Page 95 of Game Plan

“A spell on me? Do you also have a rabbit in there?” I pointed to his hat.

“Nope. No rabbit. Not this time around.”

I pretended to pout.

“Don’t worry, Mel. You won’t care about a fluffy rabbit because you’ll have me to keep you warm.”

“Keep me warm? Did I land in an alternate universe this morning?”

“Nah. You’re exactly where you’re supposed to be. I’m about to cast a love spell on you as we speak.”

“Hey, Pierce. Nice outfit,” some guy hollered from a distance.

Mason raised his hand and waved at him. “Thanks, Lucian.” He searched my eyes next, walking beside me. “What if I told you I’ve swapped your latte for hot chocolate just now with the magic of my wand?”

“Stop with the nonsense. Cassie made that coffee for me. She knows what I like, and I can assure you this is not hot chocolate.” But then, I wondered if Mason had convinced my friend to play along with him, and Cassidy had really switched my morning latte for a hot chocolate without telling me. Slowly, I lifted the cup to my mouth and let out a chuckle as soon as I tasted the dark beverage. “Mase, you’re impossible. Gosh, you even corrupted my friend.”

“It’s the power of magic, Mel.” He brandished his wand. “Abracadabra. With the power of my love wand, I’m casting a love spell on you here and now. See?”

I snickered, unable to reel my laughter in. “You didn’t.”

“I sure did.”

“How does everything you say this morning sound so dirty?”

“I had no idea you had such a filthy mind. Anyway, you may not see the effects right now, but believe me, you’re about to fall in love, Melinda Shepard. Big time. A once in a lifetime kinda love.”

“I am?”

“Yes. Let’s test that theory. Otherwise, I’ll have to feed you my love potion to multiply the power of the spell.”

“Love potion?”

“Yes. By the way, I’m sure it tastes delicious.”

“Stop with the double-meaning sex jokes. Jesus. What did you have for breakfast? You know what, don’t answer that. Also, we really need to do something about that ego, Mase. It’s getting out of control.”

“Nah, it’s perfect.” He offered me a cheeky grin, looking so much like the high school version of himself right now. “Mel, will you go out with me?”

I pinched my lips together, not sure if he was being serious or not. This morning, I was encountering a new side of the boy I’d grown up next door to for the first time. He was both flirty and entertaining. Since Halloween, he had proclaimed his love to me many times, and still, no matter how much I wanted to say yes, a tiny part of me refused to take a leap of faith, to my heart’s greatest disappointment.

“So?”

I shook my head. “I can’t. I’m still waiting for your love spell to work.”

“Damn. I should maybe revise my list of magic words.”

“And practice that bunny trick.”

He sighed but seemed more amused than dejected. “And that too. If it’s your wish, I’ll make a creature appear, but be aware you’ll have to take good care of it and tame it because it will only respond to you. Like cobras dancing to flute music. Oh, and also, it will lovvve to be petted. A lot. Just sayin’.”

I backhanded him above his heart. “Ugh, Mase. Stop referring to your junk.”

He hit his chest with a fist in mock outrage. “My junk? I was referring to a fluffy little bone-y, Mel. You’re the one with the twisted mind. I thought we already agreed on that.”

“Rabbit. We won’t use the term bunny again, because it’s clearly confusing you.” I poked my tongue out at him.

“Fine. By the way, I’m not giving up on us. If you’ve changed your mind about the little animal, I may really have to work on my love potion then.” He checked the time on his watch. “I have to go.” He stepped closer and pressed a kiss to my cheek. “Don’t be too sad, Mel. I’ll find a way to make it happen between us. Keep the faith.”