is fine. He has his own bed in the barn. I’ll take him in with me at bedtime. I’ll make sure nothing happens to him.”

  “I wasn’t worried about that. It’s just ... he’s a lot of work.”

  “Kids always are.” Tyler winked at her and then took a moment to drink in her outfit. She’d changed into a pretty dress, floral patterned with thin spaghetti straps that showed off her sculpted shoulders. Her long blond hair was pulled up in a loose bun and she wore a pair of comfortable chunky sandals. “You look really nice.”

  Hannah’s cheeks burned under the praise. “Thank you. I ... um ... thank you.”

  That had him chuckling. “You are the absolute worst when it comes to taking a compliment. Cooper is bad, too, don’t get me wrong, but you act as if you’re about to die of embarrassment whenever I give you a compliment.”

  “That’s not true. I happen to like a good compliment.”

  “You could’ve fooled me.” Tyler stared at her for a beat longer and then shook his head. “Where are you guys going tonight?”

  “Actually, we’re going back to the place on the lake.”

  He frowned. “Isn’t that the restaurant where the fury who took on the form of Gluttony attacked you guys a few weeks ago?”

  “It is, but we never really got to enjoy our dinner that night. Since it’s not the restaurant owner’s fault, we thought we would give it another try.”

  “Do you think you’ll be able to relax there?”

  “I don’t see why not. I can relax anywhere.”

  Tyler made a dubious face. “I love you dearly, but that is a bald-faced lie.”

  “It is not.” Hannah was indignant. “I’m a very easygoing individual.”

  “Oh, the fact that you can say that with a straight face is hilarious.” Tyler poked her side when she refused to smile. “You’re as high-maintenance as they come.”

  Hannah wasn’t positive — mostly because he said it with such good-natured charm — but she was fairly certain there was an insult buried someplace in there. “I’m not high-maintenance. I’m low-maintenance.”

  He held her gaze for a beat and then nodded. “Right. My mistake.”

  She frowned. “I really am low-maintenance.”

  “That’s what I said.” He went back to fussing with the bridle he’d been working on before Hannah arrived with Jinx in tow. “You don’t have to worry about your furry son. I promise to protect him with my life.”

  “
I’ve never doubted that,” Hannah reassured him.

  When she didn’t move to leave, Tyler slowly tracked his eyes back to her. “Do you need something else?”

  “No.” Hannah offered him a pretty smile. “I’m just waiting for Cooper to show up. He had to run home and change.”

  “You should have him give up his place and move in with you. He spends almost every night above the saloon with you anyway. It would probably make things easier if he could keep an eye on you up-close-and-personal on a regular basis.”

  Hannah’s frown was back. “I don’t need anyone to keep an eye on me. I’m an adult. I can keep an eye on myself.”

  He cast her a sidelong look. “I didn’t say otherwise.”

  “I’m strong ... and not weak.”

  “Oh, geez.” Tyler rolled his neck. “Is this you being low-maintenance?”

  Her scowl was pronounced, only fading — and by a tiny bit — when Cooper approached from the parking lot.

  “All set?” he asked, casting her a fond smile.

  “I guess.” Her expression was cloudy, which had him pulling up short.

  “What did I miss?” Cooper queried, turning an accusatory look in his best friend’s direction. “Did Tyler upset you? If so, I can totally take a few minutes out of my day to chase him around the paddock and make him cry.”

  Despite her agitation, Hannah found that she was fighting off a smile. “It’s nothing. I’m ... fine.”

  “She’s mad,” Tyler countered, not caring in the least that he was only adding to Hannah’s annoyance. “First she said she was low-maintenance and I disagreed. Then I suggested you should move in with her so you can watch over her. She then responded by saying she’s not a baby and can take care of herself. I think I trampled over her delicate sensibilities.”

  Hannah’s eyes turned into narrow slits. “I’m not high-maintenance.”

  Cooper’s snort matched Tyler’s earlier offering for tone, but he quickly recovered. “Of course you’re not, baby.” His smile was bright. “You’re the most easygoing person I know.”

  Hannah was familiar with his tone, to the point where she knew he was lying. “You think I’m high-maintenance, too.” She folded her arms across her chest and jutted out her lower lip. “I can’t believe this. I’ve been going out of my way to be helpful and giving and I still get a rap for being high-maintenance.”

  “Oh, there’s nothing wrong with being high-maintenance,” Cooper countered, sliding his arm around her narrow waist and tugging her close. “It’s not as if you’re high-maintenance like a Kardashian. You just like to talk about things ... a lot.”

  “I thought you liked talking to me.”

  Cooper wasn’t an idiot. He recognized a trap when he saw one. “I absolutely love talking to you. It’s my favorite thing in the world.”

  “You’re lying.”

  “I’m not.” He refused to back down. “You know those rare weekends when we get to hole up in your apartment the entire time, when we do nothing but order takeout and spend endless hours in bed?”

  She nodded.

  “They’re my favorite.”

  “Yes, but they’re your favorite because of the ... cuddling and stuff.” Hannah felt awkward having the discussion in front of Tyler. It wasn’t because he was gay, of course, but because he was a complete and total gossip. He liked to spread certain stories from one end of the town to the other and she preferred those stories have nothing to do with her.

  “Oh, the cuddling,” Tyler intoned, giving Cooper an understanding head bob. “I am a big fan of the cuddling.”

  “Shut up.” Cooper flicked his friend’s ear, causing Tyler to yelp and pull back. “I think this conversation has taken a turn and we should focus on something else.”

