Page 40 of Of Flesh & Bone

Ace cuts me off."Okay, okay.That's enough.I get it.I'm the asshole here."Ace sighs heavily."I hate people like me.I don't understand how I let this happen."

"You're going to make it up to her.You have to.And she'll eventually forgive you.I need the two of you to get along."

We drive to campus and check to see if her car is in any of the lots.I go into the library even though we don't see her car because I know now that it's a refuge for her.Our lazy Sunday in bed was full of revelations.

We drive all over town, wasting most of the day just on the off chance that we will see her Jeep.

"Aha!I've got it.The athletics complex over on Washington.They have a full-size volleyball court and there's always people there willing to play pickup games."

"She hasn't mentioned it.Has she ever been there?"I ask.

Ace shrugs."I don't know, but it's worth a shot."

I make a U-turn, and we head in the direction of Washington Ave., prepared to set the world on fire if it helps me find her.

CHAPTER 13

Eve

Sweat.Heavy breathing.This is my element.This is where I belong.The only place I belong.

Just stick to volleyball.I am volleyball.Volleyball never disappoints me.Volleyball has always been there for me when I've needed it.

Heat on my neck.Tingles up my spine.Adam.The fucking balls on this guy.

I feel his nearness before I see him.That warm tingle on the back of my neck intensifies and my spine straightens when I hear him say, "What the fuck do you think you're doing, Eve?"

The balls on this guy.Those things must weigh twenty pounds and are made of solid brass.

"Listen Adam, I don't have time for your particular brand of bullshit right now.If I get caught up on all my other bullshit, you'll be the first to know.Deal?"

"Don't push me, Eve."

"Don't push you?Fuck.Off.Fuck all the way off."

"What did you say?"His voice is low and dangerous.

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