Page 10 of Collided

“Yes, I appeared out of fucking thin air,” he drawls out in a dry tone.

“It looked like it,” I say, finding humor in his words.

The intense look on his face doesn’t slip away.

Awful joke. Got it.

Lifting his hand, he runs his fingers through his hair. His scraped knuckles catch my attention next. From the looks of it, he didn’t apply anything to them which isn’t good.

Heath walks past me, and I follow him.

“Wait.” I hold my book tightly.

I know he’s going to reject my idea.

Why am I even suggesting it?

Because you like to help people.

He tilts his head back with an annoyed expression. “What?”

I point to his knuckles, and he follows my gaze. “I can wrap them up for you to prevent any infection.”

“Not fucking needed,” he grumbles.

“I just want to help.”

He narrows his eyes on me. “I don’tneedyour fucking help.” He flexes his knuckles and doesn't even grimace, but I do. I can imagine the burning sensation permeating under his skin.

A hard look contorts his face, and his body stands tall with tension. He resembles a wall that can stand anything you’d throw at it. So, if I argue with him he might not let me do it, but if I soften him a little bit maybe he will.

I smile. “You’ve saved me twice now and also helped me. I want to return the favor.”

Something about him makes me want to help him, even though he won’t take it.

Before he can change his mind, I rush out. “Let me help you, and I’ll try to not walk into you again.”

“I don’t think you’re capable of it.” He gazes at me with his blue eyes. For a second, I get lost in them and miss what he says.

“Of what?” I ask, feeling like an idiot.

Don’t look into his eyes.

“Not walking into me.”

A smile tugs on my lips. “Both times it was an accident.”

An emotion flashes through his eyes.

Looking away from me, he runs a hand through his hair. When he speaks, the muscles in his jaw clench. “Will you stay away from me if I let you help me?”

“If that’s what you want,” I say in a quiet voice.

4

Heath

SHE WALKS BEFORE ME, AND I FOLLOW HER—WHICH IS SOMETHING NEW. I don’t follow anyone. I do what I want.

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