“Maybe we could take a walk. Uh, talk somewhere a little less, this.” He gestured to everyone at the dining hall. It was loud, and magic was happening everywhere. The vast room had quickly become the common space where people liked to hang out over the past few weeks.
“Are you still struggling with class?” I asked, playing dumb, which I hated. He shook his head.
“No, I’m one of the brightest students. A real catch.” He scoffed but then coughed to cover it up. “But um, I was…. I am trying to ask you out. I’d like to get to know you more,” he said, the whole conversation jumping tones too quickly that a little red flag popped into my head.
“I’m seeing someone,” I blurted and his whole expression shifted. First his lips grew into a hard line, but seconds later, it was as if he pressed a button and he was back to appearing easygoing.
“McKenzie?”
While nothing was official, mostly because I kept putting off those conversations, I couldn’t think of anyone else that way.
“Yeah.”
Ethan tilted his head and leaned in. I sucked in a breath as his lips pressed against my cheek.
“He’s always the lucky one. Mr. Popular,” he whispered before sitting back to pack up his things. His hands glowed for a second. He noticed and took a deep breath before standing. “I’ll catch you in class tomorrow.” He left, leaving a sad energy behind. While watching him walk away, I noticed Brandon, the bodyguard that kept an eye on me, with a phone to his ear.
Hopefully things were okay with Rylan. I left my phone in my room to charge during study group.
The walk to my dorm was quiet. I swirled my wand around and yellow light sparkles trailed from the tip behind me. I wasn’t completely in control of my magic, but I felt connected to myself in a way I hadn’t before. The magic and I had become friends like Professor Jules said we would.
Edith’s soft snores came from her moose as I entered our room, and I gave her a quick kiss on the snout before grabbing my phone.
“Shoot.” I cursed seeing the missed calls and texts from Rylan. My fingers hit the call button but was immediately sent to voicemail.
I sat on the bed, eyeing his profile picture in my phone.
It’s amazing how in the time apart we’d grown into real friends. Without him popping up randomly and short circuiting my brain cells, I’ve come to learn he’s a genuine guy. He gets stressed like everyone else, he makes mistakes, he’s kind, yet dominating. I’d hate to be an opponent standing between him and what he wants.
Honestly, I’m surprised he didn’t sic Strict Susan the armor on Ethan sitting so close to me during group tonight.
Jemison hooted softly and I stood. With the familiars sleeping, and Remy still at group, the room felt too quiet.
So, when I found myself standing in front of Rylan’s suite, I wasn’t surprised.
I missed him.
Obviously, he and Russel weren’t there as I entered. I wasn’t expecting him to be, but something about being in this room made him real.
It’s been weeks since I saw Rylan and I looked forward to seeing him again.
His bed beckoned, and like a true stalker, I rolled myself in his comforter like a burrito, inhaling faded hints of his scent. Something I may or may not have done frequently since getting a spare key.
Not for the first time, I thought about what I’d do when he came back. We connected physically in person, emotionally over the phone, but would things change once we saw each other again? That little device was distance, and distance was safety.
“You’re such a chicken shit, Tempie.” I groaned and snuggled further into his bed.
Next time I saw Rylan, I wasn’t going to be scared. I liked him a lot. I’ve succeeded in doing something brave every day. I’d grown as a person, and he was a good guy. I wasn’t going to fight it.
As I mentally gave myself a pep talk, the sweet lull of his cozy bed had me dozing off.
Then the bed dipped, and hands found me beneath the blankets.
Chapter Thirty-Two
So, I’ve won you?
Iscreamed.
