Maddox promptly arrived at the cafe in his hotel where he had gotten a text from his sister. He wasn't surprised that his sister came to visit him, he was actually more surprised that she hadn't come sooner. But all of that was insignificant the moment he saw Blair. She paled when she saw him and that displeased him beyond his understanding, usually Maddox had a controlled temper and like to stay level-headed. But when Blair grow stiff once laying eyes on him, he couldn't help but snap. He kicked his employees out of the elevator and he was pretty sure they all hate him now. Although, he didn't care because he got to talk to Blair and clear the air between, well that's what he hoped.

He wasn't avoiding her or disgusted by her like she believed. She told him her secret, the same secret he forced out of her. It was his fault for pushing her and he didn't find any blame in her at all. She had warned him that not everyone could handle her secret, but he still pursued after it, so it was on him to accept her not the other way around. Maddox had to gain her trust now.

"Sir," said a worker behind the cafe counter. "Good afternoon."

"Good afternoon, Jesse," Maddox answered with a smile.

"Would you like usual?" he asked.

"Yeah, thanks." Maddox sauntered into the cafe and maneuvered around the round tables and comfortable leather chairs, he made his way towards the woman sitting beside the long window with her back to him. "Melinda," he called out and a pair of golden green eyes turned to look at him.

His younger sister stood with her arms open and a smile that brightened her youthful complexion. She really did look their mom when she did that. "Maddox," she hugged him close. "I missed you."

"I missed you too." Maddox sat across from her when Jesse brought a caramel latte for him. "Thank, Jesse."

"You're welcome," he said and then his big brown eyes looked at Melinda. "Can I get you anything else?"

"No, thank you Jesse," said Melinda.

Maddox could practically see the young man swoon off his feet and float back to his station. "Why didn't you come to my hotel the day you arrived?" he asked as he sipped his coffee, even though Jesse was overly enthusiastic, he had a knack for brewing coffee.

"Have you seen this town?" she asked sarcastically. "I spent a couple of days just shopping, and then I had to go sight-seeing. My old friend from school also lives here so she took me around town."

"I didn't know you had friends here?"

"I didn't know either," she said. "I saw her after I went to this really pretty shop that sold a lot of trinkets and jewels. Which reminds me-" Melinda grabbed her purse from the chair next to them and pulled out a familiar box. "I got you gift."

"You didn't have to do that," he said.

Melinda pushed a lavender box in front of him and he smiled when he saw the simple black bow and that whimsical logo. "Is everything alright?" she asked when she saw his expression.

"No, it's just that I know this shop really well," he said.

Melinda's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"

"Looking Through the Keyhole," he said and untied the bow. "I've been there once."

"The shop was beautiful and so was the owner," she said. "What was her name again?"

"Blair Lightwood," answered Maddox and he regretted it almost immediately.

"Right..." his sister looked at him suspiciously and he knew exactly what she was speculating in her head.

Maddox rolled his eyes and opened the gift box. A stunning classic watch laid on a soft cushion. "This is perfect. Thank you," he didn't have any work today so he didn't bother putting on a watch. He pulled the dark leather watch out and fastened it on his empty wrist.

"Blair chose it," Melinda said. "She has great taste, right?"

"Yeah," he said. "She sure does."

Melinda burst out laughing. "Do you see yourself?"

Maddox tilted his head. "What do you mean?"

Melinda dropped her head in her hand. "You're smitten, brother," she believed. "Who is this shop owner to you."

"She was renovating my office," he said vaguely. "And she helped me solve a few problems." Melinda listened carefully to him as she played with an opal pendant that hung around her neck.

She raised a brow. "There's more isn't there?"

Maddox smiled. "Nothing happened for there to be more," he said. "She was just renovating my office and we had a connection."

"A connection, huh," Melinda sipped her iced-tea. "And I'm guessing that connection has nothing to do with how beautiful she is."

Maddox almost choked on his latte. "You don't hold back, do you?"

Melinda laughed. "I liked her the moment I saw her," she said. "I can't really put my finger on it but she's different."

Maddox remembered Blair's secret of her being a witch. "You have no idea, sis," he said. "Anyways, what brings you here?"

Melinda shook her head and dropped the topic of interest because Maddox wasn't cooperating. "I just wanted to get away," she said. "I was getting bored at home and thought I'd visit you."

Maddox grew wary. "What's wrong, Melinda?"

Melinda frowned. "Does there have to be something wrong for me to visit my only brother?"

"No," he said and cooled her snappy temper. "What about mom?"

"She'll be coming from Paris in a couple of days," she answered.

"Paris?" puzzled Maddox.

"She's visiting uncle Lane," she said. "And her sisters."

"I suppose everyone is reuniting with family," he remarked.

