Fading Magic Read online

  Karsen covers her face with her red solo cup and groans. “I can’t believe I am looking at John Redcorn.”

  I look up trying to find him in the crowd. “Radcom.” I don’t know how many times I have to correct her before she understands John is not the Native American from a tv show.

  “Radcom, Redcorn, his name doesn’t help the fact I do not want to be in the same place as him,” she groans again.

  I take another swig of my beer. “Why are you freaking out? It’s just some guy you once slept with.” I don’t see the huge deal.

  “He’s coming over here,” she says pushing me in front of her as a shield.

  “He’s kind of old,” I say under my breath.

  “He’s thirty,” Karsen hisses. “Or fifty, I don’t remember anymore.”

  I pull away when she sinks her claws into my arm. “Pull it together. You are making a scene.”

  John Radcom stops in front of us. A perfect braid of long brown hair runs down his back. And he has a piercing in one ear. I squint trying to focus in on the mom jeans, I really think he has on mom jeans and this weirds me out.

  “Karsen,” he says looking past me. “When did you get back?”

  I shove her forward. “Who said I was back?”

  “You look like you’re standing here. Or am I seeing things?” He smirks, revealing a gold tooth and I want to die.

  Charlie approaches. “Dude. Sweet mom jeans, very vintage.”

  I hold back my smile and try hiding behind Karsen but it doesn’t work.

  “These are the latest in fashion bro, you should really get up to date.” He looks at Karsen again. “Looking good, Karsen.”

  I smirk.

  Karsen shoves some hair behind her ear. “Thanks, John. I really have to pee.”

  I take a drink to hide the laughter threatening to come out.

  “Looks like it’s just you and me,” Charlie says watching Karsen scurry away as fast as a wild bunny. John slips back into the crowd and does his best to grind on some young girls who are not having it at all. One takes her shoe off and swats at him. The other screams and takes off through the crowd.

  “Radcom doesn’t have the skills anymore,” Charlie points out.

  I look at him, John Radcom might not have any style but Charlie sure thinks he does. He’s wearing a black hat hiding the well cropped curly hair underneath it. I remember when we were younger how crazy the girls went over his hair, me being one of them. Now it doesn’t seem he embraces it as much anymore.

  And then you have the gray t-shirt and skinny jeans, he’s just a regular guy trying his best to look fashionable.

  “Not many people do,” I say back.

  “Some people do.” He lifts his chin. “I’m sure that’s what you thought about that boyfriend of yours with all the tattoos.”

  “Honestly I hated his tattoos the first time I met him.” I was frightened by him the first time we met. He was covered in tattoos and swinging a bat, what girl wouldn’t be?

  “I never took you for a rebel,” Charlie says.

  I wonder what he took me for but I don’t ask. I don’t like thinking about the time when I kissed him and made a complete fool out of myself. When I look back up I can tell he thinks the same thing. I raise an eyebrow daring him to say something. He grins and tips his head to the side.

  “Have you ever played beer pong?”

  I take another sip of my beer. “Once or twice, I’m not as prudish as you seem to think I am.” And I am also a witch and have an idea.

  “I am a legend round these parts,” he tells me laying it on thick.

  I roll my eyes. “I promise you I will win.”

  “Are you willing to bet on it?” He grins, showcasing his beautiful teeth. “Or are you afraid?”

  I scoff. “Never afraid.”

  He leans in, swiping my hair away from my cheek. I think he is flirting with me. “There are no marshmallows around.”

  I swallow. “You think you’re big shit.”

  He nods. “For every ball I sink you remove part of that pretty little outfit and plant those sweet little lips on mine for a do over.”

  He has got to be kidding. I agree anyways because I know there is no way I can lose.

  “Fine.” I shake my head. Karsen is back and by my side and out of the loop. “Karsen plays too.”

  Charlie shrugs. “Fine by me, I’ve always wanted to see her naked too.”

  “Excuse me?” Karsen glares at Charlie.

  “Beer pong. Loser strips naked.” I inform her.

