At Piper’s Academy, magic takes decades to master -- meaning shy, awkward Charley has all the time in the world to let his slow-burn romance with his crush, Geoff, develop. Until a midnight rogue ruins his perfect routine.
When Charley catches a mysterious student skulking through the dorms after hours, he ends up immobilized by a powerful spell and left with a fierce warning. But the dangerous stranger isn't just a threat to the school; he’s magnetic. And the spark of attraction between them is entirely mutual.
Now, Charley’s quiet life is unraveling. Caught between a sweet boyfriend, a dark academy mystery, and a twin sister who can read his every guilty thought, he’s in over his head. Is Charley in more danger from uncovering secrets he shouldn't, or from losing his heart to the wrong person?
“Did I disturb something?” Geoff asked, looking at the two strangely as he set down his bag of books.
“Not at all!” Meg said brightly, with a mischievous smile. “Charley here was just talking about you, in fact!”
Geoff’s beautiful face swiveled with interest toward Charley.
“What? No!” Charley sputtered. “I mean, not that I don’t want to see you, it’s just that, no, I wasn’t talking about you. But I mean ...”
The newcomer looked at Charley in growing confusion, and all Meg could think was, Either Geoff is not as bright as she thought, or he is well aware of how he makes people feel and plays them like a fiddle. Her suspicions were confirmed when Geoff looked over at her briefly and winked.
Geoff had already been at the school for more than a dozen years. But due to the anti-aging spell on the place, they all looked the same age. It was easy to forget that Geoff was a mage of growing skill and power ... who still looked like he had never shaved for the first time.
Once Geoff was settled in, they all went back to their studies. Soon Charley was talking about what he had been reading, all traces of nerves gone. When he focused on academics, Charley was as confident as anyone in the school; he was in the zone, as they say.
Meg, ignored for the moment, wrote out a short note, and slipped it under the table to Geoff.
Geoff surreptitiously glanced at it:
My brother likes you. I would consider it a personal favor if you asked him to study with you. There may even be a bottle of your favorite wine in it for you :)
-- Meg
Geoff winked at Meg again and returned to his conversation with Charley. Eventually it grew late, and Geoff stood to go. As he was stretching lazily, he casually asked, “Hey, Charley, do you want to study with me tomorrow night? I have an assignment that I’m struggling with.”
Charley’s eyes widened. “Oh, that would be great! But Meg and I always get together in here ...”
“I’m fine, Charley,” Meg assured him. “I have plans tomorrow night anyway.”
“Wait, you do? With who?”
“See you tomorrow, Charley. We’ll study in your room,” Geoff said, walking away.
“Wait, my room?” Charley was totally flustered by then.
“Yes!” Geoff called over his shoulder.
Charley stared after him for a few moments, then turned to Meg, eyes narrowing. Meg simply giggled and started packing up her books.