Melinda chuckled. "I think mom was getting lonely," she said. "So, she's with her sisters and then she's coming here to see us."

"That'll be nice," he said. "She'll like it here."

"I thought so too," Melinda said. "Hey, I was thinking."

He looked over the rim of his cup. "About?"

"Let's go out for lunch," she offered. "I want to get more shopping done."

Maddox couldn't say no to his sister. "Fine," he reluctantly agreed. "We'll take my car." They finished their drinks and thanked Jesse before leaving for town. The town always felt mystical with the sun shining bright in the clear blue skies and the light breeze that carried the scent of rain and roses. But then he wondered if it was because there was a chance for him to bump into Blair again.

Blair returned to her house after she hung the portrait in Maddox's office. She had just parked her car in the driveway when she heard movement in her house. She smiled and remembered that her cousin had come to live with her and nothing could make her mood chirpier. Blair was getting lonely in this small town and she was glad to have another witch in town. Blair grabbed her purse and ran inside her house. She opened the door to find Anastasia perched on top of the kitchen counter with a book floating in front of her.

"I see your adoration for love stories hasn't gone down from high school," said Anastasia from the kitchen.

Blair closed the door behind her. "What do you mean?" she asked as she entered the kitchen and caught sight of what her cousin was reading so intently. "Oh," she said as she saw the book in Anastasia's hand. "A good love story always lightens my mood."

The book closed and Anastasia lifted her lilac eyes. "Harry Potter always does the trick for me," she shared.

"Only because you feel a connection with Harry Potter," said Blair. "And you want to go to Hogwarts."

"I think everyone wants to go to Hogwarts," said Anastasia.

Blair chuckled and agreed. "Ready to go for lunch?" she asked.

"You bet," her cousin hopped off the counter. "I'm starving."

"Let's just go through the portal to my shop," said Blair. "I want to show you around and there's a really good restaurant right next to us."

"You're the guide, sugar," said Anastasia. "I will just follow you like a bush spirit."

Blair opened the door under the stairs and they both walked through to the other side that held the door to her shop like she expected. She pushed the back door to her shop open and they both strolled into the office with ease. "That never gets old," said Blair.

"I know," her cousin agreed. Blair took Anastasia to the front and her cousin was ecstatic. "This is remarkable!" Anastasia astonished. "Are those Grandma Ester's wind chimes?" She pointed towards the colourful chimes hanging close to the door that helped with bad energies from entering any building. "Oh wow, I didn't know you carried spell-bound jewelry too."

"It started off with a few things at first," said Blair. "But slowly, my customers grew and so did my inventory."

"Is that chocolate?" asked Anastasia with a grin.

Blair looked at her cousin bemused. "This wouldn't be my shop if I didn't sell chocolates from your mom's recipes." Blair grabbed the tray of white chocolate, her cousin's favourite, and laid it out before her.

Anastasia moaned as white chocolate poured down her throat. "You were always more eager to learn from my mom," said Anastasia. "That's why she happily gave you all the recipes."

"I was very grateful when she chose me," said Blair. "Your mom accepted me more than my own parents."

Anastasia's eyes softened. "You were born in the wrong family," she jested. "You were supposed to be born as my sister. But no, when do our ancestors ever get anything right."

Blair laughed and her diminished mood brightened. "Our ancestors really are a crazy bunch."

Anastasia grabbed another piece of chocolate before Blair put the tray away. "Doesn't it spoil if it's in there for too long?" she asked Blair.

"Nope," she answered. "I put an incantation that keeps it fresh."

"That's handy," she said as she licked her fingers. "Since this is my first time here, I have buy something." Anastasia carefully looked around and gasped whenever she recognized something. "No, this can't be?" she exclaimed and then would go back to hunting for a trinket to take home with her. "Oh, this is it!" She twirled with a black pair of retro cat eye sunglasses. "How does it look?" she posed like posh actress.

"Like they were made for you," Blair said and they laughed.

"Alright then," her cousin grabbed the sunglasses and made her way toward the counter. "I'll buy these." Blair didn't even bother packing the sunglasses because Anastasia was too occupied wearing them in front of the small mirror.

"Should we get going?" asked Blair

"Yeah." Anastasia followed Blair to the restaurant next to her shop. It was an Italian diner that had comfy tables which continued outside. Blair and Anastasia took a seat on the table outside under the sun.

A waiter briskly came to them and handed them the menu. But Blair didn't need it since she always ate here. "Can we get two chicken brettones, a plate of bruschetta, and two slices of lasagna, please."

"Of course," Sara answered. "Any drinks?"

"Two glasses of pinot noir," said Blair after she confirmed with Anastasia. "That'll be all." Sara smiled and then quickly walked away with the menus to recite their order to the chef. In due time, their food arrived hot and cheesy. Sara placed the plates in front of them and then handed them the wine glasses and the bottle.

