Page 65 of Our Little Moments

But when Adrian looks at me, his eyes tell me everything. I think Adrian can see right through to my bones. It’s as scary as it is comforting.

Still, I need to get the words out. This secret’s been eating me alive and I justcan’tdo it anymore.

Adrian scoots closer, which makes the tears multiply.This man.

His hand gently guides my head on his shoulder, where I rest my forehead, needing support. His fingers discreetly brush against mine. He wraps his hand around my fingers and squeezes. I feel that touch like he’s brushing his fingers across my very soul. He squeezes again like he can read my thoughts. He touches me like I’m precious to him. It makes me ache even more.

I close my eyes. “I was nine when I found out my parents were tight on money. Really,reallytight. I couldn’t bear to see them struggle. I love my parents with everything in me, and I knew I had the ability to pull them out of their struggles. I hadmagic.I stepped up in so many ways. I got jobs to bring some more money in; I used my magic when something needed fixing. I did everything I could think of.”

Adrian’s fingers brush mine again, and I use my other hand to wipe the tears sliding down my cheek before continuing, “The thing is . . . I haven’t been able to be at peace since. There wasalways something wrong, something more I could do. There was always something to worry about. Since I came here . . . it’s the first time since that night that my mind’s quieted down, that my heartbeat’s slowed. That there’s no reason for me to be anxious all the time”

I can feel his small smile lifting the corners of his mouth through the top of my head and it makes me smile too.

It gets better, Adrian,I silently promise.

Chapter 26

Stella

The wood creaks with our footsteps as we head to the dock.

Today, we’re racing each other . . . by kayaking.

I join Isa and Layla in the little storage room. I smile as I watch Isa look around with flames flaring to life in the palm of her hand. I can’t help but find using magical powers in a casual setting so . . . peaceful. Soothing. Comfortable—like a warm blanket. It’s unique in a way that I can’t quite put into words because even if I tried, I wouldn’t do it justice.

“Well, let’s get these kayaks out, shall we?” I call out.

The kayaks and canoes are all in the water, tied by ropes onto the boat house, so they don’t drift away.

Layla heads to the front, pulling the garage-looking door so we can push the kayaks out.

As I start untying one of them, I can’t help overhear Isa speaking to herself. “This place is so different from what I remember,” she murmurs, gliding her hand on the wall.

“They probably did some renovations.” Layla laughs as she unties the kayak next to mine.

Isa grins as she heads our way, sitting down to free another one. “You’re probably right.”

We quickly untie the eight kayaks we need, pushing them out to Hazel and Nate.

As the girls leave the room, having finished their task, I can’t help looking at the two of them.

How am I the only one whose eyes seem glued to them?

They seem to be so in their own world that—

“No, Nate.” Hazel giggles. “Don’t you dare push me in the water! You know I’m serious about this. I’ll knock your kayak over later if you do!”

“Is that supposed to be a threat?” He laughs.

“No, it’s a fact. It’s the repercussions that will affect you if you dare to—”

Fast as lightning, his hands are at her sides, tickling her.

Hazel’s laugh echoes all the way here and I can’t stop the amused grin from spreading across my face.

“Stop!” She giggles uncontrollably. “You’re not . . . playing . . . fairrrrr!” she says in between laughter.

Laughing to myself, I head out of the cabin, joining the girls at the dock.

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