Soothsayer: Magic Is All Around Us (Soothsayer Series Book 1) by Allison Sipe

me up like Robert did didn’t mean I should totally blow him off. And it really wouldn’t hurt to distract myself from thinking about Robert either.
    “Of course I’m right. Now get your sexy ass out there and work some magic.” Becky smacked my backside and we both laughed as we walked out of the bathroom.
    “Oh and just so you know, I’m leaving with Daniel so you’ll have to get a ride from Ian,” she whispered behind me as we walked outside to meet the guys.
    “Thanks for the heads up,” I said under my breath sarcastically.
    “You ready to go, babe?” Daniel asked Becky.
    “Always,” she said, smiling and bouncing into his arms.
    “It was nice meeting you, Violet,” Daniel said.
    “Night, guys,” Becky called, her voice thick with implication.
    “Night,” I sighed. “So, I guess it’s just you and me then.” I smiled at Ian.
    “Come on, I’ll give you a ride home,” he said, holding out his arm for me.
    I looped my arm through his and we walked up the street to his car. He paused and pulled out his keys in front of a Smart Car. Looking at the car hesitantly, I worried about its safety as I hopped in reluctantly.
    “So, where to?” he asked.
    “Umm, just head down the street and make a right at the light.”
    He started up the car and the engine was so quiet it sounded like a golf cart.
    “Now that we're alone,” he said as he pulled out of the spot. Oh crap , I thought. “I have to ask. How does a girl like you manage to stay single?” He grinned in my direction.
    “Umm, well for one thing, I’m really focused on my work and making a life for myself,” I answered.
    “I know how that is. I’ve been so focused on my own career for the past few years I haven’t had much time for a personal life.” He paused and took a breath like he was going to say something else but then stopped.
    “What?” I asked.
    “Can I ask you something?" His arm grazed mine in the tight space.
    “Sure,” I said, leaning toward the passenger window.
    “Do you ever get lonely, not having anyone?”
    I took a second to answer. I wasn’t sure what he was getting at but I had a gut feeling he hoped I was lonely enough to allow him to entertain me with his company.
    “Sometimes, but I’m very happy with the life I’ve built for myself. I like the freedom of not having to answer to someone else,” I answered, satisfied at the truth of my words. Even after everything I’d been through I could honestly say I was pretty content with the way my life had turned out so far.
    “You’re different you know,” he said.
    I blinked. “How so?” I edged closer to the window.
    “Most women I meet can’t wait to find their next relationship. They’re always looking for Mr. Right or Mr. Right-now in some cases. But you’re secure. You're…” He hesitated, trying to find the right word, “Unique.”
    I laughed.
    “What?” He gave me a confused smile.
    “Oh, make a left up here. I’m just up the block on the right side.”
    “So what did I say that was so funny?” he asked, returning to our conversation.
    “It’s just, I’ve tried very hard not to be unique,” I said and looked out the window. “I’m right here.” My complex flashed by the window. Ian hit the brakes and put it in reverse, parking in a spot that was really only big enough for motorcycles and scooters.
    “You can't change who you are.” The tenacity in his expression had no effect on me.
    “Thanks for the ride. And thanks for tonight. I had a really good time.” I meant it. Ian might not give me butterflies or ignite a fire inside me but he was still a nice guy and the evening had gone better than I’d thought possible.
    “So did I. I’m glad I got to meet you.”
    “You too. Night,” I said, opening the passenger door and stepping out.
    I closed the door and started walking to the gate when I heard a window roll down behind me. I turned to look and Ian was leaning across the car almost out the passenger window.
    “What