Page 88 of Magic and Matrimony

Without so much as a wobble, she swings her feet off the bed and stands. “I’m going to go to the bathroom,” Piper announces, and then shuffles out into the hallway. When she returns a few minutes later, she looks more alert. Her face is freshly washed, and her long hair has been pulled back into a ponytail. She’s probably brushed her teeth, too, if I had to guess. She stands in the doorway, her shoulder resting on the door frame with her arms crossed.

“Thank you for helping, but I think you should go.”

40

PIPER

Ambrose stares at me like I’ve grown a second head overnight. I’m sore and confused and hungry, but my head isn’t muddled.

Ambrose cocks his head. “You don’t want me to stay?” His question sounds probing and a little bewildered.

“No. While I appreciate that you sat with me and helped with Tucker, I’m actually a little annoyed with you right now.” She pauses, tilting her head as she stares at me. Tears fill my eyes, in frustration and heartache, but I take a deep breath and compose myself. “As grateful as I am, I still need to sort out my thoughts.”

I look around the room, recalling all of the broken potions that littered my floor. There’s no sign of the fight that took place.

“You don’t want to profess your love for me? Or throw yourself at my feet?” Ambrose sounds more shocked with each question.

I glare at him. “No. I would really like a sandwich. Or maybe some tacos. I want to take a shower and change my clothes. And like I said, I’m kind of annoyed at you, so, no, I don’t want to profess my love right now.” I love him, but all of this keepingdistance for my own good is frankly bullshit. I loved Ambrose before he kissed me, and I certainly don’t want to worship him now that his lips have touched mine. I kind of want to throttle him a little. And then kiss him.

Ambrose starts laughing, shaking his head in disbelief. Which only makes my irritation grow.

“If you’re going to laugh at me, then you need to leave.” For once in my life, I’ve found my backbone.

“I’m not laughing at you, Piper. We kissed.”

“Yeah, I remember. You basically threw me away like a dirty sock and told me I didn’t know my own feelings.” With a shake of my head, I leave the bedroom. I need to eat something. Ambrose follows me into the kitchen. I open up the fridge and scowl. I haven’t been here in forever. All that’s inside is a jar of pickles and something that might have been cheese once, but is now just a hunk of green mold.

I open the cupboards with a curse and find a box of granola bars that are probably also stale. Ripping open the package, I bite into the too-chewy bar with a savagery it doesn’t deserve.

Ambrose stands in front of me, barely a foot between us. His eyes sparkle. He looks…hopeful. “I thought you were affected by my curse. Anyone I’ve ever kissed is desperate to be near me.”

“Yeah, well, obviously, they don’t know you well enough,” I snap, but as soon as the words are out of my mouth, I regret them. I drop my arm, my granola bar sitting in my chest. Or maybe it’s my broken heart. “No. I’m sorry. I’m mad, but that’s not true. I love you and you’re wonderful. I’m just pissed at everything. You pushed me away, Ambrose.” My voice wavers, and I hate that my eyes fill up with tears. Can’t I just be stoic and strong for once in my life?

“It’s okay, Piper. I was a jerk. I should have talked to you instead of bossing you around like I knew best.” He cups my cheeks. Holding my face, he stares down at me with so muchlonging. It hurts to be held in this way. The stale granola bar is still clutched in one hand, and I don’t know what to do with the other, so it hangs limply at my side.

“Piper. You’re not getting it.”

“Getting what?”

“You walked away. You left.” The words themselves sound accusatory, but Ambrose’s voice is delighted.

Guilt swarms me. “I know, but I had to.”

“No.” He laughs. “It's a good thing. Incredible, really. No one who’s kissed me has ever walked away. They can’t. They’re desperate to be near me. They scream and cry and break shit if they aren’t close. But you walked away.”

It dawns on me what he’s saying, and the frown falls off my face. “What does that mean?”

“My curse didn’t affect you.” Ambrose searches my face, his words fragile with hope.

“I definitely don’t want to worship you right now,” I murmur, gazing up at him. I might love him, but that doesn't mean he’s perfect. He has faults, just like everyone else.

“I don’t know how that’s possible. Maybe it’s because I love you and that makes all the difference.”

“You really love me?” I tip my head back, my eyes glancing briefly over his lips. Lips that I’ll never kiss, and that’s okay.

“I wish I could kiss you.” His voice wavers.

I toss my granola bar on the counter and wrap my arms around his waist. Ambrose sighs, his entire body relaxing as he pulls me tight to his body. His lips press against the top of my head and all the tension releases in my body.

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