“What’s wrong? What did you see?”
“It’s nothing. I mean, it’s not you. I saw you playing baseball when you were a kid. I’m just trying to learn to control my ability and was hoping for something later.”
“You can try again if you want to.” His eyes hold a glint that matches the hint of flirtation in his offer.
“Maybe I will. Come on, I know where we can go.”
“Wow. I’m intrigued.”
I lead him through the main corridor, deflecting his questions as we move at a brisk pace. He clearly doesn’t know where we’re headed which disappoints me a little. Has he really never explored my favorite place?
“The library?” he asks when we push through the large glass doors.
“Isn’t it amazing?”
He shrugs. “I guess. I mean, it’s just a bunch of books.”
“Yeah, but look at it.”
“Lots of numbers. Lots and lots and lots of numbers.”
“Oh, right. Sorry. Well, to those of us who don’t see numbers, it’s incredible. Anyway, this isn’t it.”
I take his sleeve and pull him in the direction of the reference books. We weave through the aisles of massive texts until we reach an undersized door.
I yank it open and flinch at the figure occupying my secret room. No way.
“What are you doing here?” I hiss.
Daniel glances up, his dark gaze scanning Connor and me slowly. “Reading. What are you doing here?”
“Apparently nothing. C’mon, let’s go,” I say to Connor, but Daniel’s already risen.
“Forget it. I was just leaving anyway. Enjoy your make-out session,” he mutters, and a blast of heat spikes through me.
“Why don’t you mind your own business?” I snap at him.
“I would if I could, believe me.” He ducks through the door. “Be sure to use protection.”
“He’s such an ass,” Connor says as Daniel retreats out of sight.
“He’s impossible. I’m sorry about that. Guess I’ll have to find a new secret place. Anyway, it’s fine for now. Come in.” I pull him inside and close the door.
“He lives with you, doesn’t he?”
“His room is next to mine, but I almost never see him.” I wave away the unfortunate encounter and reach for his sleeve. “Okay, give me your hand.” Closing my eyes, I try to concentrate on the vision, but miss my target even more than the first time. I grunt in frustration and let him go. I must still be too ruffled from seeing Daniel. Even when he’s not here he has the power to thwart me. “I’m sorry. I can’t focus right now.”
“It’s okay. So how did you find this place?”
“I don’t know. I just discovered it one day. I love it because it’s so quiet and secluded.”
“It’s eerie.”
“Really? I find it relaxing. It’s a place to escape.”
“Escape from what?”
I open my mouth to answer his question and realize I don’t have one. Very weird. What do I come here to escape? “Um, just the stress, I guess. It’s nice to be alone sometimes.”
