page46 (2/2)

‘I knew this library was all for show If you ever looked at a book you’d have seen it for yourself,’ but her eyes were bright and the corners of her full mouth upturned

‘Anyway—’ she walked back to the tray ‘—I have a small bone to pick with you, my Lord Why didn’t you tell me it was your birthday?’

Seb gaped at her in shock ‘How did you know?’

‘Incredible detective skills and a handy copy of your birth certificate Indeal’ She turned with a shy smile, her hands behind her back ‘And I h expectations forto be a fah on her cheeks and her eyes lowered as she said the words ‘—then your birthday has to be a big deal as well So Happy Birthday’

With a flourish she pulled her are cupcake, a lit candle on the top, the other a shiny silver envelope

He stood, paralysed with surprise ‘What’s this?’

‘It’s a card and cake These are usual on birthdays’ Her colour was still high but her voice was light ‘You’re supposed to blow the candle out’

He just stood there, unable to‘I haven’t had a birthday cake since I was ten I was always at school, you see’

Her eyes softened ‘The procedure hasn’t changed You blow, the flaoes out, I clap and then we eat it Simple’

He e effort to reach out and took the plate of cake, holding it gingerly as if it were a bomb about to explode The small flame danced before his eyes He didn’t want to blow it out; he wanted to watch it twist and turn for ever ‘And the card?’

‘That you open And then we get changed I have a surprise for you And I a to blow your socks off’