Page 60 of Mine to Take

When I stumble, his arm snakes around my waist and he tugs me close to his muscular body.

His warm breath ghosts against my ear. “Are you all right?”

“I’m fine. Thanks.”

I chance a peek at Maverick, only to find him watching me.

Why does this man affect me like no other?

I rack my brain but can’t come up with an answer that makes sense.

I just know that he does.

It’s an undeniable truth.

“Is your car on campus?” he asks, knocking me from my thoughts.

“Um, yeah.”

“Where are you parked?”

I point to the lot closest to the library. It’s centrally located and always easy to get to.

“What a coincidence. So am I.” He continues to steer me along the path. “It’s the Bronco, right?”

“Yeah.” I’m surprised he remembered.

As we arrive at the small SUV, I click the key fob as he reaches around my body to open the door.

Before I can slide inside the safety of the vehicle, he holds out his palm. “Give me your phone.”

I frown. “Excuse me?”

“I’m going to input the address.”

My brows pinch. “That’s not necessary. I’ll just follow you.”

With a smirk, he shakes his head before crowding my personal space until it becomes necessary to crane my neck in order to hold his mahogany-colored eyes.

“Do you really think I’m going to take the chance and let you get away now that I’ve finally found you again?”

My belly somersaults.

When he continues to stare, waiting patiently, I slip my hand into my jacket pocket and pull out my cell before opening the home screen. It’s only when he swipes it from my palm that I realize I’m trembling.

And it’s not just my hands.

My entire body is shaking.

He sets my nerves on edge, all the while ripping away the hazy film that has blanketed my life since I was sixteen.

When there’s a distant chime, I realize that he texted himself my number.

His focus stays riveted to my phone as he taps away. When he’s satisfied, the cell is passed back with the Maps app open on the screen.

“All set.” He nods toward a truck parked a few rows over before his gaze refastens on mine. “I’ll be right behind you.”

My pulse thrums an erratic beat as I slip inside the Bronco. He closes the door before jogging to his truck and starting it up. I do the same and pull out of the parking lot with Maverick tailing me. It doesn’t take more than five minutes to reach his house. I probably should have told him that I didn’t need directions.

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