Page 14 of Realm of Dreams & Shadows

She just grins. “A girl never kisses and tells.”

“Oh, really?”

She shrugs. “More accurately, a girl never hopes to kiss and tell.”

I shoot a glance toward Chase. “Yeah. I know the feeling.”

“Now I really want the story.”

I fight back a grin, realizing I want to tell her. I haven’t had that many crushes, but I know enough to know that they definitely require deep and introspective discussions with your bestie. Along with a liberal amount of wine.

“Why don’t we head back to the room now?” I can’t explain it, but right then, I’m all about avoidance and not confrontation.

Except it’s too late. Chase has spotted me, and he’s making his way toward me with easy confidence. A few people turn to watch him pass—apparently, I’m not the only one who finds him magnetic.

“Cora.” His pleased grin is both sweet and flattering. I cock my head, fighting my own smile as warm happiness skitters over my skin like electricity. So much for running for cover.

“I was hoping I’d bump into you again.”

My insides do a fluttering number. “Oh? So, it’s not a total coincidence that a grad student stumbled into a freshman dorm party?”

I expect him to make up some excuse, so I’m entirely unprepared when he lifts one shoulder in a casual shrug and says, “Busted.”

I stand a little straighter. “Oh.”

Tia puts a hand to her ear. “Golly. Someone’s calling for me. Gotta book.” She scoots away, only turning back once to look at me over his shoulder and mouth, Oh. My. God.

Frankly, I couldn’t agree more.

“So we meet again,” he says.

“Should I be worried?”

He frowns. “Worried?”

I shrug. “I can’t decide if you’re my stalker or my protector.”

“The latter,” he says, smiling in a way that has me lighting up inside. “I promise.”

“Good. Because otherwise I’d have to kill you, and I haven’t had time to scope out the best place to hide a body.”

“Remind me to add that to the list.”

I tilt my head. “What list?”

“Places of interest on my campus tour.”

“A tour. Can I sign up for it? We freshmen need all the help we can get.”

“I’ll always help you, Cora,” he says, his voice turning serious. “I hope you know that.”

I look down at my feet. I know he’s talking about what happened four years ago, but at the same time, his words feel different. Which is ridiculous, but I can’t shake the feeling that there’s some heavy-duty subtext I’m missing.

“How was dinner with your uncle?”

“Good with a side of annoyance.” I shrug. “He’s…protective.”

Chase laughs. “I think that’s what uncles are for.” He takes a step closer, and I instinctively step back, only to realize I’m now trapped between him and the wall. And I like it a lot more than I should.