Free Mark of the Witch (Boston Witches) by Jessica Gibson Page B

hands and climbed the stairs to her room. They heard the click from her door closing, and Jilly suggested they move to the living room where it was more comfortable.
    *
    When they sat down on the couch, Jilly felt a little awkward; she was unsure of how close to sit to William. After the closeness they shared in her room, she wasn’t quite sure where things stood between them. William made the decision for her, and he pulled her in close as he looked over at the fireplace. Flames suddenly erupted out of nowhere, bathing the room in a soft orange glow. Jilly looked over at it and said in wonder, “I’m never going to get used to that.”
    She leaned back into his arm and they sat quietly for a while. It was nice to just be for a while, to not think about anything or worry that something was happening outside of their control. She could still feel the small tingles where his skin touched hers and it was a pleasant feeling.
    Suddenly she became all too aware of the heat of his body against hers, and she felt a little lightheaded. She shifted in her seat uncomfortably, feeling suddenly shy being so close to him.
    Using the bathroom as an excuse, she fled the room quickly. Splashing water on her burning cheeks, she looked at herself in the mirror. Get a grip, he’s just a boy , she said to herself, trying to work up the courage to go back out to him. She finally calmed down and walked back out to the living room.
    Wanting to break some of the tension, she grabbed the remote and turned the TV on before sitting back down. William must have noticed her change in demeanor, because he looked at her sideways before settling back into the cushions. She made a point to sit a little away from him, but he slid over and put his arm around her. She gave up trying to fight it and just let herself relax into him as they watched TV.
    An hour later, they were both getting tired. Jilly turned off the TV and they both got up and stretched.
    “I’m ready for bed I think, but you’re more than welcome to stay up if you want. I have a ton of books in the den, or you can watch more TV if you want to.”
    “No, I think I’m ready for bed too.”
    They walked upstairs side by side in silence. When they reached her door, William took Jilly in his arms and kissed her. Not the kind of kiss that he had given her before either. She was totally unprepared for the heat behind it. Her whole body turned into molten lava. As the kiss deepened, her hands explored the muscles of his back. Without warning, he pulled away.
    “I think we should call it a night right here, don’t you?”
    Lost for words, Jilly just nodded and opened the door to her room. With a last look behind her, she closed the door and sat on her bed. She felt like fire itself, she was so keyed up; she doubted that she could sleep now. So, she changed into her pajamas, tied her hair into a ponytail, and quietly went into the den across the hall. Grabbing a book at random, she sat down on the big leather sofa to read. Opening the book, she saw that it was Liza’s diary, and she settled in and began to read.
    February 3, 1693
    Mary and I were in the forest today, collecting herbs and flowers for Mama, when we saw a strange man by the river. I wanted to talk to him, but Mary said we mustn’t. She never lets me do anything fun. When I told Mama about it, she looked worried, but she didn’t say anything else about it. William came calling again today; I can’t help but feel lucky to have found one such as him to love. I only wish Mary the same, for I cannot be truly happy while she is not.
    February 6
    I saw the man again today. He was wearing the same ratty clothes as before, but he was standing at the gate in front of the house. Papa says I must not engage him in any way, but he looks so lonely. William says he’s inclined to agree with Papa on the matter, so I guess I must listen to them. Mary and I learned a new spell from Mama today. It was really difficult, but I managed to change my