Enchanter by Kristy Centeno Read Free Book Online

all, the words ‘Brandon is a freak’ have never
left my mouth. I have never said to anyone, at least not that I can recall,
that he is in any way strange. A little different and too quiet, yes. That he’s
huge and has eyes that can make you wriggle with uncertainty, for sure. But
never that I think he’s weird.”
    “Interesting.” Vanessa’s tone hinted at something that I did
not like at all and I was quick at letting her know it too.
    “I don’t like that tone.”
    Vanessa laughed, turning her attention to me for a second or
two before gesturing down the hallway. I followed the direction of her gaze and
spotted Brandon standing on one side of the hall, completely engrossed in a conversation
with Mr. Lynne.
    The teacher’s back was to us, but Brandon faced the direction
we were coming from. The second his pale blue eyes singled me out, I nearly
stumbled. Even though Mr. Lynne was babbling in front of him, Brandon kept his
gaze locked on me.
    “You tell me that you haven’t given the man much thought yet
you know exactly how his gaze makes you feel.”
    “Tell me you don’t get that feeling too?”
    “Yes—”
    “See, it’s not just me—”
    “But only when my husband looks at me,” she finished with an
assertive smile.
    I turned away from Brandon and locked gazes with Vanessa.
“You’re kidding me with this, right? You can’t compare those two things.”
    “Let me tell you what I see when I look at Brandon.”
    “I don’t think—”
    “Brandon is a tall, handsome, and very elusive creature. The
difficult times he had during his young life have made him quiet, reserved,
private, and even rude at times. However, underneath that angry exterior hides a
young man ready to take life by the horns.” She flashed her straight, white
teeth at me and nodded. “Maybe our friends don’t think much of him, but what of
the people who are close to him? They might know a Brandon we’ve never seen and
you will never know what kind of man he is until you burrow under that hard
shell that keeps him distant and discover all his secrets.”
    “You’re getting all philosophic on me now.”
    “Maybe because I’m a little older and perhaps wiser than
you.” At twenty-six, Vanessa did happen to speak as if she was far older than
her years entailed, but I was not going to readily admit that she made a good
point.
    “Now, you’re calling me dumb?” I teased and she laughed.
    “No.”
    “Sorry, Vanessa, but I don’t see what you see.” Or at
least I don’t want to take a second glimpse. One was enough.
    “That’s because you’re not looking hard enough.”
    As we approach the middle of the hallway, I turned my
attention from Vanessa and focused on Brandon’s impassive face, noting how he
seemed to frown when he caught me gawking.
    “See that look, it’s dangerous,” I muttered, not daring to
talk too loud in case he could actually hear at great distances.
    “Nah, he’s not as bad as you all make him out to be. As a
matter of fact, I bet he’s sweet, charismatic, and a great kisser too.” Vanessa
laughed loudly when her last words caused me to stumble.
    “Great kisser? Aren’t you a married woman?”
    “I said that for your benefit, not mine.”
    “Kissing Brandon is not something I think about, or will
ever benefit from.”
    Although, now that Vanessa planted the idea in my head,
unwanted thoughts of his lips on mine started to cross my mind.
    “So what then? The real deal would be better?”
    “What the hell…?” I rewarded her efforts with a scowl.
    She found my expression and my tone hilarious.
    “You should have seen your face, Leah. I believe it grew
pale.”
    “I’m glad to be the source of my friend’s amusement.”
    “I’ll see you later on,” she said as we reached the area
where Brandon and Mr. Lynne were still speaking. “And remember to take another
good look, you might find the mysterious a lot more appealing than you
originally thought.”
    My body completely froze