Wicked Magic Read Free

life.” Actually, quite a bit , she thought.
    “You’re the type that has a hard time letting someone else in. It’s scary, I know. Wondering if that person you trust with your heart and soul is someone who won’t eventually hurt you.”
    “My father and stepmother weren’t the best examples.”
    “Just because they’re assholes, and you grew up around their influence, doesn’t mean you’ll end up like them.”
    “God, I hope not.”
    “From the little bit you’ve told me about them, it’s obvious they didn’t marry each other for any other reason than to further each other’s circumstances. A business arrangement and nothing more.” Kara reached for another doughnut. “A marriage is easier to endure if you like the person you’re involved with.”
    “The trouble is finding someone.”
    “But I don’t see you looking.” She broke apart a piece of doughnut, and then put it in her mouth. She chewed until she’d swallowed most of the doughnut. “Relationships are hard work, Chandler. My marriage may seem perfect to you, but it’s not. There are days I’d love to shoot Jake for some of the stupid shit he does. Then he goes and buys me flowers and brings home dinner just because, and I remember why I love the idiot.”
    “Well, to me that’s perfect. At least you love him and he loves you.”
    Kara reached for her coffee and took a swallow. She watched as Chandler absentmindedly stirred hers with a spoon. “Haven’t you ever been in love, Chandler?”
    Chandler looked down at her coffee cup. “No.”
    “Not even a crush?”
    Chandler considered that a moment. “Maybe a few, but no one I felt I couldn’t live my life without. Plus, I’ve never been very outgoing. As you recall, you’re the one who initiated our friendship.”
    “Well, I am a bit of a pushy bitch.”
    Chandler grinned as the mood lightened a little bit by her friend’s unabashed comment.
    “Next you’ll be telling me that you’re a virgin.”
    Feeling self-conscious, Chandler looked away. She didn’t want to admit it out loud.
    “Really? I’ve known you four years and you keep something like that from me?”
    “No offense, Kara, but it’s kind of personal and sometimes you—”
    “Open my big mouth when I shouldn’t. Yes, I know. A terrible habit of mine.”
    Kara looked Chandler over. “I don’t get it.”
    “What don’t you get?” Chandler took a swallow of her coffee.
    “You’re such a beautiful woman. I’d think you’d be beating the guys, and some of the girls, off with a stick.”
    “Beauty doesn’t guarantee anything. Besides, it’s not like I’m a fashion model or anything.” Chandler dropped her gaze down to where her hands cupped her warm coffee mug. “I’ve dated a few times, so I’m not a complete nun.”
    “Then why?”
    “I don’t know.” Chandler played with her coffee cup. “Going to an all-girl boarding school didn’t help much. By the time I was in college, I was so focused on getting my degree and getting out from underneath my family’s thumb that I never made time for anything else. But to tell the truth, I never found anyone I liked more than just a friend. I’ve never felt that magic something. Maybe I’m not meant to be with anyone.”
    “Now you’re being ridiculous.”
    “I suppose, but it’s not something I’m going to ever settle for. If I ever fall in love, I want it to be forever.”
    “Who would have ever guessed you as a romantic?” Kara teased. “But seriously, you’ve really never—”
    “Just because I’m a virgin doesn’t mean I don’t know what orgasms are,” Chandler pointed out.
    “What was I thinking? With all your high-tech gadgetry, you probably have a better selection of toys than I have.”
    Chandler felt herself blush at the implications. Maybe she owned a vibrator or two, but they weren’t as exotic as Kara was making out. “So, do you know anything about the new neighbor?”
    “Changing the subject?” Kara raised an eyebrow.