Dream Walker

Chapter 35 | Open Arms

The physics professor was late. She had never been late before, much less ten minutes late, and Callie was desperately awaiting the start of class. It was a desire she never would have expected two months before. While her interest in learning physics was just as low, her interest in avoiding the tense silence between herself and Alex had grown immensely.

The tapping of her foot against the ground was irksome even to Callie's ears, but she couldn't seem to stop. She could feel the heat of his gaze, and it sent shivers through her body. Apparently, all her nervous energy was escaping through her foot.

"Callie?"

She gave no visible reaction to Alex's soft voice, but her pulse skyrocketed. When he whispered her name again, her bouncing leg increased its tempo. Her self-control ran out at his third attempt to gain her attention.

"What?" She winced when the word came out louder than she intended, and she felt other students' eyes turn to look at her. Her crossed arms tightened further as she slid down in her seat.

"I want to talk to you," Alex said.

"You're talking to me right now."

He sighed. "I meant in private. Can you come over tonight?"

She was ready to refuse until she made the mistake of meeting his eyes. Their color had deepened to a rich grey, and she was enthralled by their depth. Even as her head told her to stay away from him, that she was stronger alone, another part of her longed for the comfort his presence brought.

She hesitated, wavering between her options. Even as she tried to push him away, he refused to run, and she liked that. He defied her expectations around every turn. Maybe it would be satisfying to be completely honest with someone for once.

"Okay," she agreed.

"Really?"

A small smile curved the edge of her lips. "Don't make me change my mind."

The door to the lecture hall burst open, and the professor rushed in, papers and bags balancing precariously in her arms. She apologized profusely, offering up a story about getting stuck in traffic after dropping her son off at daycare. The class flew by with no more words between Callie and Alex. Even better, the nervous tremor in her foot had disappeared.

****

Callie felt a strong sense of déjà vu standing in front of Alex's door. Her last visit had been fueled by a rush of magical energy that brought her desires to the forefront. Now, level-headed, she was getting flashbacks to that night that sent a different kind of shiver through her body.

He opened the door before she could knock, like he was waiting anxiously for her to show up. When he realized this, a sheepish blush colored his cheeks. He stepped aside to let her through without saying anything. She heard the click of the door closing behind her as she walked toward the couch. Unsure what to do, she stood awkwardly, waiting for Alex to make the first move.

Alex walked around her to take a seat, indicating for her to do the same. He seemed impatient to say his piece. Without preamble, he leaned closer and began speaking rapidly.

"I know you didn't ask for any of this, and I'm not proud of the way I've acted toward you. I was trained to watch over you and protect humans from shadow creatures. My whole life revolved around worlds I had never seen and people I had never met. I spent years feeling like my life was ruined by this responsibility, but none of that can compare to the way your life has been turned upside down by something out of your control. I was not supposed to get to know you personally, and, obviously, I failed at that."

He chuckled, rubbing his hands over his knees. Their eyes locked, and Callie could feel the intensity of the gaze deep in her soul. She felt a dam of emotion beginning to break. She didn't try to hold it back anymore.