Testament by Katie Ashley Page B

met.”
    “Really?”
    He nodded.
    I sucked in my bottom lip in and nibbled on it. The most unique thing about me was my dream interpretation. But if I told him that, would he think I was a freak?
    Kellan sighed in exasperation. “Just spit it out.”
    “Fine, just remember that you asked for it,” I replied. His response was to lean forward, which caused his leg to rub against my bare knee. A shiver went through me, so I rushed on and said, “Okay, so, I can interpret dreams.”
    I ducked my head, bracing myself for Kellan’s laughter. When it didn’t come, I peeked at him through my hair. Instead of an expression of mocking, he wore one of curiosity. “How do you do it?” he asked.
    Drawing in a deep breath, I said, “I have to be touching someone, usually holding their hands is enough. Then I have them tell me what they remember from the dream. When they do, it’s like the bits and pieces swirl together to form a perfect picture in my mind where I see the dream as they did. Once I see the dream, it’s like the symbols just become clear.”
    Kellan’s expression turned to awe. I had to admit it was flattering. Very few people found my dream interpreting interesting.
    “That’s amazing, Cadence. I can’t imagine what it must be like to have such a gift.”
    I pulled the hem of my sundress over my knees and tucked my chin over my legs. “Sometimes it’s not so much a gift as it is a burden.”
    “And you never fail in interpreting the dreams of others?”
    Shaking my head, I replied, “No, it’s only my own dreams that go unanswered.”
    “Fascinating.”
    We sat in silence for several minutes, the breeze rippling our clothes and hair. Kellan interrupted the solitude. “Can I ask you something else?”
    “Sure, why not. I mean, I just told you one of my deepest secrets,” I replied
    “Is the Pageant Cadence the real you?”
    My brows wrinkled in confusion. “I don’t understand.”
    “Everything you’ve said and everything you’ve done…is it real? Or are you just playing the shrew to throw your chances?”
    My face reddened. “Did you just call me a shrew?”
    An impish grin curved on his lips. “Maybe.”
    “You’re impossible,” I grumbled.
    “You didn’t answer my question.”
    “Yes, it’s the real me. I don’t pretend for anyone, least of all you, and unless you’ve been comatose the entire time we’ve known each other, you should grasp that. I’m loud and opinionated, and I’ve meant every word I said and every action I did.”
    Kellan crossed his arms over his chest. “I don’t believe you.”
    “Is that right?”
    “Yep, that’s right.”
    “Why?”
    He leaned in close to me. “Frankly, I don’t buy your sexy nymph persona.”
    I shot to my feet and stared down at him. “Obviously you bought some of it, or I wouldn’t be here with you right now.”
    Kellan shook his head. “I’ve seen the way you act around the palace. You’ve never slunk seductively like you did last night a day in your life. Not to mention, you’ve never offered yourself to me.”
    My nose wrinkled in disgust. “Girls actually do that?”
    “Lots of them do.”
    “Ugh, don’t tell me you actually buy in to all that fake adoration?”
    He rose to his feet and met my gaze. “No, but it sure makes for interesting nights.” He waggled his eyebrows
    “Whatever,” I muttered, as I started back down the path.
    Kellan was close on my heels. “You know, if I had to wager, I’d bet you’ve never even been kissed.”
    I whirled around. “And you’d lose that wager, sir.”
    “Hmm, so someone tamed you long enough to kiss you?”
    My face reddened again with exasperation. “No one tamed me. I kissed him because I wanted to kiss him. I kiss who I want, when I want.”
    “Ooh, Red, that sounds promising.”
    I snorted. “Don’t get your hopes up.”
    “So this guy you kissed, do you love him?”
    “I don’t see how that’s any of your business.”
    “Whoa, whoa, whoa. Hold on just