“Since when do we play it safe?”
That startled a real laugh out of him, short but genuine. He released her hand, setting the locket on the side table.
“I should put this away properly. Stop carrying it around like a talisman against making the same mistakes.”
“Or,” Hazel said, “you could just keep carrying it.”
Marcus considered this, then slipped the locket back into his briefcase pocket. “Maybe you’re right.”
“I’m always right. You just haven’t figured that out yet.”
“Your humility is astounding.”
“I learned from the best.” She grinned, and some of the heaviness lifted.
They returned to their books, but now Hazel was on the couch beside him instead of in the chair. Not touching, but close.
She looked up at him suddenly, catching him watching her. Instead of looking away, they held each other’s gaze.
“Good book?”
“I have no idea. I haven’t absorbed a single word.”
Her lips curved. “Legal thriller not thrilling enough?”
“Something like that.”
They watched each other across the small space. Her sweater had slipped off her shoulder again.
“There’s…” She touched her own cheek. “You have something…”
Marcus reached up, finding nothing.
“No, let me.” She shifted closer, kneeling on the couch beside him. “It’s dirt. From the magic practice outside. Hold still.”
She leaned close, thumb brushing his cheekbone. This close, he could count each freckle across her nose, catch the slight hitch in her breathing.
Her hand froze against his cheek. They were breathing in sync, faces inches apart.
“Hazel.”
“I know,” she whispered. “We shouldn’t.”
“We can’t.”
But neither moved away. Her fingers spread against his cheek, palm warm against his jaw. He covered her hand with his, keeping it there.
“Marcus…”
He leaned in slowly, giving her time to pull back. She didn’t. Their lips were a heartbeat from touching when?—
His phone rang, shattering the moment.
They jerked apart as if electrocuted. Marcus grabbed the phone, noting Malphas’s name on the screen, and let out a curse.
“I have to…”
“Take it.” She was already retreating to her chair, face flushed. “I’ll just… reading. I’ll be reading.”