  John Radcom parts the crowd joining us. “I’m game. I’ve been known to sink a few shots.”

  Charlie shows his hands. “Let’s do this.”

  Karsen and I move to one side of the table and prepare to play. Charlie collects the balls and sets up the cups. The crowd grows. People love to see nudity.

  “You have got to be kidding me,” Karsen says. “I am not wearing good underwear. And Matilda is a little under the weather.”

  I furrow my brow. “Matilda?”

  “Yes.” She shakes her head. “My vagina has a name.”

  “Yeah,” I say smirking. “An old lady name.”

  She swipes my beer out of my hand and downs it in a few long pulls. “She’s wise beyond her years, bitch.”

  “Alright,” Charlie says. “The rules are simple. For every ball I sink you two take off an article of clothing.”

  I catch the ball he throws at me. “And every ball we sink you take off your clothes and kiss John Redcorn’s feet.”

  Charlie starts toward his place at the table and stops. “Are you kidding me?” A grin crawls up Karsen’s face and she’s in.

  “Not at all.” I roll the ball between my fingers. “You’re not backing out are you?”

  Charlie wags his fingers summoning one of the guys from the crowd. “Hold my beer while I make a fool of these two.”

  He stretches and flexes, making an even bigger ass of himself.

  “I feel sorry for these two, they don’t know who they are up against,” Karsen says, taking the spot next to me.

  We both wait and watch as Charlie takes his turn. He throws the ball flicking his wrist and it lands in a cup. The crowd claps and cheers him on.

  He looks at us and smiles. “Take your pick ladies.”

  Karsen bends down and removes her red heel and chucks it at Radcom. “Lucky shot.”

  Radcom steps forward, Karsen’s shoe in hand. He trails his fingers along the heel and places it at the end of the table while he takes his turn. He shoots, letting the little white ball fly through the air, seconds later he high fives Charlie.

  I roll my eyes. And kick off my shoes.

  “I swear if I end up naked I am going to be pissed,” she hisses in my ear. “What are you doing?”

  I concentrate on the cups at the end of the table and ignore Karsen. I pretend I am trying my best and let it go. It falls short rolling across the table until I focus in and have it back in the air and into a cup. Karsen pumps her fist and watches the boys take off their belts. “That was close, I almost thought I wasn’t going to make it.”

  Charlie’s head shakes and he takes his spot. He lets go letting the ball sail through the air. I force it to the left, watching it hit the ground and skitter away amongst the crowd.

  “Oh man,” Karsen says. “Take it off, Charlie, you too Redcorn.”

  “Radcom,” I say, tossing her the ball.

  “I’m going to do this one with my eyes closed,” Karsen says.

  I press my lips together watching Karsen. This is a lot tougher than it looks and she is not helping me pull it off.

  I let it land for the goal and look over at Charlie and Radcom. Their mouths hang open . Charlie undoes his shorts and drops them.

  “Come on Radcom,” Charlie says. “Off with the Mom jeans.”

  Radcom hurries to undo the button of his jeans and shakes them off one foot at a time. Some people behind him start laughing.

  “Nice speedo,�
�� Karsen says, shaking her head. “What the hell was I thinking?”

  I shrug. I don’t enjoy looking at Radcom’s crotch but I force myself to push on. I squeeze the ball, concentrating on my next move and look at Charlie. He’s waiting, not moving a single muscle as he waits for my next move. I think he’s nervous.

  Some of the drunken college guys start cheering me on. I feel like a rock star. I position myself and let it go, the only sound in the entire barn is the small plink plink plink of the ball as it jumps across the table.

  The drunken college guys throw up their hands and high five us when I sink it.

  Charlie’s eyes darken as he grabs the collar of his shirt and tugs it over his head. He has on an undershirt. And I am sure he is relieved.

  I flash my pearly whites to the crowd. I never thought coming back to Georgia and manhandling Charlie Knight in front of all of his friends would feel so good but it does.

  Charlie goes for it and I make sure he doesn’t make it, clapping my hands and jumping up and down with Karsen celebrating.