  “I’m going to agree,” Hannah said. “Only because that’s what a low-maintenance person would do, though.”

  Cooper beamed at her. “See. This is working out already.” He tightened his grip on her and focused on Tyler. “Thanks for watching Jinx. Do you want us to pick him up when we get back, or are you keeping him?”

  “I’ll keep him, but only because I don’t want you guys waking me up when you get back.”

  Cooper rolled his eyes. “It’s not as if we’re loud.”

  “Puh-leez. When you guys get back from a night out, Hannah giggles and you make these manly chuffing sounds as you case her. It’s very annoying to a guy who hasn’t had a date in six months.”

  “Maybe that’s because word has gotten out that you’re high-maintenance,” Hannah suggested.

  Tyler snickered. “You’re never going to let this go, are you?”

  “Nope.” Hannah’s smile was sunny as she turned to Jinx. “Be good for Uncle Tyler. Try not to give the goats too much grief. I’ll see you in the morning.” She moved to hug the dog, but he was already distracted by the goats and took off toward the barn, causing Hannah to frown as she straightened. “He’s not even going to miss me.”

  “That’s something only a high-maintenance person would worry about,” Tyler noted.

  Cooper pinned him with a furious glare. “Way to make things worse.”

  Tyler merely shrugged. “I aim to please.”

  HANNAH AND COOPER OPTED FOR THE patio at the restaurant, which was the same location they attempted to eat during their previous visit. They scanned the people surrounding the table they were seated at, and when they were both assured that things looked normal, they perused the provided menus.

  “This is already better than last time,” Cooper noted, smiling when he felt her slide her feet between his under the table. It was a way for them to touch without looking like hormonal teenagers. “What are you going to get?”

  “I don’t know. What would a low-maintenance person get?”

  He frowned behind his menu, made a plan to wrestle Tyler down and throw dirt on him the following day, and then decided to play the game. “Probably a salad with lemon juice and no cheese.”

  Hannah wrinkled her nose. “That doesn’t sound very fun.”

  “No,” he agreed. “A high-maintenance individual would probably go for the prime rib and carrot cake. You’re not that sort of person, though.”

  “Ha, ha.” Hannah tapped her feet against his. “I do like carrot cake.”

  “I know. I now automatically pick it up from wherever I’m getting takeout if they have it.”

  “They have molten lava cake, too, though.”

  “And what’s that?”

  “Chocolate cake with ice cream and hot fudge.”

  “That is a tough choice.”

  “Maybe we can split that so I don’t have to worry about all the calories.”

  “No way. If there’s hot fudge involved, I want an entire dessert to myself.”

  Hannah couldn’t stop herself from chuckling. “Well, that’s something new I didn’t know about you. I’ll have to file that away to think about later. We could each get a separate dessert and share.”

  “No way, baby. I don’t hate carrot cake, but it doesn’t hold a candle to hot fudge.”

  Because she agreed, Hannah went back to staring at her menu. “I know you were joking, but prime rib does sound good. I try not to eat overly fatty servings of beef, but I guess it couldn’t hurt, just this once.”

  “I happen to agree.”

  “Since when do you count calories?”

  “Hey, I try to watch at least some of what I’m eating. I work out a lot so I can get away with a few lax meals over the course of the week.”

  “You definitely work out,” she commented. “That’s why you have such a cute butt.”

  “Oh, that’s the sweetest thing you’ve ever said to me,” Cooper crooned. “It’s not even a little high-maintenance. You love my butt. I love your butt, too.”

  The waitress picked that moment to sidle up to their table, her face welcoming. If she’d heard the statement, she didn’t show it. “Would you guys like to start with some appetizers? Maybe a glass of wine?”

>   “I’m not a big wine drinker, but I’ll take whatever you have on tap,” Cooper countered. “As for appetizers ....” He flipped to that section of the menu.

  “I’ll have a blueberry margarita and a glass of water,” Hannah said.

  “And we’ll take the three-sampler appetizer,” Cooper added. “We’ll have the mushroom caps, calamari, and stuffed tomatoes.”

  “Absolutely.” The waitress shot him a blinding smile. “I’ll go put your appetizer order in, get your drinks and be back in a few minutes.”

  “We’re looking forward to it.”

  The waitress held Cooper’s gaze for an extended beat, cast him a flirty smile, and then moved to a nearby table. Hannah waited until she was certain the woman was out of earshot to speak.

  “I don’t want to be high-maintenance or anything…” she started.

  The sigh Cooper let loose was long and drawn out. “Can you just let it go?”

  “No, because you said yourself that I’m easygoing and now you’re saying the opposite.”

  “When did I say that?”

  “You’ve said it a million times.”

  “I believe I said you’re easy to get along with,” he clarified.

  She hesitated, briefly wondering if she’d misheard him all those times before, and then shook her head. “How is that different?”

  “It’s very different.” Even though he wasn’t in the mood for a fight — whether it was a largely manufactured one or not — Cooper was thrilled to have something to talk about besides the worry Hannah was harboring regarding Casper Creek’s future. This was a much more savory discussion. “When I say you’re easy to get along with, I mean that you’re unbelievably sweet and don’t put up a fuss when it comes to ordering takeout or picking a movie to watch.”

  “See. I’m low-maintenance.”

  “No. You’re still a bit dramatic, and you dig your heels in when you want to, and you refuse to follow directions in a dangerous situation.”

  “Maybe you’re high-maintenance,” Hannah muttered.

  He laughed at the way her pretty pink lips rolled into a pout. “I think I’m definitely high-maintenance. Maybe that’s why we’re such a good fit.”