Page 175 of Collided

I was doing well before him. I wasn’t the happiest girl in the world or anything, but I was normal—as normal as an introverted, shy girl can be. More than that; I was okay; I was safe.; I was comfortable.

Now he’s ruinedmeforme.

My heart feels heavy from carrying this sadness. I just want to let it all out and feel light. It’s strange howoneemotion can be so heavy.

On the short walk to the library, I think about the good things in life. One of them being my small business. Since I’ve been ignoring Heath for the past few days, I haven’t been able to check his phone for orders. At some point, I’ll have to talk to him and see if I have any orders to fulfill.

Talking to him won’t be easy. He’ll ask me questions that I can’t give him the answers to. It’ll create tension between us which isn’t something I want.

Today’s Friday. I should be at school, but there are competitions happening that I’m not a part of. Marie’s entered a computer science project, so Sebastian is there to support her. As for Heath, he’s not the type to participate in anything—kind of like me.

We are both loners and introverts.

I mean he has two best friends, but I’ve seen that he also likes his alone time. Like going to that secret spot on the hill. That’s his place to hide from everything.

For me, that place is the library.

I greet Anastasia, the librarian and the owner, and rush upstairs. It’s not her fault what happened to me, I don’t blame her. If she knew I’m sure she’d protect me, but I’m too much of a coward to tell anyone and burden them.

I’m low maintenance. I don’t like to bother people. I’ve been this way since I was a kid. My parents have never had an issuewith me. That explains why I want to be the best at everything and just not cause them to worry. It’s drilled into my brain.

However, I do have high standards when it comes to fictional men. I mean, it’s not like I’ll ever have a real boyfriend.

Who would date a girl who loves books with her entire being? I’ll always love books before him.

I know that sounds awful, but books have been my longest relationship, and nothing will ever change that.

Wait. What if I stop reading someday?

I know that won’t happen. Ever. But still.

Walking down the shelves, I find my secret spot. No one comes here. It’s quiet and lonely—exactly what I need.

Sitting down, I pull my knees up to my chest, making a makeshift table for myself. I open the last book in the series that’s become one of my all-time favorites.

Taking out the bookmark, I run my fingers over the page. The feel of a book always makes me feel better. Bringing the book to my nose I sniff the addictive scent of it. It calms my senses instantly like a spell.

If someone were looking at me they’d think I’m insane. Lucky for me, no one comes here.

“I see you're on the last book.”

I jostle in shock at the sound of his voice. I can recognize it anywhere.

I spot him leaning against a shelf. He’s wearing a simple black T-shirt and jeans with black and white Converse—his usual attire. I’ll be amazed if I see anything besides those clothes and colors in his gigantic walk-in closet.

Heath looks breathtaking. One side of his face is hidden with shadows, and the other is bright due to the sunlight that’s streaming from the window, heightening his sharp features. His blue eyes look unreal—they’ve never looked as beautiful as they do now.

I’ve read about so many fictional characters, but no one comes close to Heath—even though I create them in my head from words on a page. He’s the most handsome guy I’ve ever seen.

But that’s not why I’m drawn to him. I mean, it is one of the reasons, but there are other reasons too. Like how he shows his care in little things; buying me food because I’m hungry, turning the AC fans toward me because I’m wearing a turtleneck and feeling hot, calming me down when I’m overwhelmed, and asking me about book updates becauseIlove books.

When I sit tight-lipped, he steps away from the shelf and strides in my direction. Without breaking eye contact, he sits down beside me and leans his back against the shelf. He bends one knee and sets his forearm on it while his other leg stretches long. Sometimes I forget how tall and muscular he is. He has a great lean athletic body. No wonder he’s a great fighter.

Tilting his head to one side, he says, “It’s rude to stare, Rose.”

I blink and quickly look away. “I… I wasn’t staring.”

“Sure.” His voice is husky as if he’s just woken up and decided to come here.

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