Hands aflame, the strangers couldn’t stop touching, couldn’t stop kissing. Inhaling Harlow snuggled his head into the lovely pixie’s neck and whispered hot breath against her skin. Periwinkle, embarrassed and emboldened, clawed up the warlock’s sculpted back.

“First time in your arms,” she murmured her toes curling.

Harlow froze. Wrenching against the love potion, he pulled away from the pretty fae. She moaned at the loss of his warmth.

“What did you say?” He demanded.

“Nothing, just a line from my favorite poet,” Periwinkle said. “I am not like this normally. I am Perwinkle of Tall Oaks with the Magick dating service Spellbound but you know about that. I wanted to discuss a passionless proposition. Are you bewitching me?”

“No, I lack this kind of power. My mother is up to mischief. I detected something was afoot and I was leaving when suddenly you—oh damn.”

Harlow found himself admiring her petite shapely form, her flawless dark skin, those kissable lips. Their eyes met. Passion flared. They were drawn together. Periwinkle threw up her arms. A thunder cloud appeared in Harlow’s living room drenching them in icy water. They ran to the dining room. The storm followed.

Hail pelted his dining table. Harlow grabbed her hand and pulled her outside. A stray bolt of lightning spooked Periwinkle’s rented winged horse. Neighing the beast took to the air spraying them with mud and clover. Hoisting the pixie on his shoulder, Harlow ran super speed from his manor. Roaring, the storm gave chase.

“You can stop now. We’re outside the charm parameters,” Harlow said.

“I’m trying,” she snapped.

Periwinkle clapped twice. The storm winked out. He sank to the soggy ground.

“Your magic put a literal cold shower on Mother’s meddling. Clever. She’s determined to get me married to anybody. I mean not anybody. But I’ve been using a plain filter to make myself less desirable, so she upped her game with a love potion.”

“You can put me down now,” Periwinkle said stir over his shoulder.

Embarrassed the warlock plopped her on the ground. They both blushed remembering the spell-induced kissing from before. Periwinkle touched her lips.

“Sorry about your wings,” Harlow said pulling a horse feather from his hair.

“Look here you witch not all wood pixies have wings. It doesn’t mean I’ve never. Look I just want to convince my coworkers I’m passionate enough to be lead coordinator at Spellbound. You clearly need something for your mommy issues. So is it a deal?”

“I meant your ride. And I can’t believe anyone would mistake you for passionless,” Harlow said leaning back on the damp grass.

Periwinkle frowned. Overhead thunder sounded. Harlow covered his smile.

“Let’s discuss terms over hot chocolate and dry clothes.”

Chuckling Harlow stood. He offered his hand. Unassisted, Periwinkle jumped up.

“I actually have an agreement drawn up for your review. You know this could be a happy ending for both of us,” she said. “Just not that happy.”