Page 43 of The Pumpkin Spice Romance
I could practically feel her sweating. She was so nervous.
“Normal is overrated, and you can’t ignore your gift,” I said. I’d learned the hard way that I couldn’t ignore my wolf. Magical gifts didn’t get doled out on accident. Fate picked out special people to make sure they could carry the burden.
Maddie let out a gusty sigh.
“You think so?”
“I know so.”
“You don’t think it’s too weird?”
“No, I promise. I didn’t mean to freak you out yesterday.”
“You started asking questions, and I panicked because. . . um. . . it doesn’t always go well when I tell people about the thing.”
“I’m sorry, but I promise it’s OK. I’m not—”
“Maddie,” hissed Romeo, opening the door.
“Not now, Romeo,” said Maddie.
My phone started to ring.
“I’m really sorry, but it’s kind of a situation,” said Romeo.
“Not now, Romeo!”
I checked my phone. It was my brother. He was making an actual effort to contact me. I really should have called back. I did want to talk to him, but I’d been annoyed that he decided to make an effort, and I was expected to jump.
“But there’s a guy here,” whispered Romeo.
“Just give me a minute,” said Maddie, waving her arms in frustration.
Romeo closed the door, and I sent my brother to voicemail.
“OK,” I said, grabbing Maddie by the wrist, “obviously our timing is off. Let’s get dinner tonight.”
“OK?” she said hesitantly, her fingers curling around mine.
“There’s no reason to freak out. I promise. There are probably some things I should tell you about as well. So, dinner. You and me. No coffee.”
She giggled.
“OK, no coffee. Maybe some wine.”
“Absolutely,” I said.
“Maddie,” hissed Romeo. “I can take care of the guy, but I’m going to have to go to confession later.”
“Oh, God,” said Maddie.
“Exactly,” said Romeo.
“Tonight, at six?” I asked, trying not to laugh. “I’ll pick you up?”
“Yes, please,” said Maddie with a smile that made my heart do backflips.
I headed back to my car on cloud nine. I had a date with a very magical girl, and everything was going to be perfect.
