Reflection Pond by Kacey Vanderkarr

Author:Kacey Vanderkarr [Vanderkarr, Kacey]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Urban Fey Press
Published: 2014-03-29T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER NINE

“Are you awake?” Callie whispered into the darkness. She wasn’t sure how long she’d lain there, staring at the pale gold ceiling. It felt like hours—days, even—and still, she couldn’t find sleep. They’d been fussed over, fed, and ordered to rest. Before leaving the last time, Ash had offered some of his energy to Rowan, who’d refused, of course. Then everyone was gone and the night closed over the two of them, the sounds of the palace growing fainter and fainter until all Callie could hear was the gentle cadence of Rowan’s breath. She’d squeezed her eyes shut and willed herself to sleep. Every time she came close, Rowan’s breathing broke through the veil and reminded her that he was just inches away.

“Yes,” he said, close enough that it fluttered strands of her hair.

Callie tensed.

When Hazel said goodbye and flipped off the lights, Callie had turned her back to Rowan. They were both exhausted. Besides, Callie didn’t know how to thank him for what he’d done. She’d agonized over the perfect words. Everything sounded stupid and insincere. The lack of conversation had swelled between them, larger and larger, until Callie couldn’t stand it any longer.

She rolled over. Rowan’s face was a pale moon against the sheets, close enough she could reach out and touch his cheek. His eyes were surprisingly bright, vivid blue even in the dim light. He looked healthier, his skin smooth, his color returned.

“You look better,” she said.

Rowan didn’t answer.

She grew uncomfortable under his gaze. “What is it?”

“I thought it’d be harder to get you into bed.”

“And you’re feeling better.” Callie’s face heated.

“Relax, I’m kidding.” He flopped onto his back and pillowed his hands behind his head. “The million dollar question is: how are you feeling?”

“Okay.” She sat up and tugged the blankets tight around her shoulders. She could smell him, the sweet scent of soap and something earthy. “Thank you.”

“For what?”

“You know—”

“Did you really think I’d let you die? Chivalry is not dead. Besides, saving you was about the only thing I’ve been allowed to do around here.”

“Well, thank you.”

“Now, let’s talk about how you’re going to return the favor.”

“I—what?”

“Kidding.” He chuckled. “You are so gullible.”

Callie stared at him, the wheels shifting slowly in her mind. Who was this and what had they done with the pensive, sullen boy that usually wore his skin? Maybe some of Jack’s positive attitude had slipped in along with the energy. She looked at him for so long that he finally glanced her way and wiggled his eyebrows.

“Did you tell Ash about—you know, when I tried to blow up your brain?” Her face grew hotter. Why was it so hard to talk to him?

“No.”

“Why not?”

“I never play all my cards.” The bed shifted as he sat up. Their knees knocked together and Callie jumped. “For the love, Callie,” he breathed, rubbing his knee.

Shirtless, Rowan was beautiful, hard lines and angles. Callie’s hand lifted before she realized what she was doing. It hovered in the air between them, awkward, derailed from its destination.

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