Page 35 of When Hearts Collide

He looks away, the icy mask of indifference slipping back on his face, as if the last fifteen minutes of interaction didn’t happen at all.

I shut the door, leaning against the cool oak for support. Anything to help me regain my senses. Turning around, I look at the silver placard on the door. Professor Ryland Anderson.

“Ryland.” I test out the name under my breath, the wings flapping wildly in my stomach and I realize I’ve never called him by his first name before.

A strong name. Just like him.

Ryland.

Chapter 15

Dear Mom,

I think he’s the special someone for me, the man I told you before whose gaze sets me on fire. He’s someone I feel an undeniable connection to. Someone worthy of the word “whirlwind.” I think he hides his tattered heart behind a suit of armor, but he’s hurting, just like me. And for the first time in my life, I want to heal him, because I think I understand him.

He sees me. The real me.

We’re all types of wrong. But you’d understand, right? After all, you left your entire world behind to be with Dad, forsaking your wealth, status, your disapproving parents, all for the sake of love, a love that was a whirlwind.

His name is Ryland…and I think…he’s my whirlwind.

Love, Millie

I WATCH THE SKIES dim, the clouds slowly encroaching on the blue. It’s dreary and gloomy outside. The weather app says it shouldn’t rain yet, not until this evening. But the view outside the classroom windows begs to differ. Dammit. Isn’t it supposed to be sunny all year round in LA? I must’ve forgotten how temperamental the weather can be during storm season.

I stare at my dry clothes—a pair of dark blue jeans and a soft cream sweater that’ll be a pain to wash. Ugh. I should pack an umbrella in my bag from now on. El Niño is no joke.

Students filter in, excited chatter erupting around me. My prime seating in the center of the front row offers me an unobstructed view of the small stage.

Of him.

“You’re early.” A wry drawl captures my attention.

“Of course,” I wink, “and I saved you a seat too.”

Jocelyn plops down heavily on the seat next to me. She has been half-present in class and at the apartment, but she hasn’t told me why, and I don’t want to pry. But if her dark eye circles and sallow skin are any sign, she must be going through something intense and personal.

“Want some gummy bears?” I take out a small packet from my bag and hand it to her. Maybe the sugar will perk her up.

She yawns and grabs the bag from me before slouching in her seat. “Thanks, girl. I’m so tired. I just want to sleep.”

Turning to her, my brows crinkle with concern. “Seriously, Joss. Is everything okay? I’m worried about you. You didn’t get home until close to midnight the last few days…not that I’m trying to be a stalker or anything.”

She gives me a sad smile. “I’ll be fine.” She lets out a fake chuckle. “I’ll be even better if I can pass this class.”

“You can do it! I have faith in you. Did you get the notes I emailed you? If you have questions, just let me know.”

“Thanks, girl.” She glances away and scrutinizes her phone.

I frown and turn my attention toward the door, wondering when his tall, imposing frame will cross the threshold.

A nervous energy slithers through me at seeing him for the first time since after office hours last week. My skin feels sensitive, and the fabric on my sweater tickles my skin. The air smells like chalk dust mixed with wet earth. I sit up straighter and glance at the clock on top of the chalkboard. One minute before class begins.

As if on cue, and always on time, the door slams open and the room abruptly silences. Ryland storms in, a burst of crackling lightning and rioting winds, his steps faltering ever so slightly when he sees me. The slight halt to his hurried gait is almost imperceptible.

But I see it.

And my heart skips a beat. The connection from last week. It’s still there.

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