Page 87 of Midnights
It’s like we’ve stumbled into a book lover’swetdream.
Off to the side, there’s even a little dimly lit reading nook, lined with more books. I can’t see where it leads, but my heart kicks at the thought. A secret passage, maybe? Or just more shelves. Either way, my pulse races, and I itch to go explore.
I might have just died and gone to heaven and I’m never leaving.
At the center of the room, two massive, plush couches sit on a beautifully patterned rug with a table between them. The set up is practicallybeggingsomeone to curl up with a good book and disappear for hours. The whole space is modern and inviting.
Nothing in here is roped off and there's no “Don't touch” signs. No suffocating rules that say this place is fordisplay only. This isn’t some dusty, forgotten room meant for tourists to gawk at behind velvet ropes.People actually use this place.
My gaze drifts to the massive floor-to-ceiling windows on the west side of the room, where soft golden light spills in, illuminating every shelf and every book, casting the space in the perfect glow. It feels like the kind of place that makes the rest of the world fade away.
Did I say I was in heaven?
Becausethismight actually be better.
I spin toward Cam, practically vibrating with excitement. “Can we walk around? We won’t touch anything. Ipromise.” My voice is embarrassingly eager, but Ineedto explore this place.
I see his lips twitch, but he doesn’t answer right away. Instead, he glances at Kane. And just like that, the two of them have one of those silent conversations men seem to have.
Kane finally gives a small nod, and his voice is full of amusement like something is funny. “I think that would probably be okay.”
Yes!
I can feel his eyes on me, tracking my every move.
Whatever, I have more important things to focus on. Like figuring out if that nook actually leads to a secret passage.
I don’t waste another second. My feet carry me straight to the nearest shelf, where row after row of worn leather spines and gold lettering shimmer in the sunlight. My fingers skim over the bindings, and I don't think I've ever been more excited about something in my life.Where do I even start?There are too many books, too many places to explore.
“Rachel!Lookat all the books!” I blurt out like she isn’t standing right next to me, seeing the exact same thing. But I can’t help it. My excitement is practically vibrating out of my skin, and judging by the way Rachel’s eyes are shining, she’s right there with me.
“Iknow!” she squeals, and just like that, we dissolve into laughter.
This room is insane, straight upBeauty and the Beastvibes, only better, becauseI’mthe one inside it. Some of these books look old enough to have lost secrets of the universe, while others seem like they were added yesterday. The air is thick with the smell of aged paper, ink, and worn leather. It’s an intoxicating mix that only book people can appreciate.
There's a massive crystal chandelier that hangs over the couches and it's stunning.Would that be too much in my bedroom?
I imagine how this place must look when the sun comes up. Just thinking about the golden light pouring in through the massive windows, scattering tiny rainbows across the shelves, makes me want to stay here forever.
The guys are lounging on the couches, deep in conversation aboutwho knows what, while Rachel and I continue to wander. We’re busy soaking in the magic of this place when I spot a set of stairs, leading up to a loft. I bet there's more books up there, maybe even another comfy chair where someone could escape for hours with nothing but words and silence. My kind of heaven.
If this were my house, that loft would be my throne room. My private kingdom of all my favorite books. My hideaway where no one could find me unless Iwantedto be found.
And honestly, I’d rarely come down.
My attention flickers to the little hallway I spotted earlier that’s practically calling my name. I have no idea where it leads, but there aren’t any signs telling us not to explore. No ropes, no closed doors, nothing that suggests off-limits.
I lean toward Rachel, keeping my voice low so we aren't overheard. “The boys are busy. Should we see where it goes? Or I guess we can tell them and all go together?”
Rachel looks over at the guys, who are still deep in conversation, then back down the hallway. That mischievous grin flashes in her eyes before she shrugs and her grin widens. “Never ask for permission, that’s my motto. They’re busy being totally oblivious. We’re in thisbeautifullibrary, and obviously we need to explore.”
Without waiting, she steps toward the hallway. Of course she’s already decided.
I look back at the guys and she’s right. They’re completely unaware. Kane is leaning back on the couch and his expression is completely unreadable. He’s too caught up in whatever Cam is saying to notice us slipping away.
Perfect.
“Alright, let’s go.” I whisper, feeling a rush of excitement thrumming through me as we step silently down the hallway.
