Page 60 of Witchful Thinking

Lucy paused. “Can we stay like this for a little while longer?” She wanted to watch him bathed in moonlight and magic just for a few more minutes. He nodded.

Lucy looked to his hand, noticing he had something inside of it.

“What did you find?”

He held out his palm. There was a collection of shells of different shapes and spirals against his scales.

“These are lovely,” she said. Lucy reached over and took them from him. She focused on the shells, tracing the ridges with her fingertips.

“I don’t know if you could add them to the mood board.”

None of her lovers or boyfriends had even considered her hobbies or designing or thought about her the way Alex did. She seemed to always be on his mind. Just like he was on hers.

Alex peered at her. “Do you like them?”

“I do.” She placed the shells on the dock. He saw the magic in her, and he did not shy away from it.

In a frantic tangle, she reached for Alex and ended up straddling him on the dock with a leg on either side of his tail. He yanked down her bathing suit top, exposing her to the night. The air tickled her skin and gave her goose bumps. Stars above.

She put her arms around his neck and captured him in a kiss.

Her heart stumbled to a stop before getting its rhythm back. He moved and dipped his head between her breasts and nibbled the sensitive skin. She raked her hand through his hair. His hands explored the outline of her waist and hips until coming to a rest on her ass. A squeak went through her as he squeezed. Her hands went everywhere, taking him in and touching him with a desperation that bordered on senseless. There was too much of him and not enough at the same time. He pressed himself against Lucy. She pressed back tightly. Not even moonlight came between them. Nothing in the world would come between them right now. A mixture of moist and delicious body heat made her glow. She gave in to the sensation of his steady touches and kisses. The time for words was done. She licked lake water from his mirrored scales. The water on his skin tasted divine, and she desired more. He shuddered. Parting her lips, Lucy rose to meet his mouth, eagerly responding.

His kiss hit her again like a wave rushing to shore and knocking her over. She was really going to make out with Alex on the dock. She struggled to regain her inner balance; his hands roamed over her skin with precision. Craving wrapped around her body and squeezed her like a long-lost lover. Sweet mercy. Her mind skidded to a single, demanding refrain: Touch me. Touch me. Touch. Me. She reveled in the delightful jolt of Alex’s hand working up the curve of her hip, over her stomach, and cupping her breast. His thumb grazed her nipple with a slow, lazy circle. Multicolored sparks popped up behind her eyes, and she gave a breathy moan. Right then she wanted nothing more than for Alex to explore her body with his fingertips and send her up to the stars above. His hands roamed down her stomach and slipped down between her legs.

He cupped her, waiting for permission to go further. She nodded and opened herself to him. He eased his fingers inside her. Lucy gave in to the delicious sensation, rocking against him, looking up at the stars. He teased and touched her, eliciting moans, the swell of emotion building within. She was almost, almost, almost there—no, she was right there. He increased his motions, and she clutched her hands on his bare shoulders as the sky broke apart.

Lucy embraced Alex. He relaxed against her body and gave in to her touch. Lucy buried her nose in the crook of his neck. His fragrance—cool air, ocean water, and a note of musk—stirred a primal feeling inside her. She wanted to peel away his worries and unburden him from his thoughts. His arms held on to her like she was a life preserver, and he was adrift. The air around them sparked and glowed.

“Lucinda.” Alex whispered her name reverently, the way you’d say a desperate spell or a heartfelt prayer. He said her name the way she whispered the wish spell. She shut her eyes and let his warmth touch a part of her that she hid away from the world. This wanting weaved within her soul and stayed there, nestled in her heart until the wish bloomed and came to life.

July 1

Please join your fellow Freya Grove Gladiators for a night of elegance.

Save the Date! Reunion Weekend is August 27–30!

We are counting on you to be a part of this celebration.

If you have any questions, contact me!

Best,

Quentin Jacobson

Class Secretary

July

larkspur and water lily

Chapter Sixteen

The Swan’s Nest Bar and Grill, illuminated by blue and purple neon lights, was filled with possibility and mixed drinks. It was karaoke night, which meant the shy librarian who shushed patrons could end up belting out a power ballad or the gruff trucker passing through town could sing a pop song with vigor. Karaoke was held in the back room of the bar so that those customers who didn’t want to hear a painfully earnest rendition of “Stay” by Rhianna could enjoy their drinks and snacks in relative peace. The maritime-themed bar was decorated with paintings of eager sailors dancing down the street and busty pin-ups in tight sailor gear. Happy hour drink specials were posted on one of the many chalkboards around the room. The booth Lucy and Ursula had claimed was outfitted with condiments, stuffed wire napkin holders, and laminated menus. Lucy reached over and picked up a menu.

She frowned as she read it over. “I’m pretty sure they misspelled barbecue.”

“No one’s here to spell-check the menu,” Ursula said. “So, are you singing tonight? I hear there’s a cash prize for the top three performers.”

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