by Julia Crane
When neither of her companions said anything, Lauren continued. “Keegan and Anna are coming here for spring break.”
Donald ran his hand through his hair, leaving it even crazier than before, and looked slightly uncomfortable. “That’s cool,” he mumbled under his breath.
“Yeah. I guess Anna is in a funk because her new boyfriend is overseas.”
“That sucks. Is Rourk coming?” Donald asked, trying to sound casual as he stared off into the distance.
Lauren’s building was up ahead. “No, he’s gone too. It’s just the girls.”
“It will be good to see them.” Donald sounded sincere. Maybe he really had moved on. Lauren had no idea how much—if anything—Audrey knew about Donald’s past relationship with Keegan. She didn’t seem upset by the mention of Keegan’s name. Which was a good thing; there was enough drama going around without any added stress.
“Yeah, I can’t wait.” Lauren caught his blue eyes and said pointedly, “I just wanted to give you a heads-up.”
“Thanks.” He nodded in acknowledgment, and then draped an arm around Audrey’s shoulder. “Okay, we need to head in the opposite direction. I hope to see you around more, Lauren.”
“Me, too.”
“I’ll see you on Thursday. Do you want to meet at school or your house?” Audrey asked.
“My place works. What’s your phone number? I can send you a map.” They exchanged numbers and parted ways.
Maybe things were looking up, Lauren considered as she opened the heavy metal door to her building. If she had a tutor, she had a better chance of catching up with her classes. She would have given anything for a photographic memory. Imagine reading something once and always being able to pull up the info. School would be a breeze.
Perhaps in another life. This time around she was stuck with electronics.
Chapter 6
Another long day. Lauren fumbled through her purse in the dark, searching for her apartment keys as she walked down the sidewalk towards her apartment.
She couldn’t see anything. The night seemed darker than usual. Lauren missed the stars; half the time, she couldn’t even find the moon in the sky because of the tall buildings around her apartment complex. Back home, she could see plenty of bright stars, and she could have found her keys by the light of the moon. She felt a wave of homesickness.
Lauren realized the motion-activated light by the main entrance must have blown out. She gazed up at it—black. That explained things. Lauren’s fingers grasped the familiar shape of her cell phone and she pulled it out, pushing the button to illuminate the screen. It didn’t help much. Lauren cursed under her breath.
When would she learn to get her keys ready before she left her car? Or better yet, she could just put them on the key ring with her car keys. She’d always kept them separate so that, if she lost her car keys, she could still get in her house and vice versa. In hindsight, perhaps just putting an extra key on each key ring would work better. She made a mental note to make it to a hardware store to get copies made.
“Oh, for crying out loud,” Lauren griped. She shoved her phone back down into her purse and stomped across the grass. She found the sensor embedded in the ground next to the sign with the name of her complex.
Reaching down, she laid her hand on the little black box and closed her eyes, sending her awareness through the circuitry. It took less than two seconds for her to find the problem, a short in the connection. She quickly ran through the wires in her mind and found the frayed one. She rolled her eyes; a classic case of not properly taking care of the wires. They really should switch to solar powered lights. There was certainly enough sun in California. She pieced together the wire, her palm growing warm. When she felt the energy return to the light, she stood up. The light turned on with her motion.
A cool breeze caused her short cheer skirt to fly up. Annoyed, Lauren ran her hand down the front, smoothing it back down. Goose bumps covered her legs. She couldn’t wait to get inside. She was a sweaty mess and needed to take a shower before she went over to Tristen’s. She had hoped he would make it to the game that evening, but he didn’t show up. He had yet to come watch her cheer.
She reached into her bag again in search of the keys, aided by the bright-as-new light. Eureka! Her hands grasped the key chain and pulled the keys out. She shouldn’t have been surprised when the keyring caught on her favorite lipstick and launched it down the steps.
