Rite of Passage Read Online Free PDF Page B

with Rachel. But it was too late to back out now. Control, Robbie. Just be friends .
    ****
    Courtney studied her foggy reflection in the bathroom mirror as she dried her hair. She frowned, trying to decide what to wear. She wanted to look attractive. Was she dressing for the role she was playing or for Robert? The question angered her, because she knew the answer.
    Courtney searched for her feline companions. “Well, help me,” she whispered, pushing her lips into a pout and twirling a strand of damp hair on her finger. “This dating thing is new to me.” Dating . Is that what this is? She knew that was how she wanted to think of it. At home, she’d attended hunt balls and parties. It was expected. But her mother and Simon had insulated her from the social opportunities she might have found. When suitors came to call, the young men were politely turned away, because Courtney had a purpose. A significance beyond anything the world could suspect. She had no time for courting. She had to learn, hone her powers, and study the craft. Becoming the embodiment of a goddess required every minute of every day.
    Courtney brushed the mist from the mirror as her stomach tightened in knots. Strange emotions swept over her, stirring her in ways she could never imagine. Was it guilt because of Robert’s lady friend? No, though she did feel the strange new sensation of jealousy, her purpose precluded proper behavior. This was something else. Courtney shook her head. Stop it! she scolded herself. Stay in control. She was fulfilling her destiny. Seeing that the prophecy was fulfilled. But if this was simply a role, why the euphoria? Why the enchantment since meeting him? And why did she suddenly find herself breaking into a grin every time she imagined Robbie’s strong, perfect face, or the way he looked in his swim trunks?
    Courtney bit her lip and frowned as she turned and headed for the door. She sneaked one last look at her reflection, pleased with what she saw. People told her she was pretty, striking, even beautiful. Courtney saw the way men looked at her. She never cared what they thought. Until now. She closed her eyes and pictured Robbie, wishing, hoping he’d think she was beautiful. For the first time in her life, it mattered to Courtney what someone else thought. And it thrilled and terrified her.
    ****
    I pulled the car up to the large gate that bordered the courtyard and checked my watch: 10:45. Courtney could never be here this soon. She had to shower, change, make arrangements for her pets and…
    “Hello.” I felt a tap on the shoulder and turned. She stood there. Had my watch stopped? I must have looked curious. A grin crossed her face.
    “How did you manage to…?” I shrugged.
    “Didn’t I tell you?” Her eyes had a mischievous sparkle. “With magic! I’m a witch,” she whispered, looking around playfully as she laughed. I found myself joining her as I glanced toward the dining room, thinking of Jonathan.
    “I’d heard that about you,” I said as I opened her door.
    “Oh my God, a Jaguar convertible!” She ran her hand over the leather. “And a 1500.”
    My face flushed. “You know your cars.”
    “I love sports cars, and this is my favorite. And in British Racing Green. I can’t wait to get started.” She swooned.
    “About the witch thing. Could you do me one favor?” I asked.
    “Try me.” She raised an eyebrow.
    “Don’t turn me into a frog.”
    She studied me, the playful look returning. “Don’t worry, Robbie, we only do that to princes.” She patted my shoulder. “You’re safe unless you get promoted.”
    Had she called me “Robbie”? It had a warm, intimate feeling. I felt an incredible connection with this girl I’d only known for less than a day.
    I pulled out my cigarettes. She sat, watching, her head tilted to one side. “Would you mind?” she asked quietly. “I know I shouldn’t, but I sneak one now and then.”
    I lit the cigarette and gave it to her. She inhaled