Free Shifter Magick by Stacy Kinlee Page B

picture now. She didn’t want him. She wanted Maddox. She wanted to tell the truth and sh e wanted him to like her afterwa rd.
    It was funny how she hadn’t thought about what she wanted in a long time. Now she was making huge decisions based on what she wanted.
    Maddox pulled her a little closer as they walked by Andrew and he glanced from Andrew to her. “Do you like Italian?” he asked.
    Kera raised her eyebrows in dismay. Out of all the things he could say next, she hadn’t expected him to change the subject like he had. Kera had to wonder if it was for her benefit or for his.

Chapter Nine
     
     
    Kera ordered pasta. Maddox ordered lasagna. Kera found herself eating slowly and second guessing her manners. It wasn’t how she pictured her first date to go but it was her fault not his.
    Maddox was being polite and even trying to engage her in small talk.
    Kera felt like her throat was going to pull a muscle. It was so tight with regret that she wondered if she would even be able to swallow the bit she was chewing. She did and figured she was over exaggerating. She was guilty and maybe she wished for something bad to happen to punish her.
    “Did you listen to any more music on the IPod I gave you?” Maddox asked her.
    Kera groaned inwardly. “I’m so sorry.” She said meaning it in more ways that he could know. “I completely forgot to give it back to you.”
    Maddox put down his fork and shook his head. “Keep it.” he grumbled.
    “I couldn’t.” Kera shook her head as anger welled up inside of her. She had lied but he didn’t know that. Why was he so upset?
    “Did you like my song?” He ignored her protest.
    “What song?” Kera took a drink of her water to try and douse the flame inside of her. She wanted to ask him what was wrong but she was really afraid of the answer.
    A wry smile played at his lips. “The one you were listening to when the volume was down.”
    “It wasn’t as low as you thought.” She told him.
    Maddox scowled then sighed and motioned to her food. “How’s your pasta?” He noticed she hadn’t eaten very much. Her stomach wouldn’t allow it. She was starving but she was using the lack of food as a punishment for her lies.
    “It’s good.” She told him and caught him smile. “I’m just not as hungry as I thought I was.”
    His smile disappeared.
    “What?” Kera demanded. “Did I do something wrong?”
    Maddox shook his head. “I can’t figure you out Kera.” He sounded exasperated. “You won’t let me in on even the smallest thing. I can practically hear your stomach growl from over here but you won’t eat. I haven’t been able to get a straight answer out of you and when I do I have a feeling you’re not being honest with me.”
    Kera gulped. She asked for it. Here it was. Maddox was pegging her like he had known her all her life. She couldn’t keep doing this. “I should go.” Kera resigned herself to this failure. At least she tried. 
    Maddox paid and had the waitress box Kera’s leftovers. He helped her from her seat as gentle as ever and held her up as they walked to his car.
    Kera felt ridiculous as she continued to lie with each deceptive step she took. She leaned against Maddox and allowed him to take care of her when she only needed him to help her lie. How would he feel if he knew he assisted her in deceiving him?
    Inside the car, Maddox sat for a moment before he turned on the engine. He was confusing her with his mood. She told herself that she had to let it go because she would never see him again. Her chest hurt.
    “I’ll bring your car back to campus today.” He said. His expression was solemn.
    Kera shook her head. She couldn’t deal with seeing him again after this. “Just take me to it now and I’ll drive it back.”
    “No.” He refused. “Your ankle needs to heal Kera. You can’t just do everything yourself. You were attacked less than two days ago.”
    “Please.” She choked out.
    Maddox ran a hand through his hair and