Before I Met You

Chapter 15

"You read people's minds. Don't you?" Dylan asked behind me, putting all the pieces together for himself. I was stuck in place, unable to move, my heart racing. He stepped in front of me, forcing me to look up at him. "What?" I forced out a laugh.

"A-A mind reader? You sound insane." I lied blowing him off. "No, No, it all makes sense now." He shuffled backwards, covering his mouth in shock. "You're delusional, Dylan. I've got to go." I brushed him off, making my way back to him to finish my jog.

The house was empty realizing my grandmother was out in town to lend a hand with the town committee. Rushing upstairs for a hot shower, taking the opportunity to try to relax.

Surely he really doesn't think I can read minds. How could he? I've tried everything to keep my secrets hidden from everyone closest to me for years. And the second a new guy comes into how he's suddenly able to figure me out?

Rubbing my face repeatedly trying to tame my own rambling thoughts. Remembering the look on his face as though everything was revealed to him. All his questions about me were explained.

I wouldn't let Dylan ruin the life I was desperately trying to achieve. I wouldn't let him believe the truth and continue to have it spread all around town. I wouldn't let him make an even more fool of myself.

Knowing I made a mistake in letting him around me long enough to slowly get to know me. But I should've known he would've caused trouble for me sooner.

Getting ready to face the day ahead, trying to gain the strength to stand my ground. I was determined to resolve the situation I found myself in. I couldn't let Dylan know the insane truth about me.

I didn't have any time to put my things down hearing the front door of the bookstore open right after it shut behind me. "Finally." Dylan breathed behind me as I calmly took off my coat. "We need to finish our conversation from earlier."

"You're still on that?" I laughed it off, sitting down at my desk. "I've been racking my brain about this all morning. It's the only possible explanation for everything." Dylan expressed frantically.

"Explanation? Explanation for what exactly?" I asked typing away on my computer unfazed. "How you don't let anyone in. And how you're constantly distracted by other people whenever we're out in town. Why you're unable to be compelled and that incident in the bookstore the other day. With that rude woman cheating on her boyfriend." Dylan listed frantically as I slowly stood.

"So because I'm a loner and rude to customers must mean I can read minds?" I scoffed. "And what does 'compelled' mean? What are you talking about right now?" I continued to gaslight him. I couldn't let him believe the truth.

"Juliette," Dylan pressed with a stern growl, stepping closer. My breath hitched, stuffing my neck trying to appear confident but failing. "There's something different about you. I've known it since the moment we met." He began in a calmer voice, his eyes wide full of desperation.

"You can read my thoughts. Can't you?" Dylan asked creating a deafening silence between us. Taking in a deep breath, closing my eyes for a moment to collect myself. "No, I can't." I answered honestly, making Dylan scoff losing patience.

"I know I haven't given you any reason to trust me. I understand your restraint to let anyone close to you after all you've been through. Especially with his ability that you have. But you can trust me, Juliette." Dylan pleaded, clutching his hands in fists. "This could put you in serious danger."

"I told you the truth." I stated firmly. Dylan huffed, turning his back towards me, raking his hands roughly through his dark hair. "I... I can't hear your thoughts." I finished.