“Yes, please. I want a cool phone.”
Her heart lifted—that was something she could give him. “I’ll get you one for winter solstice. I’ll sneak it into the country for you.”
Brayden laughed. “Don’t break any rules for me. You wanting to come back is enough of a gift. It’s nice to know you don’t feel the same as the rest of Soleil seems to. Most of your friends probably think we’re a bunch of nasty magic worshippers.”
“Not everyone thinks that.Icertainly don’t. After the energy healing I received today, I’ll go back to Soleil and campaign hard to legalize magic. Half my family is from Clair de Lune, and youmake life here sound so fun.”
“Itisfun here. So fun.” He released her hand. “Speaking of fun—what else should we do tonight?”
Scarlett stared at him. She knew what she wanted to do.What would he do if I reached up and…?
He continued. “We could watch a movie if you want?”
Fuck it.
“You know what I want?” Her heart rate sped up as she got on her knees so her face was on the same level as his. “Kiss me.” So much for not rocking the boat while she was here. But seriously, fuck it.
You only live once, right?
Brayden’s face was unreadable as his gaze dipped to her mouth. Was that a green light? She moved closer, desperately hoping he’d reach for her and pull her onto his lap. She put her hand on the nape of his neck, threading her fingers into his hair so she could pull him closer. But before she could press her lips to his, he put his hand up.
“Wait.”
Wait?
Wait?
She fell back on her heels, and her heart dropped. “I’m sorry.”
“Scarlett,” he whispered, reaching for her, but she pulled away.
He lifted her chin, forcing her to look him in the eye. It took all her willpower not to cry.
“I want you, but you’re grieving, and I don’t want to be your rebound. You mean more to me than that.”
She forced a smile. “Sure. Of course.”
He frowned at her short answer and her obvious hurt. “I just want you to wait until you’re running toward me, not away from something else.”
“I get it.” She stood. “I’m going back to my room.”
He grabbed her hand, unwilling to let her go so easily. “Are weokay?”
“Of course.”Why did I do this to us?She smiled as tears hit her cheeks. “I’m fine.” She pulled her hand out of his and hurried out of the study, but instead of heading toward her room, she made her way downstairs.
Scarlett prayed to not run into anyone, but luck wasn’t on her side. James was lingering in the foyer by the door to the courtyard, dressed like he was going out.
“Hey—” Concern etched across his features when he saw her expression. “Are you all right?”
“Hey,” she said with false brightness. “Don’t worry—I’m just sad about my dad. I’m going out for some air.”
“Don’t go into the woods. You know it’s dangerous, right?” he called out after her.
“I won’t,” she replied, striding off into the dark Clair de Lune night.
CHAPTER
ELEVEN