  “Come on Radcom,” I shout. “Show me what you got.”

  Karsen giggles. “I like this side of Hope.” We both watch Radcom, he licks his lips and wipes at his forehead with his forearm. He’s nervous and I love it. I squint, watching his fingers, watching his every move.

  And he releases, and sinks it.

  “Shit,” I say out loud. That wasn’t supposed to happen.

  Karsen crosses her arms staring at the table her mouth hanging open. She only has a dress on.

  “Take it off!” Charlie yells, clapping his stupid little hands. He slaps Radcom on the back, watching us, waiting for us to give in.

  I swallow. This wasn’t supposed to happen.

  “Let me help you,” Charlie says, his lips brushing against my hair. He tugs down the zipper on my skirt. “Don’t count me out just yet.”

  He smirks, making it back around the table. I suck it up and stepped out of my skirt leaving it beside me on the floor.

  “Nice panties,” Charlie says. “Black is mysterious.”

  I ignore him ogling my lacy underwear and worry about the game. Karsen chucks her dress at me and grabs the ping pong ball out of my hand. “My turn, and you better make this sink.”

  She goes for it and Charlie cheers her on when it misses, he snags it before it hits the floor loving every minute of our downfall.

  I prepare to take my turn, struggling to keep my cool. I know if I don’t make this I am giving them two more chances to get us naked. Two more chances for him to think I would be stupid enough to kiss him.

  I feel sick. I back down from the table and sigh.

  “Someone looks nervous,” Charlie says. “What’s the matter? Are you afraid you’re going to lose?”

  “No.” Slade steps forward. “A bets a bet. Right, Hope?”

  Karsen’s jaw drops when Kidd takes the spot next to Slade.

  Kidd grins, looking her up and down. “Looking hot, sex kitten.”

  John Radcom cocks his head to the side. “Who is this guy?”

  Karsen raises an eyebrow. “This guy?” She walks over to Kidd and wraps her arms around his neck and looks over at Radcom. “This is my man.”

  “Her fucking fiancé,” Kidd corrects.

  Karsen shakes her head. “Yes, my fucking fiancé.”

  Kidd slaps her ass and kisses her on the lips.

  I take my place and look at Slade. He smirks watching me. I can’t tell if he is amused I am standing there in my underwear or if he knows what I am up to.

  I focus and throw, and miss. Karsen groans.

  Charlie throws and sinks it. This whole god damn night is falling apart.

  “Well damn,” Kidd says. “I say take off the bra.”

  Karsen whips around and glares at Kidd. “We weren’t supposed to lose. And we all know why.”

  Everyone watches as Karsen unhooks her bra. She tosses it on the ground and waits for the next move. I take off my top and drop it.

  Radcom gets ready to take his turn, he can’t take his eyes off of Karsen’s tits and it’s pretty funny. I might not need magic to make him miss his shot.

  I look at Slade and he smirks, arms crossed.

  He raises an eyebrow when I hesitate to take my turn. I know what he thinks. He isn’t going to let me give up. Even if it means I make a fool out of myself.

  Radcom takes the shot and we all wait, the ball bounces once, twice and I use every trick I have in my arsenal to send it far away from the cups.

  “Yes!” Charlie shouts, slapping Radcom on the back. “This is incredible.”

  Charlie rounds the table. “Pay up.” He points to Karsen and then me. I’m not sure if I would rather show Charlie my tits or my ass. But the way things are going I am pretty sure he will see all of it tonight.

  I decide on my ass. At least when I am throwing balls he won’t be looking at it. I slide my thumbs down the front of my underwear and pray to the gods I don’t regret this more than I already do.

  That’s when Slade stops me. Charlie frowns. “What the heck?”

  Slade shakes his head. “Not going to happen.”

  “A bets a bet.” Charlie crosses his arms. “Everything was going great until you two showed up.”

  Kidd grabs Karsen’s clothes from the ground. “Did you really think we would stand here and let them give you what you wanted?”

  Charlie sighs, he takes his beer back from his friend. “I’d be mad too if my girlfriend volunteered to play with me.”

