Magic of the Moonlight: A Full Moon Novel by Ellen Schreiber Read Free Book Online Page A

station.
    “That’s our song!” I said.
    Brandon and I sang along with Frank Sinatra, trying to remember all the words and the correct pitches and cracking up at ourselves. When the song was over, my gut was in pain from all the laughing.
    I had just parked in front of his guesthouse when Ivy called.
    “Where are you?” she asked. I could hear the sounds of partygoers in the background.
    “I’m dropping Brandon off.”
    “Now? But you left ages ago. I was hoping you’d come back to the party.”
    “It took a little longer than I thought,” I said, holding the phone away from Brandon.
    “I was worried about you. You didn’t call me.”
    “I’m fine.”
    “I’m sorry I didn’t go with you. I guess I should have, but I wanted—”
    “Don’t worry about it, really,” I said. I was thankful my friend had remained at the party. If not, I wouldn’t have had time with Brandon at my house or now alone in my car.
    “What was it like driving him by yourself? Did he make a move?” she teased. I was dying to say we’d kissed only a short time ago. I signaled to Brandon, who was doing his best to be patient while I talked.
    “Stop,” I said. “Let me call you back when I get home. I don’t want to drive and talk.”
    I hung up and turned toward Brandon. It was dark, but the moonlight shone brightly on his gorgeous features.
    “I’m really sorry about the party,” I said to Brandon. “It didn’t go as planned.”
    “I don’t mind,” he said. “I got to be with you. See your room. Meet your parents. And get a kiss.”
    I blushed and we got out of the car. As we stood outside his guesthouse, he put his hands in his pockets and looked down at me.
    “That was really nice of you to stick up for me in front of your friends,” he said. “You are always doing that.”
    “I feel bad because I haven’t told Ivy and Abby about us yet. You know I want to.”
    “But we agree why you shouldn’t. It’s not because I’m from the Westside. It because I’m a—”
    “Well, hopefully we can have that fixed soon. It won’t be long until your father comes here.”
    “Yes, and then we can finally be together.”
    “In the hallways,” I said.
    “. . . and at lunch,” he added.
    “. . . and everywhere,” I confirmed.
    We lingered for a moment, lost in romantic thought, and then he pulled me in and kissed me.
    “What are you doing tomorrow?” he asked.
    “I was going to go to the game with Ivy and Abby. But I’d rather be with you.”
    “Maybe you should spend some time with them,” he said, wrapping me in his arms. “Since you left tonight—they might be mad?”
    “But I’d really rather be with you.” I felt so warm and cozy in his embrace.
    He leaned in and kissed me again. Heat rose throughout my body; I didn’t want to be anywhere but on the other side of his lips. Then his dog began to bark, and a light came on in the main house’s bedroom window and our moment was broken.
    “Call me when you get home,” he said, walking me to my car. “I want to make sure you’re all right.”
    I had two guardians—Ivy and Brandon. Two polar opposites, but both my best friends.
    The following day, I awoke early. I had spring fever. I was so ecstatic about being with Brandon that I couldn’t contain myself. Not through sleep, studying, or talking on the phone. Midday, I met Ivy and Abby at Hotspots for coffee. I chose a tall decaf latte because I was already hyped up on Brandon.
    “So what happened when you took him home?” Abby asked eagerly.
    “Nothing really.” But the memory of kissing Brandon brought a huge smile to my face.
    “Did he make any moves on you?” Abby asked.
    “He said he had a girlfriend,” Ivy said.
    “He did?” Abby asked.
    “Yes.” Ivy was proud to have info that Abby wasn’t privy to yet. “And he also said we know her. I still think it’s that skater chick.”
    “Really?” Abby said. “He doesn’t hang out with anyone at school.”
    “But she sits at his