Standing, Grandma Ruby pointed at me. “Let’s go work on your magic.”
“Now? It’s two hundred degrees out there.” I sat where I was and pulled my phone out when I felt the vibration.
Grace had texted to let me know her mom was okay with everything and thought her dad would be as well.
“Wipe that smile off your face and get up. You can text Jackson back later.”
“It’s not—”
“I don’t care. We have serious catching up to do. Move it.” Grandma Ruby strode to the kitchen.
I put my shoes back on and reluctantly followed her all the way out the back door and into the Texas heat. The others, along with the animals, joined us in the backyard. Great. Just what I needed. An audience for my ineptness.
I’d been able to work on my magic a little, but the only thing I managed to do was decrease the size of the area where I froze time. That was good, but I was hoping other abilities would kick in. I’d gained the freezing power when Dee and Grace were grabbed by two men in the forest and it spewed out of me in fright and anger. So far, I hadn’t been able to really control it though.
I’d managed to create fire one time and that was by accident. Of course, stopping time had been an accident when I’d first done that, so maybe…
“Pay attention, Charley Girl.” Grandma Ruby snapped her fingers in front of my face and I jolted backward. “Sorry. What do you want me to do?” I pulled my shirt away from my body which was already sweating.
My grandmother sat down on a sky-blue plastic lawn chair. “I’ve been thinking that we need to figure out what happens to objects when they’re frozen and someone touches them.” She pointed at a football on the porch and levitated it to Casen. “Charley, do you think you can stop the ball and only the ball?”
I blew out a breath. “I haven’t been able to do anything like that yet, but I’ll give it a shot.”
I steadied myself and did my best to call my power to me. When I was ready, I nodded to Casen, and he threw a perfect football spiral. I pushed my hands out in front of me and I felt a tiny bubble of magic curl inside me, but nothing happened.
“Again.” Grandma Ruby pointed at the ball.
Dee ran to pick it up and tossed it back to Casen before moving quickly away from the danger zone. He looked at me and I nodded. I tried summoning my magic and as soon as the ball left his fingertips, I pushed it out. Or I thought I did. Nothing happened.
“Charley. Focus. It’s hot out here.” Grandma Ruby fanned herself with her hand.
I put my fists on my hips. “You’re the one who wanted to do this now.” I shook out my arms. “I don’t know what I’m doing wrong.”
“Can you feel your magic?”
I nodded. “A little. I think.”
“It’s probably gas.” Danu smirked.

A Witchy Secret is available to pre-order at most major retailers.

The first book in the series and the prequel are both FREE to read. 
Book One: A Witchy Mistake
Prequel: A Witchy Nuisance – this novella is part of the Supernatural Sleuths Event for the next several months. You can get A Witchy Nuisance along with many other free novellas from some of your favorite paranormal cozy mystery authors.