by J E Mueller
“Why’s that?” I had no idea.
“Well, it takes a lot of magic and there are really tight time constraints and most aren’t really used to having to do so much in so little time.” Cat shrugged. “It’s tough, but I like the challenge. It’ll only get easier with time and practice, so why not keep at it? It seems like a wasted opportunity to give up, not to mention there’s a great chance of being hired on permanently if we do well. Stardust Enchantments rarely takes on interns.”
I nodded along. At least it made sense. “Sounds like a good plan. Just don’t burn yourself out.”
Cat glanced over at me and smiled. “I’m far from that. It’ll be fine.” She reassured me.
I just smiled. “If you say so.”
Nodding, she finished setting up her computer.
“What brings you by an hour early, anyway?” I finally asked.
She shrugged. “Well, I haven’t seen you, so I thought why not? I hope that’s okay.”
“Of course it is!” I laughed. “I’m just surprised is all.”
We stood there awkwardly for a moment.
“So, yeah.” Cat shrugged. “What now?”
“We’ll probably continue being as awkward as possible for as long as time allows.” I smirked.
Cat groaned. “Why are we so awkward?”
“For the lolz?” I joked.
Cat groaned again. “I haven’t really mentioned us to, well anyone. We really haven’t had that date yet either.”
“Tomorrow for that date?” I suggested since we were only gaming tonight. Probably all night, but still.
Cat nodded. “I’d like that.”
“Perfect.” I smiled widely as we had another awkward silence fall. I really just wanted to hug her, maybe kiss her.
“What are you thinking?” She asked.
“About you.” I admitted, finally just pulling her into a hug. “And us, and I don’t know, but hey, hugging is something.”
Laughing, she wrapped her arms around me and kissed my cheek. “Yeah, that sounds like a great start.”
I leaned in and met her for a kiss. For a moment, everything felt perfect. Then I heard a voice.
“About damn time!” James yelled from across the room.
I grumbled. “Really? Timing, man!”
“Come on.” Cat groaned just as loud. “You could have waited to be on time.”
James laughed. “Kiss later, we’ve got a release to play!” He walked over, bags in hand and started to set up his computer.
Cat gave me another kiss on the cheek. “Tomorrow it is then.” She laughed before we moved apart and logged onto our PCs.
This was exactly the happily ever after I could be happy with.
See where the fairytales began...
Acknowledgements
My beta team: A huge thank you to everyone who helped me prep this book. You have no idea how much it means to me that you not only read through things but left great comments and feedback. You all helped shape this book into something wonderful.
Nichole: An extra shout-out to you for reading, and rereading this when I was having doubts about my skills. I really loved all the extra comments. Thank you!
Elly: Thank you for everything <3
Kelly: Thank you for encouraging this idea I had in my head for some time. Your positive attitude helped finally get it on paper.
To my cats: really, no extra thank you’s here. You actually made things much harder several times over. Please stop laying on my keyboard.
About The Author
Jessica is a fantasy author who formed a love of reading at a young age. While unicorns and magic sparked an interest in the genre, it was childhood friends that convinced her to write. When not dreaming up new adventures, Jessica also enjoys video games, board game nights, and sending bad jokes to friends.
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Books By J.E. Mueller
Shaudrey Book 1: Fire’s Song
Having already lost and given up everything, Key is determined to find a cure for her curse. With her very touch able to kill, she must seek answers from a distance. In this world, if a curse born dies, then the demons win their soul. Without much more to lose, Key decides to try the last of her luck on a village catered to magic born. Her questions unleash events that take her places she never expected existed.
Shaudrey Book 2: Spirit’s Lullaby
A grave danger arrives from the other side. As demons try to steal and recruit helpless souls, Tella does whatever she can to find a way to help the souls cross over. Will Tella learn more of her gift in time or will she join the lost souls like those who tried before her?
An Unexpected Brew
After years of working at the family coffee shop under her step-mom’s rule, Arnessa longs for something more. She dreams of leaving her small town to attend a bigger college where she can really learn her magic. As hope slowly seems to fade, a charming stranger offers to help her with her studies, and turns her fears into a reason to stand up for herself.