Page 18 of Yearn

But right now? Not so much. Was I really special or just kidding myself? Had I reached my pinnacle, like those who peak in high school and fail the rest of their lives? Was I simply an imposter of my own imagination?

Suddenly, my lungs seized and I leaned forward, hands on my knees. The room tilted. I was going to throw up. I was having a panic attack. I was going to faint.

Strong hands grabbed my arms, steadying me.

“Breathe.”

The masculine demand refused to be disobeyed. Listening automatically to that deep, commanding voice, I gulped for air.

“Into your nose, out your mouth. Slow. Breathe, Landon. Now.”

I did. My mind shut off my panicked thoughts, and I focused on air, in and out. Slowly, my muscles relaxed and I was back to normal.

“You can let go of me now.” Adam ignored my request, so I tilted my head up. “See? I’m okay.”

“You sure? Want some water?”

I shook my head. His grip loosened, but he didn’t step back. Crowding my personal space, I couldn’t help but look him in the eye with pure resentment. I hated that he’d seen me at a weak moment. I had to get him out of here. “I’m fine. Just too much alcohol.”

I waited him to leave but he stayed, those dark eyes raking over my face.

And, suddenly, my breath stopped for an entirely different reason.

My name spilled from his mouth, washed in gravel and silk.

“Landon?”

Chapter Eight

Adam

Listen to Missed Connection

by The Head and the Heart

Fuck, her lower lip was trembling. Her big baby blue eyes stared up at me with a flash of vulnerability I rarely spotted. I had the crazed impulse to pull her into my arms, but of course, I didn’t move. She wasn’t mine to comfort.

I cleared my throat and cursed my moment of weakness. I could never let my guard down with her or everything would blow up. I eased back and gave her space, folding my arms across my chest so I wouldn’t do anything stupid. “Let me guess. You uploaded a pic that wasn’t edited and now have regret.”

Her head shot up and the fire was back. I didn’t explore why my insides relaxed. Seeing her soft and sad bothered the crap out of me. Landon was all spit and sass and no apologies. I’d gotten used to trading barbs, leaning into our rivalry and naked dislike. But when I spotted her slumped over, her body shaky, obviously fighting demons, I couldn’t keep walking.

“God, leave me alone. Spread your cheer to some other unfortunate woman.”

I studied the shadows in her eyes and the way her lips pressed tight together. I needed to walk away, but found myself probing, like torturing myself with an open wound. I kept my tone light. “Panic attack?”

“Don’t be fake nice. That’s the worst.”

I tamped down a smile. “I promise I won’t. Just don’t want to be blamed in case you faint. Everyone will think it’s my charm and you’ll be ruined.”

She actually smiled back. My heart stuttered. Her entire face lit up, those plump lips parting to flash straight, pearly-white teeth. Her eyes stunned when flashing with anger, but with humor? The world took a pause to admire the jeweled delight of cerulean blue filled with life. Getting to claim her smile just for me caused a possessive streak I hated to admit.

“I think they’d arrest you instead for poisoning.”

We assessed each other quietly. I waited for her to tell me to leave again, which I would, but she surprised me by speaking. “Do you ever wonder if you’re an imposter? That you’ll never really break through to the other side?”

Surprise cut through me. Landon seemed to regret the question immediately, probably assuming I’ll make fun of her. We didn’t do this. We didn’t talk real. I blamed it on the alcohol and the shadows and the physical vulnerability she showed for me answering. “Imposter syndrome? Where you think every success is a fluke?”

“Kind of. Even worse, though. Where you believe you’re meant for more, but the universe isn’t showing you the way.”

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