"Enjoy," she said and walked off to cater the next couple of people that came through the door and chose to sit in one of the booths.

"This is delicious," said Anastasia.

"I know right," said Blair as she took a big bite of the saucy lasagna. "Lewis the chef, always gets it right. That man has magic in his hands."

Anastasia agreed and devoured her platter of food and delicious rich wine. "So, how'd that work thing go that you left earlier for?"

Blair nibbled on some bruschetta. "Er-" she stumbled over her words when she recalled her encounter with Maddox in the elevator. "I'm done with the renovations and I'm going to be giving the big reveal tonight."

Anastasia raised a brow. "Tonight," she grinned. "Will there be candles and wine?"

Blair scoffed. "It's not a date!"

"Then why are you blushing like it is?"

"I hate you," grumbled Blair.

Anastasia laughed out loud. "That's embarrassing."

"He did call it a date though," she muttered the truth.

Anastasia gaped at Blair. "Does the sexy billionaire have the hots for our Blair?" she teased.

Blair rolled her eyes. "He was just being-"

"If you say nice, I'm going attach a spirit to you until you die," Anastasia said.

Blair held her hands up. "I don't know what to think," she said.

"Why can't you just believe that someone likes you?" asked Anastasia.

"Because that's never happened to me before," Blair said. "Everyone runs scared when they find out about my powers."

"But Maddox didn't," said Anastasia.

"Oh, so you're on his side now," remarked Blair.

"I just think that you should have some fun," she said, "and if it's with a sexy billionaire, then go for it."

"Enough about me," said Blair. "What about you? Dating anyone?"

Anastasia laughed. "No," she said. "I looked down that road and said 'no' a long time ago."

"Now who's the one not having any fun," remarked Blair as she sipped her wine.

"I have enough fun writing my books and dreaming about guys that don't exist," retorted Anastasia.

Blair shook her head and their babbling continued as they finished their meal.

"Would you ladies care for some dessert?" asked Sara as she collected their empty plates.

Anastasia looked at Blair and she knew right away that her cousin wanted dessert more than anything. "Can you get us one affogato chocolate mousse," she said, "and a slice of the classic tiramisu."

"Both great choices," praised Sara and she walked away again without writing anything down.

Blair always wondered how waiters memorized people's orders like that, it was truly impressive. Blair watched the girl speedily navigate through the restaurant, she was quite skilled for such a young worker. She grabbed empty glasses from a few tables and asked the couple sitting at the booth if they needed anything. The man with dark hair raised his face, and she swore she recognized his profile.

"Oh my god," Blair gasped and looked away.

"Why? What's wrong?" Anastasia jolted and almost dropped her mirror.

"Don't turn around," she hissed. "Maddox is here."

Anastasia's eyes widened like her grin. "Really? Where?" she turned around and Blair pointed to the booth where he sat, which she didn't need to do because Anastasia knew what he looked like even without her help.

"Damn, he looks even better in person," she said pompously.

"Seriously," Blair groaned and she felt like disappearing under the table.

Anastasia grabbed Blair's hand and looked at her intently. "I won't judge you," she winked.

"I'm not going to sleep with him," Blair was astounded.

"Is that a woman with him?" asked Anastasia.

Blair looked back to where Maddox was and studied the woman sitting in front of him. She had caramel almost copper hair that was cut short to her shoulders. Her sharp green and gold eye reminded Blair of a cat. "I think I've seen her before," said Blair when she remembered in a snap. "She came to my shop and bought a watch."

"For who?" inquired Anastasia nosily.

"I think it was her brother," she said doubtfully. "Do you think Maddox is her brother?"

"I don't know," Anastasia said. "They're both drop-dead gorgeous, so maybe."

Sara arrived with their desserts, but even with the slice of cake in front of her, she couldn't help but feel curious with what Maddox was doing with another woman.

But he was drop-dead gorgeous, that much was for sure. His dark hair that she came to love more and more was tousled by the light breeze. He had a white linen shirt on that clung to his broad shoulders and muscular arms. The shirt's sleeves were rolled up and his thick forearms were exposed under the sunlight, which beamed through the window he sat next to. His golden eyes looked like liquid honey under the sun, she was tranced by his hard gaze that was flaming hot no matter what he did.

"You're drooling, sweetie," remarked Anastasia, "and it isn't because of the cake."

Blair blushed, but then, all the colour drained from her face when she saw Maddox and the woman leave their seats. Blair quickly looked away and she wasn't sure if Maddox saw her. "Damn it, they're coming this way," she told Anastasia. "Hide me."

"What am I supposed to do?" asked Anastasia. "Put you in my pocket."

Blair concentrated on looking down and away. "Give me your glasses."

"No," said Anastasia and giggled away at her embarrassment like the witch she was. "This is going to be fun."

