First Magic by Raven Steele (ebook reader screen txt) 📖

The next couple of weeks blurred together. I continued training and actually began to feel like I knew what I was doing. My movements were more fluid and didn’t seem to be so forced. Even Christian seemed impressed with my progress. I kept up with basketball, even though the coach told me she’d understand if I couldn’t finish the last couple of games, given what had happened to me and all. But I insisted on finishing the season, especially since we were undefeated.

As for Christian and I, we became inseparable. Everyone at school thought we were a couple. At first I tried to tell them we were just friends, but after a while I realized it was easier to let them believe what they wanted. Christian didn’t care one way or the other, but it sort of bothered me because we had the appearance of a relationship but none of the perks. It was as if Christian had lost all interest in me except to be my protective big brother. But I couldn’t shake my feelings for him as easily as he had for me.

Because of this, I tried as best I could to find time away from him. It was simply too hard to be near him without longing for more. In addition to the dojo and basketball, I convinced Matt to change the book club to once a week instead of once a month. I knew Christian wouldn’t ever join because of Matt. For some reason, Matt really bothered him though he’d never tell me why.

A week before Christmas break, we had our state basketball championship game. It was also my birthday. Other than Jake, no one knew the significance of the day. I preferred it that way and made sure he wouldn’t tell anyone.

All my friends came to the game, including Jake and Heidi. I’d never been so nervous! The moon was only partially full, but it was enough to keep me from embarrassing myself.

We won by several points against the hardest team in the state. The elation of winning replaced the fear I’d felt the last several months. I was smiling so big that by the time we exited the gym, the muscles in my face hurt.

Christian and Jake were waiting for me just outside. The sun had gone down a couple of hours ago, and the moon smiled in the sky as if it was glad to finally be there.

“There’s my mom,” May said next to me and jogged off to join her in the parking lot. She called over her shoulder, “You did great, Llona!”

“So did you!” I yelled back just as Jake gathered me into a hug and spun me around.

“What a game!” He spun me around two more times before I managed to wriggle free.

Christian laughed. “You were fun to watch. I think you found your calling.”

“Now we have two reasons to celebrate tonight,” Jake said.

I pursed my lips at him. He knew I didn’t want anyone to know it was my birthday. Besides, we had already celebrated earlier in the day.

Christian furrowed his brow. “Two?”

Before Jake could answer, a voice said, “Well done, Llona.”

I turned around. Air caught in my chest at the site of Mr. Steele wearing a long and dark, form-fitting trench coat. With his dark hair and hooded eyes, he looked like he’d just stepped off the set from filming a spy movie.

“You watched the game?” I asked. My voice cracked making my face redden.

“I try not to miss any of the games.” His gaze shifted

Jake stepped forward and shook his hand. “Good to see you again.”

Mr. Steele smiled at him. “Always a pleasure. I didn’t mean to interrupt your celebrating, but I had to come over and wish Llona a happy birthday.” His gaze shifted to Christian. “I assume you did something special for Llona today?”

Christian’s body tensed beside me, and he forced a smile. “The night is still young.”

“Thank you for the birthday wishes,” I said quickly. Then to Jake, “We should go. Reservations and all.”

“Of course.” Mr. Steele smiled at me. “Have a good night.”

I watched him walk away stunned he had known about my birthday. But why wouldn’t he? It was on my school records. Part of me was tempted to run after him to … to what?

Christian turned to me. “Why didn’t you tell me it was your birthday?”

“It’s not a big deal.”

He turned to Jake. “What’s your excuse?”

Jake hooked a thumb in my direction. “I’m scared of her.”

“I’m hungry.” I headed toward the car, but Christian wasn’t finished.

He caught up to me. “I’m sorry I didn’t know.”

“I didn’t want you to know.”

He huffed but didn’t say anything else until we were saying goodnight to each other later that night. “One way or another, I’m going to make it up to you. I’m going to give you a present you’ll never forget.”

Christmas day began like every other Christmas. I woke up to the smell of bacon and pancakes, mingled with the sweet aroma of Jake’s special hot chocolate. We always ate breakfast together before we opened our presents and this year was no different except for one thing: there was an unexpected knock at the door.

Jake tossed me an angry look. “Is that Christian?

I shrugged. “If it is, I didn’t invite him.”

“Doesn’t he have a home?”

I stood up to answer the door. Like we both thought, it was Christian. He held several packages in his arms.

“Merry Christmas,” he bellowed in a pretend Santa voice. He walked by me into the living room. “I come bearing gifts.”

Jake couldn’t help but smile. “Whatcha got there?”

“Nothing big. Just my way of saying thank you for putting up with me the last several weeks.”

“Sounds more like a payoff to me,” I said.

“Don’t be so grumpy. I’ve got something for you too.” Christian handed a big box to Jake along with several small packages. “You first, Jake. You’ve had to put up with me the most.”

“Debatable,” I mumbled.

“Thanks, Christian.” Jake slowly unwrapped the big present first. He was only halfway when he began to squeal. “You have got to be kidding. Tell me this isn’t what is really in the box—no, wait—tell me this is what’s in the box.”

“What is it?” I asked.