Page 81 of Enchanted Kisses
A thrilling rush shot from my head to my toes as I pushed open the doors. The front yard looked like a carnival—a formal carnival. Tentlike gazebos with Moroccan flair spread throughout the area. Some held games while others housed food and drink. Tables draped with brightly colored satin—fuchsia, royal blue, silver, and gold—decorated the lawn. Beautiful people stood everywhere, chatting and toasting each other.
Raysa grabbed my hand and pulled me to a tent filled with an assortment of desserts.
I drew in a deep breath of sugar-infused air.
Cupcakes, chocolates, candied apples, pies, and cakes—all bite-sized—topped long tables.
Raysa grabbed a mini cupcake and popped it into her mouth. “Mmm.” She lifted one to me. “Taste.”
I took a bite. Vanilla and marshmallow swirled on my tongue, dissolving almost instantly.
“Finish it.” She gave it to me.
I gobbled it, savoring the sugary flavor. It dissolved before I could chew. I could see how it would be easy to indulge. “Where are the plates?”
Raysa licked her fingers. “No plates. We snack. We drink. We dance.”
“No germs?” I asked, unable to pull my gaze from a row of mini key-lime pies. I wanted to ransack the table like a savage. What was wrong with me?
“Enchanted equals no germs.” She handed me a flute filled with a pink bubbly drink.
“Champagne?” I lifted my glass and clinked it to hers.
“Punch of the sentries. Champagne is weak in comparison.”
I sipped the fizzy mixture. Cold liquid that tasted like fresh berries slid down my throat. Craving more, I downed the glass. “Another?” I held it up.
“How do you feel?”
“I feel fine.” I wasn’t dizzy or light-headed. “Happy. Excited. But I think that’s more nerves than food related.”
Isla, the platinum-haired girl from earlier, entered the tent. “Raysa.” She curtseyed. “Lily.” She nodded then directed her attention to Raysa. “Might I have a word, please?”
Her formal manners surprised me.
“Certainly,” Raysa told her. “I’ll meet you by the lake. That way we can speak in private.” Raysa gave the blonde a that’ll-be-all nod and she left.
I smiled. “I think they already see you as their queen.”
“I doubt it’s anything important. Probably something with the lights in the topiary or the fireworks.”
Fireworks?
“I shouldn’t be long. Enjoy yourself. Mingle, but pay attention to your body. If you start to feel silly, stop indulging. Lemonade takes the edge off. There is a pitcher in the fridge if you feel you need any.”
“Okay, Mom,” I teased. “I’ll be fine. Go attend, or whatever it is you do.” I waved her away.
I went straight to the punch bowl after she left.Oh man, this stuff is heaven in my mouth.I filled my glass and took a sip.See,I can do moderation.
Another glass of punch, some more cupcakes, and maybe another glass of punch later, I sat at a table with three males and two females. I wasn’t sure how or when I got here, and I didn’t care. Who’d have thought poker for cupcakes could be so much fun? A full house in my hand, I put all my cupcakes in the pot, hiccupped, and laid down my cards. “Pay up, sentries.”
“Lily?” Raysa called out, drawing my attention.
I turned as she emerged from a crowd but lost my balance and nearly fell out of my chair.
“Whoops.” I giggled and straightened, trying to focus. A cloudy mist surrounded Raysa, stars twinkling within it. She looked like an angel. “You look beautiful. Did you change?”
“This lass is kicking our asses,” said Laken, my new Scottish sentry friend who had more muscles than a wrestler. He was a looker too, with his hooded blue eyes and dark hair.
