Destiny (Absent Shadows Trilogy Book 1) by S.M. Spencer Read Free Book Online Page A

and my right hand made a fist almost involuntarily, in position to use the strength of my right elbow if necessary.
    The man seemed unaware of the concept of personal space, and I could no longer stand it. I planted my right foot, brought my fist up under my chin, and was about to thrust my arm back when I heard the familiar sound of Sam’s voice.
    ‘Hey, Lili.’
    ‘Sam?’ I said, letting out the breath that I hadn’t realised I’d been holding. ‘What are you doing here?’
    ‘I live here, remember? You just passed my house. I thought it might be best if I walked you home. I’m sure you’d be fine, but I’d still feel better if you’d let me accompany you.’
    ‘Oh. Of course you do … live here, I mean. I’d forgotten about that,’ I mumbled, feeling silly and hoping he hadn’t realised that I’d been about to use my most powerful self-defence move on him.
    ‘So, how was the new job? Was it fun? I bet you make a beautiful witch,’ he teased.
    I titled my head as I looked at him. Was this the same man I’d spoken to in the gardens two days ago? What happened to his inability to mix with people—he seemed comfortable enough now.
    ‘Yeah, it was great,’ I answered, still in disbelief at the ease of his manner. He looked relaxed—not at all uptight. ‘The kids were a bit crazy but it was really fun. And I do think I made quite a believable witch, if I do say so myself.’
    As I stopped talking, I frowned. I didn’t remember telling him about getting the job. Had I mentioned it at the football game the other day? I didn’t think so.
    ‘That’s good. Jobs are always better if you can have a bit of fun, too,’ he said, almost smiling.
    ‘Yeah,’ I agreed. Then, to keep the conversation going, I added, ‘I’m glad they’re doing lunch shows, ‘cause I don’t think my aunt would be too happy about me working there at night, and then trying to get home after.’
    ‘Can’t say I’d blame her—this is not somewhere you’d want to be walking by yourself once the commute traffic has died down. I’m glad I spotted you when I did.’
    I know it was stupid, but his concern made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. And with the strength of that warmth, I decided there was no point in wasting time. I had to find out about the weekend.
    ‘So, Claire tells me Tom won a weekend for four on some radio contest, and we’re off to Sydney this weekend.’ I hoped my voice sounded casual.
    ‘Yes, we are. I mean, if you want to that is … and if it’s alright that I come along.’
    ‘Alright? Well, of course it’s alright. I mean, Tom’s your friend. I should be asking you if it’s alright that I go,’ I spluttered, then before I could engage my brain my mouth continued, ‘I mean … maybe there’s someone else that you’d like to take. Claire invited me, but really, I don’t have to go.’ I could have kicked myself for saying that … it just slipped out. I’d die if he said there was someone else that he wanted to take.
    ‘No, there certainly isn’t anyone else,’ he said, his voice soft, almost husky. I believed him, especially when he gave me a slight smile.
    And that’s when I melted.
    I stood there, completely mesmerised by his gorgeous blue eyes. I couldn’t stop staring at them. I wasn’t sure if it was that black hole thing happening again, or if it was because I was in shock at his response. Two days ago he could barely speak to me. Now, he wanted to go away for a weekend … with me. All the hurt and anger I’d felt at his disinterest vanished, and into its place came this raw, nervous energy. I couldn’t seem to look away.
    But I didn’t know what to say either. And I knew that if I said something stupid right now I’d risk spoiling everything. He could still change his mind.
    I pulled my gaze away from him, and started walking home again. We walked along in silence for a few blocks, and when he spoke it startled me.
    ‘I’ve never met anyone like you before. You …