Page 107 of The Love You Win

I miss you.

I stare at the screen, willing him to respond, pushing down my disappointment when he doesn’t by the time the first students filter into my room. Tucking the phone into my purse, I do my best to push past the drama of my lunch hour. To ignore the growling of my stomach and the nerves that still sing with residual adrenaline.

I just have to get through the next four hours, then I get to see Maddox. Four more hours, and he’ll chase away the craziness of the day. Because Maddox Graves is my safe place. And I want nothing more than to hide away in his arms for a few hours.

Despite my best efforts not to, my eyes bounce to the time. Again.

Maddox should be here. Should have been here an hour and a half ago. I’ve texted him three times already, and I’m worried. What if he got into a car accident or something on the way over?

Desperate to make sure he’s okay, I call him this time. It goes straight to voicemail.

“Hey.” My voice wavers. “It’s six o’clock and I’m worried. I know you have to be at the airport at eight. I just want to make sure you’re not hurt or something. Please call me back.” I suck in a shaky breath. “I miss you.”

Once I end the call, I stare at my phone, willing it to light up with his name. It doesn’t. Twenty minutes of radio silence later, I text Mira. I wish I had Griffin’s number, or any of Maddox’s teammates’ numbers, because they’re more likely to know if he’s okay than someone in another state, but I don’t.

Me

Hey. Have you heard from your brother today?

Thankfully, her answer comes quickly.

Mira

No, why? Everything okay?

Me

IDK. He was supposed to meet me at my place almost two hours ago and I can’t get ahold of him. I’m worried. I don’t have any of the guys’ numbers, so I can’t check with them.

Don’t worry. I’m sure everything is fine. Give me a minute and I’ll make a couple of calls, okay?

Okay. Thank you. I’m just so worried.

I know. Just breathe. I’m sure he’s okay.

Wringing my hands, I pace my living room while I wait for her to get back to me. My eyes flicker to the door every few seconds.

But he doesn’t appear.

A few minutes later, my phone buzzes on the coffee table, and I rush to read the text.

Mira

Maddy is fine. Griffin said his phone died and something came up? He promised to have my brother text you.

Relief floods my body, and I collapse on the couch. He’s okay. Thank god.

Me

Thanks, Mira. I feel like I can breathe again.

Mira

I’m sorry he worried you. I’ll kick his ass when I see him.

No, don’t do that. I just wish I could hug him right now.

He’s lucky to have you.

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