Page 203 of Collided

Rolling over to my right side, I find a book on my nightstand.

Stretching my arm out, I pick it up and analyze the cover. It’s one of Hope’s romance novels. The one she snatched from me when I was in her room and in return gave me a boner. I’m amazed how she didn’t feel it—it’s probably for the best.

Switching on the lamp, I open the book and skim through the pages. She’s written her thoughts and emotions and also underlined her favorite quotes in a pencil. There’s not a trace of pen on the paper which tells me she doesn’t like using pen on her books.

I’m reading her annotations when my eyes spot the name ‘Adrian Hayes.’ I double-check just to make sure.

Anger consumes me, but so does curiosity.

Flipping to the first page of chapter one, I start reading the book just to know what’s so special about him. Hope likes hima lot.Which I don’t like one bit. Fictional or not, he’s another guy that’s not me. She’s only supposed to like me.

One hour turns into three and then five, after that, I lose track of time.

The story has me captivated by its characters and plot line. Fuck, even Hope’s annotations make it interesting.

I’ve never been interested in fiction books. It’s not because I don’t like them or they bore me, they’re not just my thing.

When I was young, I liked playing soccer. Once I grew up, I moved toward exercise instead. I started working out when I was twelve. I liked running, lifting weights, and doing anything physical. Last year, I found boxing. It’s something that brings me great comfort—it sounds strange, but it’s true.

The books I occasionally read are nonfiction regarding entrepreneurship, business, and making money. That kind of knowledge fuels my mind and gives me the freedom to not live under the thumb of my father.

The people in his world expect me to carry on his company and legacy, for all I care it can turn to ash.

I have no interest in being his heir and acquiring the control of an empire. The power and money will make me invincible, though, if there’s anything I’ve learned from his life, it’s the people you love that matter.

No amount of money can let you buy your way in the past and steal moments with someone. No power can let you manipulate the laws of space and time and have your way. It’s all in vain.

I’d rather be poor and spend time with the people I love than waste away my life gathering money.

I do want to be rich. I enjoy the privileges that come with money. But not at the expense of losing the handful of people I have in life.

Marie, Sebastian, and Hope, they’re the only three people in my world now. Kelly too, since she’s always been nice to me.

The first morning light breaks in through the windows and swallows the darkness in the room.

I sit up and stretch. I’m halfway through the book. So far it’s too predictable, sweet, and cringey for my taste. There’s too much love and shit in this book. Cute moments and sweet nothings.

Is that the kind of guy Hope wants?

I blow out a long breath.I’m not that kind of guy. I’ll never be.I don’t know the sweet words or the cute things.

So where do we go from here?

We’ve kissed and admitted that we like each other, but it feels like we’ve only reached the first mark of a long journey.

My lack of experience is regrettable because now I don’t know what to do.

Should I kiss her every time I see her?I did tell her that.

Should I ask her on a date?I’ve never taken a girl out on a date.

Should I ask her to be my girlfriend?Fuck. It’s too soon. We’ve only reached first base.

My head is a mesh of thoughts and questions. I feel overwhelmed.

However, at the thought of her, some weird shit happens in my stomach.Strange.

Rubbing my eyes, I lean back against the headboard. Folding an arm behind my head, I continue reading. This Adrian Hayes guy better give me some clues.

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