Longing for You (Touched by Magic Book 1) by Kelli McCracken Read Free Book Online Page A

crowd that she slowed her movements. Mike had never danced with her or gave her the impression that he would. Sure, he’d stood at the edge of the dance floor and observed her many times, but he always went back to the bar.
    He reached her in a matter of seconds and moved close enough that she had to step back. “Hey, handsome. Finally decide to join me?”
    “You know I don’t dance, sugar.”
    “Then why’d you come out here?”
    Shifting his gaze to the stage again, he pressed his lips tighter. Something was on his mind, something so important he couldn’t wait until she was finished. Why else would he enter the one place she’d never seen him? Whatever it was, he needed to say it and be done. She hated the suspense.
    He finally leaned forward near her ear, clearing his throat as he said, “I made you and your friend another drink.”
    “Thanks,” she yelled, hoping he could hear her over the music. “We’ll get it when this song ends.”
    His answer wasn’t what she expected, nor did she believe it was the truth. He wouldn’t walk into the throng of bodies just to tell her he made drinks. That’s what the waitresses were for. Add the fact that his body was rigid, and she was convinced he was lying.
    Instead of acknowledging what she said, he remained in front of her, glaring. It grew awkward, and a wall of tension formed. She didn’t want to be rude by asking what his problem was, but she didn’t like the strange vibes he emitted.
    “Is there something else on your mind?”
    “I just wanted to remind you that you agreed to settle your tab later. If you’ve changed your mind, you can settle when you’re ready.”
    What the hell?
    “Okay…” She drew out the word, allowing herself enough time to decipher his weird behavior. He knew she was well aware of their arrangement. He’d buy her drinks if she came back to his place. They’d stuck to the agreement since they began screwing on a regular basis. Why did he feel the sudden need to remind her?
    “That’s always been our agreement, Mike.” She yelled louder, wishing he would get to the point. It was hot, people were bumping into them, and he was killing the groove. “Why don’t you tell me what this is really about?”
    He shrugged. “Like I said, it’s just a reminder. I’m guessing you’ll be hooking up with the band tonight, so—”
    “What in the hell are you talking about? Who said I was hooking up with the band?”
    “No one.” His voice went softer. If his mouth weren’t so close, she wouldn’t have heard him. “When you’ve been a bartender for a while, you learn to read people. My instincts are keen, but I didn’t need them tonight. Your friend gave it away. That’s one hell of a show she’s giving the guitarist.”
    Unsure if she’d heard him correctly, Cassie spun around in time to catch the last of Ally’s sultry dance. But just as quickly as she discovered her friend’s daring moves, they ceased. Ally’s profile revealed parted lips, and she was ogling the stage.
    Cassie looked in the same direction, taking in the multicolored lighting, amps, and the band. The singer was facing his bass guitarist. Neither of the two held Ally’s attention, but the lead guitarist did. The way he was smiling said she held his as well.
    So her friend was flirting with a musician. Big deal. Ally was single. It didn’t give Mike the right to judge her or insinuate that Cassie was bailing on their evening. She turned to tell him as much…and then something clicked. She did a double take of the stage, where the guitarist stood.
    It can’t be…
    The prickly sensation of realization spread over her body. It wasn’t just some random guitarist flirting with Ally. It was one they both knew well. Too well.
    Jonah McCabe.
    Did Ally realize it was—
    As soon as the question formed in her thoughts, a blur of sandy hair and blue jeans rushed past. She shifted her eyes in the same direction, somewhat surprised to see Ally pushing her way