Illusions Read Free Page A

finally got it undone and kicked it into the trunk of a nearby cypress tree.
    As if freed from shackles instead of clothing, Tamani’s shoulders relaxed and he sighed noisily. Even though he was a bit short by human standards, his arms were lean and long. He stretched, flinging them out wide, his broad shoulders forming the top of a slender triangle that narrowed to his waist, where his jeans hung loosely at his hips. The angles of his back caught the sunlight and for a moment Laurel fancied that she could see him soaking in those nourishing rays. She knew she should say something—announce her presence—but she hesitated.
    When he placed his hands on the hips she was eyeing and lifted his face to the sky, Laurel realized she’d better make some noise before he took something else off. She cleared her throat quietly.
    The sun tossed golden light through Tamani’s hair as he spun, visibly tense. “It’s you,” he said, sounding relieved. Then a strange look took over. “How long have you been standing there?”
    â€œNot long,” Laurel said quickly.
    â€œA minute?” Tamani pressed. “Two?”
    â€œUm, about one, I guess.”
    Tamani shook his head. “And I didn’t hear a thing. Damn human clothes.” He dropped onto a fallen log and pulled off a sock. “They’re not just uncomfortable, they’re noisy! And what is with that school? It’s so dark .”
    Laurel stifled a grin. She’d told her mother the same thing after her first day at Del Norte. “You’ll get used to it,” she said, handing him the nectarine. “Eat this. It’ll make you feel better.”
    He took the fruit from her, his fingers brushing hers. “Thanks,” he said softly. He hesitated, then faced forward and took a bite. “I trained for this. I did! But they never made me stay indoors for this long at once. I was focused on learning the culture and didn’t even think about the consequences of being inside so much.”
    â€œIt helps if you get a seat under the windows,” Laurel suggested. “I learned that the hard way.”
    â€œAnd who the hell came up with jeans?” Tamani continued darkly. “Heavy, sweltering fabric? You’re seriously telling me the race that invented the internet couldn’t create a fabric better than denim? Please!”
    â€œYou said ‘internet,’” Laurel said with a snort. “That is so weird.”
    Tamani just laughed and took another bite of the nectarine. “You were right,” he said appreciatively, holding up the fruit. “This helps a lot.”
    Laurel stepped over and sat down next to him on the fallen log. They were almost close enough to touch, but the air between them might as well have been a granite wall. “Tamani?”
    He turned to face her, but said nothing.
    Not sure whether it was a mistake, Laurel smiled and leaned forward, circling her arms around his neck. “Hello,” she said, her lips near his ear.
    He wrapped his arms around her, returning her greeting. She started to pull back, but he held on tighter, his hands begging her to stay. She didn’t fight it—realized she didn’t want to. After a few more seconds, he released her, but it was with obvious reluctance. “Hi,” he said quietly.
    She looked up into his light green eyes and was disappointed to realize that the color still bothered her. They weren’t different , really; they were still his eyes. But she found the new color irrationally disturbing.
    â€œListen,” Tamani said slowly. “I’m sorry this was all such a surprise for you.”
    â€œYou could have told me.”
    â€œAnd what would you have said?” he asked.
    Laurel started to say something, then closed her mouth and instead smiled guiltily.
    â€œYou’d have told me not to come, right?” Tamani pressed.
    Laurel just raised one eyebrow.
    â€œSo I