Page 48 of Practically Magic

“Yes,” I say. “And trust me, you need me to find him too. Before you do anything you’ll regret.”

I push my way through the crowd, trying to ignore how much it hurts. Just a spell, I remind myself. It’s not real, just magic. No matter how magical it makes me feel. I’m wandering in a haze, halfway to the kitchen, when I’m side tackled. “Kat! There you are!” Colton says, bear-hugging me. And all those lonely, empty feelings vanish. Because Colton isn’t just under some spell. Not when he’s holding me so close. My body feels like it might burst into flames. “You look amazing.” He pulls back to look at me, his eyes taking me in.

I feel slightly off-kilter like I might pass out. “Thanks.” This is what I’ve always imagined him saying. I can’t believe it’s happening. Then I get pelted in the head by an avocado. “Oww!” I look up. A gnome is hurling avocados off the kitchen counter at people to much applause. Colton doesn’t seem to notice.

“I’m so glad you’re here,” he says again, rubbing my arms. “I’ve been looking for you all night.”

I feel my magic tingle, but my stomach is swooping at how it feels to be seen by Colton Croft. Another fruit flies past my head. Focus, Kat! “We need to talk. It’s important.” I’m talking fast, nervous now for more reasons than one.

“Then let’s talk,” Colton says, turning me toward the back door, leading me through the kitchen, where he gives me one of those smiles that make my whole body feel weak. “Let’s go outside so we can have some privacy.”

And I know I’m supposed to be shutting down this party and making up with my sister and fixing magic. But right now, it just feels so good because for once he’s choosing me.

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Mystic Hollow Community Page

New post from Anonymous: Does anyone have a number for pest control? Just found a tiny critter eating Halloween candy in my kitchen and get this—the thing is wearing a tiny hat! My husband tried to shoo it away and it bit his finger!

I’ve only been in Colton’s backyard once before, when the mayor threw a Fourth of July party for founding families. We left early when my aunts started debating who founded Mystic Hollow—Harold Croft or Beatrice Hadley.

Colton shuts the kitchen door behind him, and the sounds of the party fade away, making my beating heart sound much louder. He isn’t wearing a Halloween costume. Just his Headless Horseman jersey, but it’s his party. Let him do what he wants. I don’t care. I can’t even think as he takes my hand and leads me over to a love seat on the porch. Even once he sits and I follow, he still holds my hand. Midnight-blue eyes, full lips, a smile I’ve seen in my dreams. I feel like I might spontaneously burst into flames being this close to him.

He must feel it too. This is real.

“Finally, some privacy,” he says, his eyes never leaving my face. “I have been waiting for this moment all day.”

“You have?” I ask. I know there was something I was supposed to tell Colton and it was important, but every thought I’ve ever had has just flown out of my head. “I mean, so have I.”

“I know.” His fingers are threaded through mine, and he’s holding both my hands now.

“You do?” I whisper. My heart is pounding fast. His face inches closer to mine. Is Colton going to kiss me? This is really happening, isn’t it? My stomach drops into free fall.

“I know you like me, Kat,” he murmurs. “It’s cute how often I catch you staring at me in class.” He gives a small laugh. “You looked so mad the other day when I was talking to Zara in chemistry.”

My face flames. I guess he noticed that.

“So what is it you like about me?”

I hide an awkward laugh. “You’re, um, really cute.”

He smiles.

“Is that so?”

I nod.

“What’s your favorite feature?” He leans in, and when I laugh again, he nuzzles me, and the feeling of his nose in my hair sends heat down my spine. “I’m serious. What makes you like me, Kat? It’s been months and you stare at me all day. What are you looking at?”

“I don’t know,” I reply, my voice going high and embarrassed. “You.”

“Me,” he replies, then starts humming. “You impressed that I’m the mayor’s son?”

“Mm-hmm,” I reply, although it suddenly feels like it takes effort to keep smiling.

“And that I’m our QB? Did you know that no one else in the tristate has my completion percentage?” Okay . . .

“And did you see how many followers I have? Wait—let me show you. I have this hilarious video, and it’s going viral—”