Charmed Spirits by Carrie Ann Ryan Read Free Book Online Page A

there.
    Lucky
for Prescott because Jordan’s magic wanted to kick some ass.
    “I
don’t feel like driving right now. Do you mind if we walk?” He still held her
hand, and she clasped it tightly, not wanted to let go.
    “Whatever
you want.”
    “Don’t
say anything you don’t mean, Jor.”
    “What
do you mean by that?”
    He
shook his head. “Never mind.”
    They
walked in the cool sunlight as the wind danced around them. He let go of her
hand, only to wrap an arm around her back and bring her closer. She burrowed
into his side, grateful for his warmth.
    They
walked in silence until they ended up by the lake, its water churning in the
cool breeze.
    “Are
you okay, Matt?”
    He
nodded, but she didn’t believe him.
    “They
won’t take your home, Jor.”
    “I
know. But I also won’t have any say once I sell it.”
    Matt
didn’t answer.
    “I am selling, Matt. I’m leaving.”
    “I
know.” He turned her in his arms, his hands running smooth strokes up and down
her back, making her want to purr. “I know.” He lowered his head, his lips
barely brushing hers in a question.
    She
closed her eyes and moved the fraction of an inch closer to answer. He tasted
of stew, home, and Matt, that heady taste she’d thought long forgotten. He
licked the seam of her lips, and they parted. His tongue danced with hers as
their grips tightened. She rocked against him, wanting.
    He
pulled away, leaning his forehead against hers. “I know.”
    She
closed her eyes, lost in the sensation of his touch and the fact that it had no
future. Oh God, she didn’t want to leave. She wanted to be selfish and stay
with him. She wanted to watch Abby bloom and be happy, and she wanted to grow
closer to Matt and be a Cooper….but she had to leave. It wasn’t her choice, but
it had to be done—for the both of them.

 
     
     
    Chapter 5
     
     
    Matt
rubbed his palms on his jeans and tried to slow his heart rate. It wasn’t as if
this was his and Jordan’s first date. No, they’d dated plenty of times in the
past. That was the thing though. The past. They weren’t teenagers anymore
running on hormones and sneaking around after curfew.
    He
didn’t know this Jordan, the independent city girl with the grace of
confidence. He could still see, though, where she frayed at the edges, particularly
whenever Stacey or Prescott happened to be in her presence. He wanted to know
more about her. Her hopes, dreams, fears…everything. Right now, it felt as
though he were basing his attraction solely on memories. Though he’d had almost
a month to get past her defenses, it was only the beginning.
    And
Jor didn’t know anything about him. Not really. She knew the surface, what
other people knew, but he wanted her to know more. He didn’t know if she could
deal with what he turned into every month…and in two nights, he’d have to lie.
    He
hated lying
    Sadly,
though, he was becoming very good at it. Just ask his brothers.
    Matt
sat in his Chevy outside Jordan’s home and tried to put on that smooth
confidence that so many said he possessed. It sure didn’t feel like he had any
at the moment. When she’d come back to town, he’d promised himself he wouldn’t
fall for her again… as if he’d ever lost those feelings .
    When
Prescott had said the afternoon before that he was going to tear down the old
Marlow place, Matt thought he’d died on the spot…again. If he really was dead;
he wasn’t quite sure on that point.
    What
was he going to do if they tore down the place? If he wasn’t in that house at
sunset on the evening of the full moon, and the four nights surrounding it, he thought
he might be lost forever. Without the house…he might not be found.
    And
didn’t he sound like a pansy? God, something was definitely wrong with him.
They were just going on a date. A date that could lead to sweaty, good things
if he had anything to say about it.
    God…that
kiss. He hadn’t planned on it. He’d been so wrapped up in his emotions