“What else?” Lauren moaned, shaking her fist at the tube as it fell down another step. She stepped down to grab it, but the little sucker kept going, and she had to chase it down four steps before she could toss it back in her purse.
Lauren entered her code and turned her key in the lock, sighing as the door opened. Too tired to take the stairs, she made her way to the elevator. Her legs felt like jelly from being on the sidelines at the game. It was cool in the elevator and the intercom played staticky muzak that sounded suspiciously like a famous heavy metal song. It beeped her arrival, and Lauren let out a breath she hadn’t noticed holding as it opened on her hallway. Her footsteps echoed loudly down the long corridor to her apartment.
Relieved to be home, she unlocked her door and turned the knob, swinging the door open. Lauren dropped the keys on the ground and covered her mouth, her heart beating overtime at the sight that greeted her.
“Tristen!” Lauren closed the door behind her before her neighbors could see. Her living room had become a lush wonderland. Bright green foliage, colorful flowers, and huge redwood trees took the place of her apartment. A fine mist filled the humid, tropical air that rested on her skin.
She loved her boyfriend’s gift of illusions.
She giggled with delight as her wings spanned open behind her. Accustomed to living with humans, she rarely let her wings free. She flapped them a few times and glanced around, looking for Tristen, but he was nowhere to be found. Her shoes gone, she wiggled her toes on the soft moss with delight. Her hair hung down in big, swooping curls. A quick glance down showed her a flowing, white strapless dress that swirled about her feet. She felt beautiful.
A warm breeze ruffled her dress, and she tilted her face up, enjoying the sensation. The sun shone down upon her. It was so real.
This was the guy she had fallen in love with. How long had it been since he’d surprised her in such a way? Too long. When they’d met, he had always swept her off her feet when she least expected it.
“Where are you?” Lauren tiptoed forward. He had to be in the apartment somewhere. His gift only worked nearby. She peeked in what used to be her kitchen, finding a large pond with huge lily pads. A bright green frog hopped from one pad to another. She dipped her foot in—warm as bath water. A large orange and black koi swam past her, tickling her toes.
A cobblestone path led towards what used to be her bedroom. A slow grin spread across her face. The large stones felt warm and smooth on her feet as she made her way down the path. She could hear birds chirping, and the sounds of an animal skittering among trees. Maybe it’s a monkey, she thought with glee.
Vines formed a curtain where her bedroom door should have been. She pushed them aside and stepped through.
Tristen sat off in the distance, on a large log. His black and purple wings fluttered when she walked in, and a warm smile spread across his face. “I thought you might need to relax after the game.”
“You have no idea. I hoped you would show up at the game, but this is a thousand times better.” Lauren glanced around, taking in the natural beauty of her very own rain forest.
“This is really amazing. I knew I loved you for a reason,” Lauren teased.
“Is that so? Why don’t you come over here and show me how much you love me.”
Lauren quickly crossed the small wooden bridge that separated them, barely glancing at the babbling stream of colorful fish beneath. She ran the last few steps across the grass, picking up the hem of her dress so she wouldn’t trip.
Tristen stood as she got closer. He looked even sexier
than usual, if possible. He had on black pants and a black button-down shirt, open at the collar and untucked. It was just snug enough to show off his strong shoulders. His inky black hair fell across his forehead, and his pale eyes stood out against his olive skin.
“You’re stunning,” he whispered in her ear as he pulled her into his arms.
“Not so bad yourself,” she said playfully. “So, what’s the special occasion?”
Tristen shrugged and gave her his sexy half-smile. “I guess I just wanted to show you that Calvron wasn’t the only one who could bring magick into your life.”
Lauren’s body tensed. This was about Calvron? She had to bite her tongue. Tristen might be able to make illusions, but Calvron could literally make up new dimensions. He was light years more powerful than Tristen could ever dream of being. She decided to keep that opinion to herself.
“I know how much you enjoy going to the worlds Calvron makes with your friends. I thought I would bring one to you.” He reached out and touched her hand lightly. “I guess I just wanted to impress you.”
