Page 90 of Before Dawn

Chapter Twenty

Abigail-Ann

“Love is like the wind, you can’t see it but you can feel it.”

~ Nicholas Sparks

Curiosity—or maybe self-preservation—had me Googling Mikkel again.

The usual rumors surfaced. A man who kept to himself, thriving in the shadows while the world speculated. Headlines buzzed about his latest deal in Chicago, his name tangled with power and mystery. For someone so private, I couldn’t help but wonder—where did I fit into all of this? Did he guard his personal life as fiercely as the rest of him?

I pushed the thought aside. It wasn’t my place to pry. Not yet, anyway.

But anxiety had a way of ignoring boundaries.

With one last glance at my freshly organized living room, I allowed a small smile. Unpacked boxes, framed photos, DVD’s lined up just right—it finally felt like home. Maybe staying up all night on FaceTime with Mikkel had given me the energy to power through. Or maybe I just needed the distraction after two days trapped in Ticketmaster hell, only to watch Lana’s concert tickets slip through my fingers.

Frustration lingered, but I shook it off and hurried to work, the scent of books lifting my mood.

While sorting through a box of new arrivals, I spotted a young woman scanning the shelves, eyes bright with curiosity.

“Looking for something in particular?” I asked, offering a warm smile.

She turned, excitement flickering across her face. “I’m just getting back into reading and hoping to find a good romance. Any recommendations?”

I nodded, already reaching for a fan favorite. “If you’re into sweet and swoony,The Dating Playbookby Farrah Rochon is a great pick. But if you want something spicier, Sylvia Day never disappoints.”

Her grin widened. “Thank you so much!” She dove into browsing, and I returned to stocking the shelves, until my phone buzzed.

Mikkel.

My stomach flipped as I quickly stepped into a quieter corner to check the message.

S:Are you free Friday?

Me:I am. What’s up?

S:Our second date.

Me:Is that so?

S:It is so.

Me:Where to this time?

S:Coney Island.

My heart stuttered. Coney Island. The words fizzed in my chest like champagne bubbles.

Me:It’s definitely a date.

S:Perfect. We’ll talklater because I know you’re at work.

S:Have a good day, bonita.43

I bit my lip, the warmth of his words lingering even as I slipped my phone back into my pocket.

Me:*kissy face emoji*

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