Oh, I totally do. I used to blog about surfing.
Really?
He nodded. Yep, I miss the surfing and bloggingthe whole connecting with people all around the world that shared the same passion. Its a pretty awesome community.
This guy was perfect. He didnt make fun of me like Daemon had over the whole blog thing. Cool points for Blake. I took a sip of my drink as I glanced out the window. Dark, thick clouds blanketed the sky. When I first saw you, I had you pegged for a surfer. You have that look.
What kind of look is that?
You just have the surfer-boy look going on. The hair, the tanits very cute.
Cute? He arched a brow.
Okay, its pretty hot.
He grinned. I like the sound of that.
He had one of those personalities, much like Dee, where I couldnt help but feel comfortable around him. A welcome change from the pins-and-needles feeling I got around Daemon.
When we left the diner close to five, I couldnt believe how much time had passed. The wind whipped at my hair, but I was still buzzing too much from my afternoon with Blake to care about the fact I hadnt bought a jacket yet.
Blake nudged me with his elbow. Im glad you came with me.
So am I. I twirled my keys as we stopped by his truck.
I dont normally put myself out there. He leaned against the hood of his truck, crossing his ankles. You know, just asking like that in front of an entire table of strangers.
Brisk wind cooled my warm cheeks. You seemed pretty confident.
I am when I want something.
Pushing off the hood, he moved to stand in front of me. Oh God. Was he going to kiss me? I totally loved the easy afternoon wed just spent, but, wellI just didnt feel right leading him on. I didnt know what was going on with Daemon, if anything really was going on, but I knew it wasnt fair to pretend I was completely free. I had feelings for Daemon; I just wasnt sure what they meant.
Blake leaned toward me, and I froze.
Above him, the branches shook and groaned under the force of the wind.
There was a loud crack , and my head jerked up. One of the thick branches broke under the weight of the wind. Panic leaped into my throat as it spiraled down to where Blake stood. There was no way he could move fast enough, and the size of the branch promised major damage.
Static rushed over my skin, crackling between the layers of my clothing. I felt the tiny hairs on the back of my neck raise. Heart racing, I shot forward and I thought I screamed Stop , but it was only in my head.
And the branch stoppedin midair, suspended by nothing.
Chapter 6
The branch hung there, hovering as if it were tethered by an invisible string. My breath pawed at my chest, not quite making it out. I stopped the branch I did that. Panic and power rushed through me, leaving me dizzy.
Blake was staring at me, his eyes wide with what? Fear? Excitement? He stepped to the side and lifted his gaze. The rush of power left me at once. The heavy branch crashed, cracking the pavement
like it wouldve done to Blakes skull. My shoulders slumped as I dragged in air. Sharp, slicing pain erupted behind my eyes and I winced.
Wow Blake ran a hand through his spiky hair. That wouldve killed me.
I swallowed, unable to speak. Shock rippled through me, lapping at my sides. I felt and recognized the warmth tingling across the nape of my neck, but I couldnt move. This little event had sapped me of energy, and my headit throbbed something fiercea kind of scary pain that signaled something was very wrong.
Oh, God, was this it? Was I having an aneurysm?
Katyits okay, Blake said, stepping forward as his eyes darted behind me.
A warm, strong hand curled around my arm. Kat.
I sagged at the sound of Daemons voice. Turning to him, I lowered my head, shielding my face with my hair. Sorry, I whispered.
Is she okay? Blake asked, sounding worried. The branch
Yes. Shes fine. The falling branch scared her. Each word sounded like he spoke it through gritted teeth. Thats all.
But
See you later. Daemon started walking, taking me along with him. Are you okay?
I nodded, staring straight ahead. Everything seemed too bright for a cloudy day. Too real. The whole afternoon had been perfect. Normal. And Id ruined it. When I didnt answer, Daemon took my keys from my numb fingers and opened the passenger door.
Blake called out my name, but I couldnt bring myself to look at him. I had no idea what he must be thinking, but I knew it couldnt be good.
Get in, Daemon said almost gently.
For once, I obeyed without question. When he climbed in on the drivers side and moved the seat back, I snapped out of it. Howhow are you here?
He didnt look at me as he turned the ignition and pulled out of the parking space. I was driving around. Ill have Dee and Adam get my car.
Turning in my seat, I saw Blake by his car. He was still standing there like wed left him. Knots twisted my insides. I felt sick. Trapped by what Id done.
Daemon
His jaw worked. Youll pretend like nothing happened. If he brings it up, youll tell him that he moved out of the way. If he even suggests that youthat you stopped that branch, you laugh it off.