Her heart softened and, once again, she was putty in his hands. “Well, it’s wonderful. Thank you.” She threw her arms around him and pressed her body against his lean, muscular frame. His warmth seeped into her like a tonic, and nothing mattered—not her failing school work or their fight the night before. Nothing mattered but the two of them touching.
“I can think of an easier way to impress me,” Lauren whispered naughtily. She grabbed the back of his head and pulled his lips to hers. With his lips on hers and his body pressed against her, all her problems faded away.
Chapter 7
Lauren opened her eyes to a wash of pale sunshine pouring through the sheer turquoise curtains that covered her bedroom window.
She realized that, in all the excitement of Tristen’s illusions the night before, she hadn’t pulled the black-and-white polka dot drapes closed. Usually the early morning light made her irritable, but, this morning, it brought a lazy smile to her face. She stretched her arms above her head and rolled towards the indention made by Tristen’s body.
She wrapped her arms around his waist and snuggled against his back. Closing her eyes, she inhaled deeply his woodsy scent. His breathing was slow and steady beneath her cheek; she loved the simple feel of his chest rising and falling.
A flush rose to her cheeks as she remembered the night before. Gone was the paranoid, jealous Tristen of the other day. In his place, she had a gentle, loving man who treated her like a princess.
To say the least, last night had been magickal.
Lauren propped herself up on an elbow and gazed down at her boyfriend. Asleep, he looked so innocent that she hated to wake him from his peaceful slumber. Why couldn’t it be the weekend?
She stared at his perfect features for a moment longer, then sighed. Unfortunately, they had real life to deal with. He had to go to work and she had to go to school.
Growing up was not quite as fun as she had expected.
With the greatest reluctance, Lauren untangled her arms and rolled to the side, careful not to make a sound as she slid from under the covers and rose to her feet. Her favorite fluffy, white robe hung over the back of her computer chair. She quietly eased her arms into the robe and tied the belt snugly at her waist. With one last glance at Tristen, she tiptoed out of the room to start breakfast. Hopefully, that would make waking him up a little more pleasant.
She started the coffee first, and soon the smell of brewing hazelnut filled the room. Coffee was the nectar of the gods.
Lauren cracked the little window over the sink and the cool morning breeze fluttered inside, brushing her hair away from her face. She tugged the ponytail band from her wrist and tossed her mass of dark curls into a low bun to keep it out of her face while she cooked, then set about gathering ingredients.
Lauren smiled to herself as she cracked an egg into a bowl. It was a rare treat for Tristen to stay the night at her place. He usually made excuses or begged her to come to his house. She felt almost…needed.
She grabbed the milk out of the fridge and poured a small amount into the bowl. Thankfully, it was still fresh. She went on a hunt for the cinnamon shaker when she didn’t find it in the spice cabinet. It turned up a moment later in the crisper drawer of the fridge.
“I don’t even want to know how,” Lauren told it, and then sprinkled a generous dusting into the egg mixture.
Crossing the kitchen, she pulled open the drawer near the sink and dug inside for a whisk. It had been a long time since she’d made French toast. Usually, she just grabbed a couple of Pop Tarts on her way out the door. With her crazy fast metabolism, she’d need the extra carbs to make it through the day today—cheer practice was going to be especially brutal, if her teammates’ rumors held any truth.
The butter sizzled, signaling that the frying pan was ready. Lauren flopped a piece of bread down in the skillet and dunked the next one in the mixture, making sure to get both sides evenly.
Tonight would be her first tutoring session with Audrey, she realized as she carefully placed the second piece of toast next to the first. Hopefully that went well. She’d never needed a tutor before. It was kinda embarrassing, but she’d have to swallow her pride. It was better to get help than to flunk.
She took a spatula to the browned toast and flipped one piece, then reached to do the same for the other just as Tristen buried his face in the crook of her neck. Startled, Lauren dropped the slice of bread back into the skillet.
