Page 41 of Sweets and Sycamores
They parted ways outside the restaurant, the brides-to-be getting into the car to cross the bridge over to the residential area.
“Thank you for letting me tag along,” Allie told Mia on their way back. “Harper and Tina seem really nice.”
“They are. We grew up together, as with most people in this town, but the three of us have always been really close. They were my first friends when I came here, and the only ones who didn’t treat me differently because I was adopted.”
Allie stopped in her tracks. Her chest filled with conflicting feelings, but she was happy that she had earned Mia’s trust enough for her to share that.
“If you ever want to talk about it, I’m here to listen,” Allie said, continuing her stroll.
“Not much to talk about. I lost my parents when I was five. Dom’s parents were their closest friends, and they took me in, as my parents had stated in their will.” Mia smiled softly, and Allie didn’t press her on the subject. She was thankful for this piece of trust Mia showed her, and she didn’t want to upset her friend by prying.
Friend.
They were becoming friends. A warmth filled Allie’s chest at the thought. Someone befriended her because she was herself, not because she was a Witch, or her mother’s daughter, or Sam’s fi—nothing. In Sycamore Falls, she was just Allie, and Mia was her friend.
“Can I stop by the bookstore to pick up another book? I sort of turned the other one into ash.”
“Sure,” Mia chuckled, and Allie saw the sparkle of gratitude in her brown eyes that she didn’t question her more about her family.
Dominic paced in front of the bookstore entrance, wearing a path in the dry grass. He wore his black jeans and a brownleather jacket that stretched over the muscles on his arms, hands in his pockets. His hair was loose, the dark chestnut strands tickling the collar of his deep green turtleneck sweater.
“What’s up, Dom?” He paused his pacing at the sound of his sister’s voice, and his emerald green eyes snapped up.
“Allie.”
Dominic said her name like a statement, like something that was precious. Allie’s heart melted like butter into a puddle at her feet, hearing her name the way she loved it from the powerful Mage’s lips. She didn’t think it would make any difference what he called her, but the swirl of butterflies she felt in her stomach disagreed.
“I need to talk to you.”
Allie saw Mia’s grin grow the size of a banana before she said, “Go. I’ll look for another book and bring it to the bakery tomorrow.”
“What book?” Dominic asked.
“Another book on Witchcraft.” He looked at Allie like her words made absolutely no sense. “The other one burned, remember?”
“You don’t need that anymore. I will help you,” he declared in that boss-like voice.
Mia giggled. Loudly.
“I’ll see you later, Allie.” She squeezed her arm, and Allie thanked her again for inviting her to lunch.
Alone with the mountain of a broody man, Allie put her hands on her hips. Then dropped them. Then crossed them across her chest.
“So, what did you want to talk to me about?” she asked.
“Not here. Let’s go.” Dominic picked up a blanket that Allie hadn’t noticed was by her boss’s feet.
She followed him down the familiar path through town to the forest clearing she used for practice. The same place he’d found her that week, almost burning alive from her own power.
Dusk had fallen over the bronze leaves dancing softly in the chill breeze. The forest drowned in dark orange and purple hues as if it had been dipped in lavender honey. Allie zipped her jacket all the way up, suppressing a shiver.
“Sit.” Dominic spread the blanket farthest from the river, close to the trees. “Here, by the tree.” He motioned for Allie to lean against the sycamore trunk.
Dominic sat facing her, leaning back on his arms in the most casual and relaxed way Allie had seen from him. He even closed his eyes for a moment, taking in the fresh air and peace that surrounded them. And when his green eyes opened and noticed her obvious shivers, he flicked his wrist once, twice, and warm air bound them in a comfortable bubble.
But Allie was sure she could have gotten warm just from sitting so close to him.
He had not been wrong. He knew he wouldn’t be but had still hoped that the book Mia gave him would prove him wrong. Dominic had read the section on elemental seals at least four times lest he miss a keyword that would turn everything around.
