Page 58 of Mine to Take

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.

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