Page 73 of Drop Pass

Her eyebrows shot up.

“I know this is still new, and we have a lot to learn about each other, but since we never really talked about it, I want you to know exactly how I feel.” I took a breath. “I’m falling in love with you.”

Her eyes softened and she lifted her arms, wrapping them around my neck. “I’m falling in love with you, too.”

I leaned down and kissed her, letting go of the worry and burden I’d been carrying. She felt the same way. We were in this together.

23

Elena

New Year’s Eve

Emma had gone above everyone’s expectations. There was a magician in one corner, a hypnotist in Olli’s cleared out office and a chef in the kitchen cooking teppanyaki-style food to order.

“Is every party like this?” I asked Nikolay as we made our way through the crowded living room.

He shook his head as his eyes darted around the room. “This is insane.”

I laughed and nodded.

“There you two are!” Emma hurried over. “The show is about to start!”

She ushered us to the couches facing the magician. I looked around and realized almost everyone was already in the living room. People were moving in from the kitchen and other areas, taking seats. We found an open spot just as he asked for a volunteer.

Hartman picked up Kendall’s arm and waved it.

“Stop!” She giggled and tried to hide but it was too late.

“Thank you, the beautiful blonde in the second row.” The magician held out his hand in her direction until she gave up and stood.

“Now for this trick I need you take this box and hold it directly in front of you.”

Kendall looked apprehensive, but held out her arms and stood still as he placed the box in her hands.

“Watch closely as…” He waved his arms. “I make it disappear!”

The box vanished and Kendall squealed. “What! How did you do that?”

The magician smiled. “Keep your hands up.”

She nodded, looking excited.

“Now repeat after me, abracadabra.”

She said the words and another box appeared, but this one was smaller and white.

Her eyes widened. “Where did that come from?” She was laughing and having a hard time keeping her arms up.

“You made it appear.” The magician said. “For the last part, I want you to close your eyes and wish for the one thing you want the most.”

She eyed him suspiciously but finally followed his instruction.

“This is very hard. Imagine only the thing you want the most.”

As he was talking Hartman made his way to the front and got on his knee. The room gasped, making Kendall jump. “What? Did he pull out a snake?”

She kept her eyes closed as everyone reassured her there was nothing dangerous.