Page 71 of All's Fair in Love and Magic

“I’m taking you on a dinner date.” He didn’t stumble over the words, though I could see a little uncertainty on his face. “We can’t leave the resort, but I don’t think you’ve eaten on the rooftop restaurant.”

“I haven’t.”

“It has a nice view and the best chefs. Only a few vegetarian options, but they’re all good.”

“Sounds like fun.”

He made a noise of agreement.

“I can walk there,” I pointed out.

“I can fly us there,” he countered.

“Guess you can carry me.”

He chuckled. “Really not a fan of the sky, huh?”

“It’s okay. I just prefer to feel the ground beneath my feet.”

“I think most witches do. You need nature to perform magic.”

“I don’t reallyhaveto have it, but using it makes my magic more powerful. I think growing up in the coven’s compound makes being away from plants and nature feel sort of wrong.”

“It’s normal to dislike anything that makes you weaker. I’ve been uncomfortable beneath the weight of the wards since I took them over, and I’m half witch.”

“Technically, you’re not half anything. You’re a full phoenix.”

“What would our kids be, if we ever wanted them?” he asked.

“I don’t know.” The answer was honest. “If it was a boy, he’d be a phoenix. It could probably go either way if the baby was a girl. Unless the magic in your genes is crazy strong, which is a possibility. If that’s the case, she’d definitely be a phoenix too.”

Liam nodded.

He set me down on my feet when we reached the elevator, and I leaned against him as it carried us up.

Exhaustion and heat had me craving his touch.

He didn’t hesitate to wrap his arm around me and pull me close.

“Maybe we should make this a quick date,” I murmured.

He eyed me. “We can just take the food back with us. You look like you’re going to pass out again.”

“I never actually passed out, remember?”

Liam made a noncommittal noise.

“Maybe we should just eat and run?” I suggested.

“Agreed.”

When we reached the top floor, we were immediately tucked away in a table as far from everyone else’s as possible. They were probably trying to avoid putting too many eyes on us, but it failed.

Everyone stared.

“Do you think the word spread about Cecil?” I whispered.

“Yup.” Liam actually looked kind of pleased about that.

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