Page 78 of Chalk Outline

Her eyes remain fixed on mine, unwavering, and a wave of goosebumps spreads across my body.

I’ve never held anyone’s attention that long, except for Dick.

Heat rushes to my face. I can feel it coming and can’t stop it.

What the fuck is wrong with me?

Is this a contest of who blinks first? I’m pretty sure she has won it a hundred times already. Please stop!

My throat is dry, and I can hardly swallow.

My heart ticks like a time bomb.

My lids are hooded, and my head pounds like the beat of a drum.

When Superman was near kryptonite, its poisonous radiation made him weak. It feels very similar to this, but without the poison—just electric shocks that zap me repeatedly.

Is she my weakness?

Am I going to die beneath the weight of her gaze, or from the curiosity that sparks in her eyes?

“Hey, are you real?” she shouts at me, her voice sweet and slightly smoky.

It takes me a moment to get the words out of my mouth and reply, “I’m an enigma.”

“I like mysteries… and urban tales.”

Good to know.

She sounds confident and… intrigued.

I never want to touch other people, to hug them, or feel the warmth of their bodies against mine. Yet, I have the urge to cup her cheek and run my hand down her hair to soothe her—or perhaps myself.

“Winona!” A familiar voice calls out from the cabin’s doorframe. “Come here, sweetie.”

The girl smiles at me unexpectedly, a dimple lightly denting her cheek. She quickly jumps to her feet and runs toward that voice.

Winona.

Pretty.

I’ll remember that.

I shift my gaze to the cabin.

Before she enters, Winona looks over her shoulder at me and waves.

I hold my breath so tightly I’m about to combust.

Once she’s out of view, I’m able to move like a normal person, still puzzled about what happened. I exhale a long breath, knowing that deep down, I want to see her again.

I’m fascinated.

A bird coos overhead as someone slides into the seat behind me, and I can feel the weight of their shadow. It’s overwhelming.

I tense up, ready to run.

“Hello, Reeve,” a woman greets.