Page 78 of Spelling Disaster

“Let’s head to The Shed. This is definitely cause for a celebration.” He releases his hold on me and tugs me in the direction of the parking lot.

“You want to head to The Shed?” I ask. “I am always down for milkshakes, but it seems like there are better places for a special celebration.”

“Maybe. Unless you don’t think passing my exams is anything special.” He looks so adorably pouty I laugh.

Rather than play into his joke, I knock my knuckles against his chest. “You better stop your teasing, bad boy.”

I really don’t want to make a huge deal about Theo passing his exams because, let’s face it, he’s smart. He could have done it on his own without any help from me if he’d focused and found a way to study that makes sense for his learning style.

He’s got the talent and the intelligence to make it far in this world and do literally whatever he wants. If he wants to be a high priest or something even greater, he can do it.

“Let’s just say that we’re going to start at The Shed and see where things go from there,” he offers, with a look promising so much more. “Okay with you?”

Our hands are linked and I snuggle closer as we fall into step beside one another. “It works for me,” I reply.Morethan ready to see where things go.

Although the connection between us started off as a ruse, a mutually beneficial agreement, this is real. The feelings are real between us. The same ones I felt so sure were only on my side are returned and it’s nothing short of magic.

The Shed is filled with students who have the same idea we do. They’re out celebrating the end of midterms.

We grab a booth toward the back of the room and order two strawberry milkshakes.

It’s fitting, it’s retro, and it’s perfect for us. This time I’m not leaving room for any of his friends to join us, either. At least, no one like Becky or Piper. Or Courtney or Kim.

“How did your test go this morning?” I ask once we’re settled. “Seems like you got the grade for that one early.”

Theo shrugs, looking pleased with himself. “I charmed the professor into letting me see mine early. It seems the confidence of knowing almost every answer on my alchemy exam gave me a certain charisma she was powerless against.”

“Oh okay, Mr. Big Ego.” I lean forward to brush my nose against his. “But you’re right. There’s no way she could say no to you. Every answer?”

“Yup, every answer. You should have seen the way I turned lead into gold today. Everyone was impressed.”

“You know,” I tell him on our way out the door once we’re done, “I’ll still help you study for your next big test.”

“You think I need it?” he teases.

“I think you’ve got this and a little extra reading with a good study partner doesn’t hurt anyone.” Our shoulders bump together as we walk. “I can think of a good one for you, someone who doesn’t mind extra reading.”

Theo leads us away from the parking lot and I have to wonder what’s going on. I could have sworn we were heading out for an early evening drive, maybe even a stroll through the gardens near the villa.

Theo has been surprisingly closed lipped about our plans tonight and I have to wonder what kind of surprises he has up his sleeve.

“Oh, you know someone?” he asks.

“I might. Andyou’rebeing sneaky tonight,” I whisper.

“Me?” He points innocently to his chest with his free hand. “I’m just happy. Am I allowed to be happy, Yas?”

“More than you realize.” Both of us are.

This is a new page turned for us at Andora Academy and one I never would have expected. I’ve got the guy. I’ve got the grades. I’ve got friends, and they see me for me. They see me for what I have to offer and not just my magic.

Between Theo and Blaire, our table at lunch is always filled and people are more than willing to get to know me and give me a chance.

I’m learning and growing.

We make it back to my dorm and I stifle the groan of surprise that he’s dropping me off for the night. Until I turn to him and notice the sparkle of mischief back in his gaze.

“What is it?” I ask cautiously.

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