Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 86199 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 431(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 287(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86199 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 431(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 287(@300wpm)
It’s almost enough to make me wonder if I’m losing my damn mind.
When she doesn’t move a muscle, I narrow my eyes. There’s no way that the girl who snuck out of my bed last weekend is standing on the third floor of the library.
Her wide blue eyes stay locked on mine as shock colors her expression.
Something at the back of my brain prods me into movement, and I shoot to my feet. Fear flashes across her face as she swings away and races down the staircase.
“Fuck.” I grab my backpack and take off after her.
As I hit the staircase, I catch a flash of long blonde hair from below and hurry my steps, only wanting to catch up to her.
A potent concoction of anxiety and frustration swirls through me.
“Hey!” I raise my voice, even though I know it won’t do a damn bit of good. “Wait up!”
By the time I reach the lobby, there’s no sign of her.
My heartbeat thunders as I plow a rough hand through my hair and stare out the glass doors, searching the darkness.
A couple holding hands walks inside the library.
“Did you happen to see a blonde girl leave the building? I think she was wearing a black jacket.” The question is out of my mouth before I can stop it.
They glance at each other before shaking their heads.
“No, sorry.”
Before I can question them further, they disappear up the staircase.
It’s like she vanished into thin air.
Again.
Maybe I really am having a mental breakdown. It’s true, I’ve been under a lot of stress lately. Dad has mentioned in the past that I could talk to someone if I ever started to feel overwhelmed.
It might just be time to take him up on the offer.
For a handful of minutes, I contemplate heading outside to search the surrounding area just to be sure. Although, by now, she’s probably long gone.
If she was ever here in the first place.
Fuck…it’s official.
I’ve lost it.
Plus, how can I do that when I’m supposed to meet with the tutor my professor set up? School and hockey need to be my priority. I can’t keep obsessing about this girl.
It’s surprising that I’ve already given the situation this much mental energy.
You know what?
I’m tapping out.
It ends here and now.
I swing around, ready to head back to the third floor, when I find her standing about fifteen feet away. My steps stutter to a stop as air gets clogged in my lungs, making it impossible to breathe.
My gaze rakes over her, trying to memorize every little detail.
She’s even more beautiful than I remember.
I flex my hands. It’s so damn tempting to pounce, but I’m afraid if I move one muscle, she’ll disappear.
Just like a mirage.
Time stands still as we soak in the sight of one another.
The spell is only broken when she says, “You have something that belongs to me, and I need it back.”
19
Willow
With a tilt of his head, he takes a tentative step in my direction.
It’s tempting to take one in retreat.
The last thing I want is for him to get too close. I’m terrified of what will happen if he lays his hands on me. I’ve been thinking nonstop about the night we spent together and how good he made me feel.
If only it were possible to evict Maverick McKinnon from my brain.
Every nerve ending goes on high alert as he bridges the space between us. “I assume you’re talking about your necklace.”
Relief rushes through me. “Yes.”
“If you want it, you’ll have to come back to my place and get it.”
My mouth turns parched as I gulp at the idea of being alone with him. It takes effort to push the words out. “I can’t do that.”
He jerks his shoulders, as if my decision doesn’t affect him one way or the other. I’d almost think it was true except for the intensity that blazes from his eyes and the cautious way he continues to inch closer.
Almost as if he’s trying to approach a skittish animal.
“Then it’s not that important or you don’t want it badly enough.”
My gaze stays fastened to his as I draw my lower lip between my teeth and chew the plump flesh, indecision warring inside my head.
“You’re wrong about that. It means everything to me and I need it back.”
“If that’s the case, then the choice is a simple one.” There’s a beat of silence. “Don’t you think?”
Even though I don’t want to take my eyes off him for a second, it’s impossible to think straight when I’m staring at him. It’s like gazing directly at the sun.
It’s hazardous to your health.
He’s just…
Too much.
Too everything.
His masculine presence is overpowering in every sense of the word.
I’ve never met anyone like Maverick.
I force my gaze to his. Even though it feels like a mistake, the question is out of my mouth before I can think better of it. “Do you promise to give it back if I come with you?”