"Blair," that husky deep voice called her first so she couldn't even ignore it.

Blair hid her embarrassment with a smile, Maddox and Melinda didn't catch on but her cousin recognized that infamous Lightwood smile. "What a small world," she said and internally groaned. "What are you doing here, Maddox?"

"We came to have lunch," he answered and indicated towards Melinda. "This is my sister, Melinda."

"Hi," Melinda spoke and smiled at Blair and Anastasia. "We've met before at your shop."

"Yes, I remember," said Blair. "I'm guessing that this is the brother you gave the watch too."

Melinda grabbed her brother's wrist. "He loved your choice," she said and Maddox glowered at her.

Blair wondered what that was all about, but then something kicked her foot. "Oh, sorry," she said, "this is my cousin, Anastasia."

"Hi," Melinda shook her cousin's hand and complimented her sunglasses. Anastasia kindly pointed out that it was from Blair's shop.

Maddox looked at Blair with a hint of amusement. "Is she?" he asked quietly and Blair knew right away what he was asking from her. But she replied with a scowl and he got all the answer he needed.

"I would love to visit your shop again," said Melinda.

"That's very kind of you," said Blair. "But it's closed today. I'm showing my cousin around town."

"Oh," Melinda clapped her hands. "Maddox was showing me around too but he's absolutely terrible at it."

Blair and Anastasia chuckled. "I don't mind going back to Blair's shop," said Anastasia. "If you want to visit it again?"

"I don't want to intrude," said Melinda.

"It's no problem," said Anastasia. "We were just heading back there anyways."

"We were?" asked Blair and that got her another kick at her foot. "Right, we were." Blair gazed at Maddox who hadn't dropped his eyes from her face.

"That would be great," Melinda said. "Maybe they can show us the town together?" she asked Anastasia and she wholeheartedly agreed.

Blair and Anastasia got out of their seats. She pulled her cousin close to her. "What are you doing?" Blair asked gruffly.

"Setting you up," she answered. "And making a new friend."

Blair rolled her eyes and quickly paid for their lunch and tipped Sara. "I'll get you for this," she threatened her cousin.

Anastasia laughed. "Threatening a witch isn't smart," she quoted their grandma.

Blair bit her lip nervously as they joined the siblings who also happened to be bickering like them. "Let's go," said Anastasia joyfully and she walked alongside Melinda. Blair wasn't surprised that Anastasia got comfortable around Melinda, she always was able to make friends easily unlike her brother.

"I'm sorry about my sister," Maddox said as he matched her shorter strides and stayed beside her. "I hope we didn't impose on you."

Blair smiled. "No, it's fine," she said. "My shop is always open for people who love it as much as your sister." They gathered in front of her shop, she quickly unlocked it again and they all entered. She kept the closed sign on because she was sure they'd leave soon to go explore the town. Melinda excitedly viewed everything in the shop with interest and Anastasia told the history behind each piece.

Maddox's cologne wafted around her, she tried to move away but he wouldn't budge from her side. "You didn't answer my question from earlier," he said.

"What question?" she asked and looked into his hard gold gaze.

"Is your cousin a witch like you?" he repeated the question and she had hoped he hadn't asked her that again. "Well?"

"Is it that important you?" she threw the questions back at him.

Maddox laced his arms. "Important, no," he said simply. "Fascinating, yes."

"I can't tell you stuff like this," she said and the excuse was lame but true.

"Blair," Maddox turned his body in her direction and she wished he hadn't because the other two girls started giggling. "Your secrets are safe with me. I won't ever betray your trust like that."

Blair's heart plummeted and she simply nodded. "Yes, she is a witch like me."

Maddox's lips twitched upward. "I know two witches now," he muttered. "How many more am I going to meet?"

"Be careful what you wish for?" she cautioned him. "We might keep showing up and you won't know what to do with all of us."

Maddox laughed and it surprised Blair. "So, there's a chance for me to meet your family," he said. "That's good to know."

"What, no-" she stumbled over her words.

Maddox lifted his hand and skimmed her cheek. "It's good I met you now," he said. "I couldn't wait until tonight."

Blair gaped at him. "Why do I feel whiplash every time I'm near you?" she asked wearily.

"It's because I'm irresistible," he whispered and then winked his golden eye.

Blair laughed at his arrogance which looked sexy on him too. "You're hilarious, you know that?"

Maddox raked his hair. "I've been called many things, but funny is not one of them," he said.

"Really? I think you're hilarious," she jested. "One of a kind."

Maddox's gaze melted her heart and bore into her soul that sparked her magic into flames. "Only for you, Blair," he said. "I'm all these things for you."

Blair's smile fell and she lost herself in his beautiful eyes, like she always did and for some reason, she was starting to believe that she always would.