CHAPTER 008: The Man In The Corridor

Oh. My. God. I'm face to face with Mr. Hart, and there's no doubt he's talking to me.

His blue eyes stare right into mine, and I can't look away. He seems so confident and powerful, making me feel both excited and nervous at the same time. The air feels thick, and every second feels long as I try to think of what to say. My heart is pounding, and my hands are getting sweaty. This is the moment I've been waiting for, but now that it's here, I'm completely speechless.

I just keep staring. And staring.

“Cat got your tongue?” he says.

I shake my head, trying to gather my thoughts. Maybe if I pretend this is a casual encounter with a cute barista, I’ll remember how to speak.

“Why are you following me?” he asks.

Being this close to Mr. Hart unnerves me. I’d pictured this moment so many times. What I’d say. How I’d say it. I practiced in front of my mirror, perfecting my body movements. Don’t smile too much—it makes you look cheap. Don’t slouch—it decreases your height. Don’t look away—hold