Peggy gave a disapproving look. “Magnus, come out from there, you’ll catch your death.”

“Wouldn’t that be novel?” he said, but stood, holding out both bluing hands to me. I took them and he lifted me to my feet.

I made my way carefully out of the snow and hung my amulet around my neck before turning to look at Magnus. He was rosy and grinning and …

And not yours, Andi.

“After you,” he said.

My heart was still pounding, but I think my body was beginning to realize it was cold, because my teeth chattered when I murmured my thanks and hurried ahead of him.

There was no denying getting over him was going to be impossible while living under the same roof, especially while sleeping on the same floor. I would have to amend that quickly if I was going to survive.

“Andromeda,” Magnus said, when we’d made it to our rooms, “may I have a word with you after you’ve changed?”

My heart panicked, and I prayed to God he couldn’t hear it. “Of course.” And then I rushed into my room and locked the door. I quickly changed out of my wet clothing, toying with the idea of finding a random closet to hide in. But I couldn’t avoid him for days like I did after that first kiss.

Don’t be a coward.

Perhaps I’d taken too long to consider, because when I finished changing and went into the hall, Magnus was waiting for me, leaning on the wall across from my door.

“You look nice,” he said.

I glanced down at my long grey dress and sweater, nearly identical to the ones the snow had soaked through, except this sweater was a little too big for me and covered my hands nearly to the ends of my fingers. “What did you want to talk about?”

He opened his mouth to speak, wincing and closing his eyes briefly as Peggy called his name from the bottom of the stairs. He took a deep breath. “Yes, Peggy?”

“Esjay’s coach is here,” she called.

“Have a good time.”

“I’ll be gone past dinner, but I’ve already prepared it for you. It’s waiting in the kitchen.”

“Thank you, Peggy,” Magnus said, almost too sweetly. I smirked.

“Behave yourself while I’m gone.”

“I will,” he said, his expression full of mischief, and I had to stifle a laugh.

God forgive us, we managed to hold in our laughter until after she shut the door.

“I thought she’d never leave,” said Magnus.

I raised an eyebrow. “Why, what are you up to?”

“An entire day alone with you. And Saba,” he added quickly. “Of course. Love her.”

“I love her, too.”

“Yes, who wouldn’t. A maniac, maybe.” He fidgeted, and I could see a blush rising up his neck. “Although, I could’ve warned you she would start throwing snowballs.”