Page 38 of How To Summon A Memory
“Sixty minutes,” I say, and it’s the last thing I remember before his gentle caress on my cheek wakes me.
Age17
I’m later than usual. After graduation, Cordia insisted on a party and I never wanted out of there so fast. Florence had to go home after an hour, which made the next two more hours unbearable.
I cast the salt circle and summon Wick. I laugh when he materializes. He’s wearing a party hat and holding a cupcake and gift bag.
“Happy graduation!” Wick passes me the cupcake. “Do I call you Doctor Ethan now?” He tips his head and I snort.
“Please don’t call me doctor. How long did you stay like that, waiting for me?” I lick the pink icing covered in colorful sprinkles. It’s innocent, but his eyes narrow on my tongue and he swallows.
“Just a few hours. I knew you’d call me sometime and wanted to be ready.”
“I love you. I don’t say it often enough.” I offer him the cupcake and he tentatively gives the icing a lick, but nudges it back to me.
“You say it to me every day.” His tail wraps around my waist and pulls me close. “And I love you, my little witch.” He rubs his nose against mine.
I so badly want to kiss him, but I don’t think he’s ready, and that’s fine. I’ll wait forever for him to be ready and if he never is, that’s fine, too.
Turning18
I glare at the watch face, willing time to go faster.
“So close,” I say. “So fucking close.”
“Then you’ll be free.”
“And we can be together.” I swallow as the final countdown starts.
“Ten,” Wick says.
“Nine.”
“Eight.” Wick squeezes my hand.
“Seven.” I start bouncing on my toes.
“Six.”
“Five.” My heart pounds.
“Four.” I get another squeeze.
“Three.”
“Two.” I suck in a breath.
“O—”
Chapter 19
Ethan
I gasp awakeand reach for empty air. “Wick!”
“I’m right here, my little witch.” He smooths the hair from my face. “I’m right here. I’m yours forever.” He leans in and kisses my forehead. “It worked. It fucking worked.”
My chest stings, and he stills my hand before I can scratch it.
