His Forever (His #3) Read Online Free PDF Page B

time.
    The library was two entire floors of wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling books.  They just seemed to go on forever.  In fact, I’d had to use a ladder to access some of them.  And Henrik’s collection wasn’t comprised of just any books, but high quality, fascinating and surprisingly relevant ones.  It was truly incredible.  I could lose myself in there for hours – and apparently I had.
    “What are you reading?” he asked curiously, moving behind me and peering over my shoulder. 
    “Actually,” I said a little sheepishly, “I found some books that would be perfect for my research.  I’ve just been sitting here taking notes for…I guess it’s been hours now.  I know it probably seems silly to you but I’d really love to finish my research project even though…”  I trailed off then, but Hayden read my thoughts.
    “Even though you’ re no longer a college instructor,” he finished for me sadly before sitting down in the immensely comfortable overstuffed armchair across from me.  He leaned forward, his elbows on his knees as he studied my face intently.  “You miss it, don’t you?” 
    We both knew it wasn’t really a question given how obvious the answer was.
    Swallowing the lump in my throat, I nodded.  I missed it terribly.  I missed it more than I could ever put into words.  I’d had no closure and I wasn’t coping with the loss well.  It felt like a part of me had died, or at least been abandoned.  It felt like giving up a child.
    “I’m not sure applying to teach at one of the colleges out here would be safe,” Hayden pointed out , his concern for my welfare evident.  “The logistics of arranging for security on a campus…it would be tough…maybe impossible.  What about teaching online courses?” he asked hopefully.  “Would that scratch the itch?”
    I loved him for caring so much about what was important to me solely because it was important to me.  I loved him for wanting to move mountains to give me everything my heart desired.  But let’s face it:  mountains aren’t movable.  And besides, in recent days I’d come to understand it wasn’t just teaching I loved – it was teaching in Burlington on the campus I adored that made me come alive inside.
    “I don’t think teaching anywhere else would be the same,” I confessed, wishing that wasn’t the ca se.  I hated to be difficult.  I didn’t want to be dismissive of Hayden’s attempts to help me do what I was born for.  But I couldn’t help the way I felt.
    Hayden looked at me apologetically.  “ I hate that you had to give your teaching position up,” he said.  “It was your passion, I know.  I’m so sorry I haven’t been able to find the bastard behind the death threats.  I don’t understand why communication has just stopped completely.  It doesn’t make sense.”  His frustration was evident.  “I thought by now life would be back to normal...I bet you wish you’d never met me.”
    “That’s not true!” I interjected, impassioned.  “Meeting you is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.  If I had a hundred chances to choose between you and my career, I’d pick you every time, Hayden.  There’s no question about it.”
    My words were meant to comfort him, but he didn’t look placated.  Instead, he looked sad.  “Daniella,” he sighed, shaking his head like the weight of the world rested on his shoulders.  “You’re missing the point.  You shouldn’t have to choose.”
    In that instant I realized I missed Hayden terribly.  It was a strange realization because we were living under the same roof.  Only a short while ago we’d been lying on the beach, me in his hammock, his hot skin pressed against mine.  I could taste the seawater on his lips and feel the electricity in his veins.  But that seemed like a lifetime ago. 
    Now we were back in America and I missed him.
    “Where have you been all day?” I asked.  I knew his meeting couldn’t have taken the