“Keep going.”
“I don’t have any real experience with men, but I think he’s into me. He agreed to a relationship. He’s the same type as Ethan—actually, like you too, apparently—high rotation of women. But I told him I’m not the casual type, and we agreed on being exclusive.”
“Be careful. Guys can be assholes when they want something.”
“Not Amos, Ben. He could have any woman he wants with a snap of his fingers. Dating me is complicated—I’m Ethan’s little sister. If he’s still going for it, I don’t think I’m just another girl.”
He doesn’t say anything else as we walk toward the library building.
It’s been about ten minutes since Amos texted.
When we reach the building, we don’t go in—Ben just explains how things work and the opening hours.
I’m distracted by our conversation when, suddenly, Ben stops talking and looks over my shoulder.
A warm shiver runs through my whole body—and before I even turn around, I know Amos is behind me.
Sure, he said he was coming—but I didn’t think he’d get here so fast.
“Shit,” Ben mutters.
“What’s wrong?”
“I think your boyfriend is about five steps away from reaching you—and possibly ending my short life. And here I thought I’d be a judge. Tell my mom I love her,” he jokes. “Either way, it’s been nice knowing you, Lilly.”
My heart’s pounding like crazy. I want to turn around, but at the same time, my legs feel weak.
“You look like you’re about to faint.”
“Because I probably am. That’s the effect he has on me.”
“Now I see I never had a shot. The guy’s got you completely wrapped around his finger. If you want some advice, play it cool. Don’t let him see how much he affects you.”
“You clearly don’t know me anymore. Everything I feel shows on my face.”
Just as I say that, I feel a hand wrap around the back of my neck. My whole body reacts, knows who it is before I even turn.
I’m not the kind of person who jumps off cliffs. I usually calculate the height first, figure out if I’ll get hurt.
But ever since I decided to be with him, I’ve been in free fall—and I’m not scared.
I want more.
Chapter 33
She’s mine.
That’s the only thought running through my head the moment I see her.
Lilly’s facing away, talking to a guy almost my size with the build of an athlete. I know it’s that Benjamin guy. I looked him up on my way here.
He watches me approach.
Every cell in my body demands I stake my claim—and I couldn’t care less who’s watching. All that matters is that everyone knows she’s mine.
The moment I reach her, I grip the back of her neck.
It’s like an electric shock—physical and mental—because only then do I realize just how much I missed her.