  Slade laughs. “You haven’t seen mad. This isn’t mad.” He steps forward. I get in between the two of them before Slade does something he can’t take back.

  “It’s done.” I push into him, trying to take his focus off of Charlie. He flexes his jaw staring Charlie down.

  “I would love to smash that pretty little face up of yours,” Slade says.

  “Oh I bet.” Charlie hands over his beer. “Well, I’m right here.” He extends his arms, daring him to take a shot.

  I shove Slade again, his muscles tense, his fist balled. “Let’s just go. Let’s get out of here and go back to the hotel.”

  Charlie tosses his stupid little hat on the ground.

  “Are you some kind of psychopath?” I hiss. I am trying to get Slade out of here and he wants to keep egging him on.

  “You haven’t been home for two weeks and the town is buzzing with all kind of fun facts about you.” Charlie crosses his arms.

  I get Slade’s attention and move him further into the crowd. Karsen and Kidd follow us. And Charlie keeps right on talking.

  “I’ve heard some stories about you.”

  God, I wish he would shut up.

  “You were in Cherry when that pastor was murdered. And judging by the looks of your boyfriend I wouldn’t be surprised if he had something to do with it.”

  I shove Slade again, his anger is back. And I need to get him away.

  “Is that why you’re here? Are you running away from what you did?”

  I shake my head staring him down. What I would give to not know the truth when everyone else around me has no idea.

  7

  Once Slade is in the hotel room and has the door locked he throws down the keys to his car and stomps across the room slamming the bathroom door behind him.

  I stand up, any sense of drunkenness is long gone now I am out of the barn and back on neutral ground. I run my fingers through my hair trying to control the mess. I can’t believe I was almost brought to my knees by Charlie Knight again.

  Just as I am about to scold myself Slade opens the bathroom door, he’s frowning at me and I don’t like it.

  I cross my arms refusing to admit what an asshole I have been for the whole beer pong fiasco. I’m not sure if me being an asshole is the problem. With our history it could be a number of things.

  I take off my heels and drop them at the foot of his bed.

  “That was really fucking stupid,” he informs me. “Really stupid.”
/>   I drop down on his bed and look away. “How did I know you were going to tell me that?”

  “Because you know what you did was stupid too,” he says. “What were you thinking?”

  “I wasn’t.” I was only worried about showing myself, getting a rise out of Charlie and redeeming my youth. Somewhere in my messed up mind I did believe I would feel better. But of course now I feel worse.

  He unbuckles his belt. “How would you feel if you walked into some party and you found me half naked in front of god and everybody?”

  I don’t answer. I do know how I would feel and that’s the reason I don’t answer.

  “That guy wants to get in your pants. And the fact you are willing to throw yourself right in front of him really pisses me off,” he kicks off his jeans and tears his shirt over his head.

  “Since when are you jealous?” I never saw him this upset when Hutch was prowling around me. But once we head to Georgia he starts showing his jealous side, it’s weird.

  Now I feel bad. “That was never my plan to throw myself at him.”

  Slade throws back the covers and climbs into the bed. “You think you can control yourself. You’re always running around abusing what power you do have and it ends up backfiring every time.”

  I scoff, I guess if I am not making underwear or tattoos my powers should remain hidden. What the hell is the point of being a witch if I can’t have a little fun once in a while?

  “I took control of the whole thing back there. That’s why everything screwed up,” Slade says.

  I raise an eyebrow. “What are you talking about?”

  “The bet, I made you screw it up because I wanted to teach your ass a lesson,” he smirks. “And it was funny for the first couple of minutes.”

  I pull away when his fingers try to brush the hair from my eyes. “You’re an asshole.”

  “And you’re irresponsible.” He kisses my lips. “We found a gig by the way.”

  I cozy up beside him and work my way into his arms. “That’s good.”

  “It’s a little ways out so we have to head out early,” he informs me. “But I want you to be there.”

  “Of course I’m going to be there,” I promise him.

  “Just making sure, I didn’t know if you and Charlie wise ass were going to have another play date.”