Chapter 25
Reluctantly, I leave Ava in the pool, where she and Quinn are sampling the five different custom solstice cocktails Mom had a mixologist prepare for the party. My witch’s giggling is hard to walk away from, but I need to use the bathroom. That’s one liquid my body doesn’t have much control over.
When I come out of the restroom next to the kitchen, I spy August in front of the open freezer. He has a large cooler at his feet and looks to be transferring cartons of his delicious ice cream into the massive fridge.
Sneaking up beside him, I pause when my eyes slip toward the glass doors, and through a part in the crowd, I have the perfect view of Ava sitting on the lip of the pool. Her long legs dangle in the water as she chats with Quinn, who floats around in a unicorn inner tube.
I bet she brought that. The rainbow mane doesn’t match the party’s aesthetic.
For a moment, I’m mesmerized by the sight of my witch. The sun shines off her skin, making her appear to be a luminescent moon in the middle of the longest, sunniest day of the year. When she laughs at something the Pyro says, she presses her fingers to her mouth as if to suppress the moment of joy. I wonder what has her thinking she needs to hold anything back.
Maybe it’s that restrictive school she works for. Just the thought of the place, which I imagine has a pretentious vibe much like the professor I encountered, causes an unfamiliar anger to boil in my veins.
Being pissed off is not a common state for me.
“Never should have doubted you.” A deep voice knocks me out of my whirlpool of thoughts, and I find August at my side with an understanding smile. “She’s the one.”
“The one?” I ask.
“For you.” He drops an arm over my shoulder and gives me a firm hug.
“You make that sound like I was destined to find her.” I keep my voice light even as I feel a twinge of panic at his words. Not because I think my cousin might be right.
But because he might be giving me too much credit. He’s counting Ava as mine when I’m not certain I can.
She said I’m her boyfriend. That has to mean something, right?
“Maybe the gods help a bit with love. I don’t know.” August squeezes me again, then lets go. “Look at me and Quinn. Hard to believe there wasn’t a touch of fate, me moving here and finding her.” He scratches his beard, expression thoughtful. “You’re not still trying to buy her love, are you?”
“What?” I scoff. “No.”
Even I hear the overcompensation in my voice. August raises a brow and waits, his stoic silence hard to argue with.
“I only buy her things she likes. Toys for Kraken. You’re going to tell me I should stop spoiling a kitten? Are you a monster?”
The Snow Cone rolls his eyes. “Money isn’t what convinced Ava to give you a chance. More gifts aren’t going to make her love you.”
Maybe not impersonal gifts like cash and jewelry. But thoughtful gifts have to show how much I care. Right?
“I’m worried I’m going to mess it up,” I confess. “That she’ll realize she can do way better.”
August hums a low note as he opens a few drawers until he discovers a spoon. A moment later he’s handing me a massive scoop of Peach Gobbler. As I lick the delicious ice cream, I watch Ava sip a pink drink and lick her lips.
I wish she swallowed my love with equal reverence.
“Maybe I’m biased,” August says, his blue eyes holding mine when I glance his way. “But I think you’re pretty great.”
“Auggie—” Embarrassment has me ready to make a joke, but he talks over me.
“You’re loyal. And smart.” He crosses his arms and wears a hard expression, daring me to contradict him. “You’re fun, too. You have a big mouth and like to tease, but you’re never mean or cruel. You’re kind, Sammy. And the people you care about get a hell of a lot of you. As far as I’m concerned, Ava should count herself lucky to be loved by you.” He sets heavy hands on my shoulders, making it impossible for me to dance away from his intensity. “Keep showing her the real you. Don’t hide behind your money.”
I’m rarely lost for words, but I have no idea how to respond to what he just said. My cousin gives a firm nod, as if setting his statements in stone, then lets his hands fall away.
“I’m going to change into my suit. See you out there.”
The Snow Cone strolls out of the kitchen, leaving me reeling.
Did he mean all that?
Those words he used to describe me: loyal, smart, fun, kind. I’d like for all of them to apply to me.
But he can’t be right.
People like me because I’m handsome and could buy a private island if I have the urge. I learned that early on.
August might as well have been describing himself. I’m not surprised in the slightest Quinn fell for him.
Ava…I still feel like I’m tricking her into this relationship.
And I’m too selfish and self-centered to explain she should stay away from me.
After dropping my spoon in the sink, I head outside, suddenly anxious that my witch will have used the potent magic of the holiday to make herself disappear.
But she’s still by the pool, flicking her feet in the water. As I move toward her, I let my magic flow through me, feeling it rock like waves in my chest until I sway with each step. Since there are humans here, I keep my manipulations subtle. I make a gesture with my hand, imagining little droplets of water pressing into her thighs like my fingers. I watch as the water does my bidding, indenting Ava’s bare skin ever so slightly. The witch gasps, staring down at her legs with wide eyes. She’s so distracted, she doesn’t realize I’m beside her until I kiss the curve of her neck.
Ava blinks up at me, a slow smile unfurling. I stay crouched beside her and lean in for a quick kiss, then whisper three words against her soft lips.
“Happy summer solstice.”
Ava lifts her cocktail in a toast, takes a sip, then pulls me in for a deeper kiss that tastes of lemon, sugar, and sunshine.
For now, I have her.