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problem.”
    “That’s what I think, too,” Kade said, causing Raven to flash him a flirty smile as my stomach twisted. I hate it when she flirts with him – which is always. I hate it even more when he seems to like it.
    “Whatever,” I muttered. “We have one clown left to interview. I’m still leaning toward the guy who makes balloon animals.”
    “That didn’t look like a giraffe,” Luke argued. “It looked like a penis.”
    “Only in your world,” Raven shot back. “I thought it looked like a snake.”
    “Which also resembles a penis,” Luke said.
    “He clearly needs to get some,” Raven said, shifting her eyes to me. “I liked the guy who kept miming he was in a box.”
    “He wasn’t even a clown,” I challenged. “He was an actual mime.”
    “That’s why I liked him,” Raven said, unruffled. “Clowns are creepy. I don’t see why we need another one.”
    “I agree,” Kade said. “Let’s go with the mime dude. At least he didn’t honk any horns or flap big feet around.”
    “And he was bald so we won’t have to worry about hair issues,” Luke added.
    “We’re not hiring a mime,” I said. “This is a circus. We need a clown.”
    “Then I vote for the one who kept hitting himself on the head with the bowling pins when he was trying to juggle,” Kade said. “At least that way if he turns evil there’s a good chance he’ll knock himself out before he eats anyone.”
    “Why do you think all clowns are evil?” I challenged, irritation flaring. I wasn’t agitated with his attitude as much as the fact that he took Raven’s side. What? I’m petty. I can admit it.
    “Because any grown man who dresses like that has to be evil,” Kade answered, his eyes thoughtful as they rested on me. It was almost as if he read my mind. “I’m fine with whatever clown you want,” he said finally. “You know what you’re doing.”
    Raven snorted. “He’s only saying that because he knows you’re jealous about him siding with me,” she said. “I guess your insecurity wins again.”
    “I am not insecure!”
    “You are so,” Raven said. “You still think he’s interested in me. I don’t blame you. I’m way hotter than you. I would be worried if I were in your shoes, too.” She patted my hand in a condescending manner. “Don’t worry. I’m not after your man. I don’t need a man.”
    “That’s what every bitter shrew who can’t catch a man says,” Luke said.
    “You should know,” Raven snapped.
    “Okay, this is getting us nowhere,” Kade said, sighing as he leaned forward. “Let’s see the last one and take a vote.”
    “I’m still voting for the mime,” Raven said. “He had … personality.”
    “Yes,” I deadpanned. “He pretended he was trapped in a box and couldn’t get out. It was a fantastic personality showing.”
    The sound of a man clearing his throat near the flap drew my attention. The figure standing there, a purple wig in one hand and a horn in the other, looked nothing like a clown. He was tall, a set of broad shoulders indicating how often he worked out, and he was dressed in an expensive suit. His hair was a dark blond and his green eyes were mischievous when they locked with mine.
    “Am I in the right place for the clown auditions?” he asked, his British accent taking me by surprise. “My name is Percival Prentiss. I’m here because I absolutely love being a clown and think I would make a fine addition to the Mystic Caravan family.”
    Anyone else uttering those words in such a manner would’ve earned derision. For some reason it sounded melodic coming from Percival’s mouth. Before I even realized what was happening Raven hopped to her feet and plastered a sultry smile on her face.
    “You’re hired.”
    I shot her a look. “Excuse me?”
    “Oh, come on,” she muttered, keeping her voice low. “Listen to that voice … and look at that body. We have to hire him.” Raven turned back to Percival. “When can you start?”
    “Is