Give Me Love | n.h

Chapter 11: Paranoia

The next few weeks after our hiking, I am drowned in school work. I didn't mind, though. I'd rather be drowning in words from textbooks than my own thoughts. 

Right now, I am just a paranoid mess. I keep calling Anne and my mum to ask how they're doing and vice versa. On top of that, I can't help but feel like someone is following me. 

I know it's probably just my brain playing tricks on me but it keeps me alert so I guess I shouldn't be complaining. Tony is a whole country away but it's better to be safe than sorry.

By Friday, I am walking alone back to my dorm. I haven't been to the frat house since after we went hiking, but I constantly see the boys except for a certain one I look forward to seeing.

I have not once had an encounter with Niall. I don't go out on nights that I can't sleep in thoughts of being kidnapped or something. 

I am about to round the corner when I hear shuffling behind me and my heart races. I tell myself it's only a stray cat, but my thoughts fade when the shuffling turns to footsteps.

I walk as fast as I can and my dorm building has never felt so far.

The footsteps quicken and I realize it is only a few meters away from me. I want to cry and I can't feel the tips of my fingers.

The person catches my wrist and grips it hard before turning me towards it. 

I instinctively shut my eyes and bring my fist up to punch whoever was following me on the chest and its grip on me loosens.

"Ow! Jesus fuck, RIley!"

My eyes shoot open when I recognize the voice.

"Holy shit, Niall, you fucking scared me!" Relief floods over me.

"Apology accepted then," he rolls his eyes.

"Sorry, I've just really been jumpy lately," I mumble, looking down and realizing that his hand was still loosely wrapped around my wrist.

He follows my gaze before letting go of my hand.

"What's up?" I ask. I haven't seen him in three weeks and I'm fighting the urge to hug him and thank him for not turning out to be the stalker my mind was making him out to be.

"Hm?" He asks before realizing how he got here, "Oh, well, I was walking and I saw you and," He shrugs.

"Oh, well, Hi," I grin.

"Hey," He smiles softly, scratching the back of his neck.

"I was just about to head home to my dorm," I inform him.

"Oh, well, let me walk with you, then," He says and he does.

I lead him to my dorm which wasn't far from where we were. We halt in front of my building.

"Thanks," I say.

He nods and turns his back as I do the same before:

"Riley!" He calls out.

I turn around and Niall is right in front of me. I am taken aback for a moment before he brings his lips to mine.

This is the third time we kissed and I can't believe it! My heart is racing for all the good reasons after three weeks.

He kisses me softly, gently pressing the palm of his hands onto my cheek as I bring my arms to wraps itself around his torso.

His jacket is soft and his lips, softer. He tastes like mint and I can't help but bite his lip.

He lets go before I can even savor our kiss.

"Bye," he says abruptly before turning his back on me once again.