“You scared me!” she gasped out, her heart racing into overdrive. She slid the spatula under the toast and flipped it, waiting for the initial panic to settle.
“I noticed. I’ve been watching you for a few moments. You’re so beautiful, even in the morning.” He trailed a line of light kisses down the side of her neck, sending shivers to her toes.
After placing the next slice of bread in the pan, Lauren turned and threw her arms around his neck. He had a bit of dark stubble on his face that made him look older. He looked like the kind of boy that mothers warned their daughters about, just missing the leather jacket and a motorcycle. Lauren felt sure he could arrange them.
Not for the first time, she wondered what her own mother would think of Tristen. He was as different from her dad as night and day.
Tristen’s hands stroked her hair with the gentlest of touches. Lauren could barely breathe when he was so close. “I’m glad you stayed,” she whispered, lifting her eyes to meet his intense gaze.
“Me, too,” he murmured against her lips, and then stole a kiss. “We really should talk more about making this permanent.”
“You mean me making you breakfast every morning?” Lauren ran her hand down his bare chest, his silky skin warm beneath her palm.
“I mean waking up together every morning.” He trailed his thumb along her lower lip, his eyes on her lips. “I like having you close to me.”
When he was so near, Lauren would have said anything to make him happy. The sheer force of his personality overpowered her until she wanted to always tell him “yes.”
A little voice in the back of her mind warned it was too early to move in together. They needed to take it slow and get to know each other better.
“Well, it will have to at least wait till after spring break.” Lauren turned back to the stove and cursed under her breath. She had burnt the last piece.
“What does spring break have anything to do with us moving in together?” Tristen pulled a plate out of the cabinet and helped himself to a couple of pieces of toast.
Lauren realized she hadn’t prepared the syrup yet and hurried over to the fridge, using the delay to weigh her words. “Didn’t I tell you?” she asked innocently as she grabbed the little plastic bottle from the door. “Keegan and Anna are going to visit over spring break.” She threw the syrup in the microwave to warm it up, carefully avoiding his eyes. She hadn’t mentioned it to him because she didn’t want to ruin their wonderful night, but in the harsh light of day, sh
e figured she might as well get it out there while he was in a good mood.
“No. I guess you forgot to tell me.” His voice was bland. He shoved a forkful of toast in his mouth and chewed thoughtfully before he spoke again. “I suppose it’s about time I met your friends since you talk about them so much. They seem interesting.”
Her shoulders relaxed. He took it much easier than she expected.
“They’re going to love you.” Lauren gave him her brightest smile. She really wanted her friends to like him. She hated to admit it, but their approval meant a lot. Obviously, the guys weren’t crazy about him, but maybe if Keegan and Anna gave Tristen the thumbs up, the others would get off her back.
When the microwave beeped, she pulled the syrup out and placed it on the counter. They sat at the kitchen bar instead of bothering with the table. She put a couple slices on her own plate and came to stand next to him, upending the syrup bottle over her toast.
“I have to admit, I didn’t think you would be very excited about them coming.” Lauren picked up her fork and knife and started cutting her slices into smaller squares.
“Who wouldn’t want to meet an elf and a witch?” With the faintest hint of a twinkle in his eye, he grinned, displaying his bright white teeth that were ever-so-slightly crooked. Lauren found it somewhat comforting that he had at least one physical imperfection.
“Well, when you say it like that… They are really great.” Lauren grinned at the thought of her crazy friends. She hadn’t realized how much she missed them until she got the phone call from Keegan.
Tristen hummed noncommittally. “I’m sure they are.”
“What are your plans for the day?” Lauren drove her fork into the toast and soaked up as much syrup as she could before she took a bite, closing her eyes to savor the sticky cinnamon goodness.
“Business meeting with my dad. Then the usual. Don’t forget—tonight we’re going out with the guys.” Tristen met her eyes over his coffee cup.
