He nodded.
“The last couple days she’s been disappearing. A lot. It shouldn’t be weird because she’s really into Dallas.”
Kevin snorted.
“What?”
“Okay, him I do know. He’s a douchebag. Seriously.”
She sighed and nodded. “I know. I didn’t say anything when they first hooked up because she never stays with one guy long. ‘Love ’em and leave ’em—unless they’re millionaires’ is her motto. Or it was. But not since Dallas. I wouldn’t worry about it, well, except that I agree with you that he’s a total bag of balls, but she’s stopped talking to me. And that is Weird with a capital W.”
“Aren’t you two roommates?”
“Yep. But she’s been sleeping with Dallas. So, tonight when she didn’t answer my texts I went to his room and the guy who lives next door said that he’s staying at the depot, which means that’s where Erin is too.” She shifted on the bench so she faced him. “That depot is nasty. I mean, seriously and totally disgusting.” Then her eyes widened, and she pressed a hand over her mouth before saying, “Shit! Of course, you know that because you used to live there. Sorry. I didn’t mean to—”
“It’s okay,” he assured her quickly. “And you’re right. The tunnels are totally disgusting. Are you sure she’s staying there? I can’t imagine any girl doing that.”
“That’s exactly what I’ve been thinking. And, no, I don’t know for sure that she’s there, but she’s definitely not here—and neither is Dallas. I’m worried about her, but I can’t tell whether that’s stupid or not.”
“I don’t think it’s ever stupid to be worried about a friend.”
She met his gaze. “But?”
He shrugged. “But maybe she has fallen for Dallas. People do weird things for love.”
Shaunee snorted. “Or lust.”
“True. Could she have Imprinted with him? That’d explain why she wants to be with him, even in those nasty tunnels.”
Shaunee’s look brightened. “That would make sense. And she wouldn’t want to tell me ’cause she knows I’d be pissed. Dallas is an ass. She can do way better.”
“And she knows how you feel about him?”
“Uh, yeah. Of course. We’re twins. We usually tell each other everything.”
“So, maybe it’s as simple as the fact that she knows you don’t like her new boyfriend, and she’s avoiding you because of it,” he said.
Shaunee’s smile lit up the night. “And if you’re right, then I’ll use this to show her that we can be different and still be friends. Kevin, you’re not just a good listener, you’re a good figure-it-outer too.”
“Thanks. Glad I could help you talk it through. Hey, uh, have you eaten yet? I was going to go to the dorm and put my stuff there, but I really should eat something before sunrise.”
Shaunee’s bright, intelligent gaze trapped him. “I thought you were living in Aphrodite’s suite.”
“I was, but recently I’ve realized that’s not helping me move forward.” He shrugged and smiled. “So, it’s time for a change.”
“You’re moving into the dorm?”
He nodded. “Yup.”
“Kev, I do believe I’d like to go to dinner with you.”
“Really?”
“If you’re planning on being around me much, you’ll learn real quick that I do not say things I don’t mean.”
“Good.” He met her gaze. “Because I like being around you.”
“Good,” she said. “Now, would you stand by while I try to light another match? I already asked Nyx to keep an eye on Erin, and I’d like to finish the prayer with that tea light I poured in spell class especially to invoke the Goddess’s aid.”
“Sure!” Kevin said. They walked back to the statue. “I have an idea. This time when you light the match think about controlling the flame. Focus on the fact that you need just a little heat—just a little light—and not a blaze.”
She raised her brows. “That’s right! I forgot that you have an affinity for all five elements.”
“Shaunee, if that flame listens to you, then you have an affinity for one of them as well.”
She blinked in shock. “Oh, shit! Seriously?”
“Seriously. Give it a try.”
Her hand shook a little, but she closed her eyes and exhaled. Kevin watched her face relax and her shoulders loosen.
“Just a little flame this time. We’re only lighting a candle, not a bonfire—for goddess’s sake.” Shaunee didn’t have to strike the match against the rough side of the box. It burst into a happy little flame that danced around on the end of the piece of wood. Her gaze flew to his. “Did you see that?”
He grinned. “I did! Now, think about that little flame lighting your candle.”
“Okay, little firefly. How about we do a small burn, baby burn?” Shaunee began reaching toward the tea light that still waited at the foot of Nyx, and she was several inches away from it when the flame jumped from the match to the wick, where it continued to burn cheerily.
“You did it!” he said.
She turned to him, grinning and pressing her hand against her chest like her heart might beat out of it. “Holy shit! Kev, do I have a fire affinity?”
“Yes, Shaunee, you absolutely do.”
“Ohmygoddess, yes!” She threw her arms around him as she laughed happily. “I have a fire affinity!” Then she stepped back quickly. “Sorry. I just—”
“There’s nothing to apologize for. I’m glad I was here to see that.” He met her gaze, thinking, And I’m really glad you hugged me.
“Huh,” she said, looking extremely pleased with herself. “I need tacos. And ice cream.”
“After you, fire girl.” Kevin made a sweeping, gallant gesture.
“I also like a boy with manners,” she said as she walked past him, giving him a sexy smile over her shoulder.
“That’s two likes so far. Let’s see how many more I can rack up at dinner.”
“Watch yourself,” she said as he retrieved his duffel bag and caught up to her.
“Not when I have someone as beautiful as you to watch,” he said.
She laughed—a full-throated, joyous sound that was completely infectious. And Kevin decided right then that he was going to work at making her laugh more often.
31
Zoey
The professors’ quarters were interesting. Kevin
