Breathe for Me by Rhonda Helms Read Free Book Online Page B

says, his voice unusually loud. Is he nervous? “We’re, um, just gonna look around for a little bit.”
    Jim gives Dominic a showy wink, then turns back toward his shelves. “Help yourselves, kids.”
    Before I can ask what that was all about, Dominic grabs my hand. “Come here—there’s something I want you to see.” He weaves me through the shelves toward the back of the room. I try to focus on walking, not on the heat pouring from his hand.
    â€œWhere are we going?”
    He stops suddenly, tugs me in front of him. “Look.”
    There’s a small, rickety table with a thin, leather-bound book perched on top. The book looks old, very old. As gently as I can, I pick it up and open it to the title page.
    Goblin Market and Other Poems
By
Christina Rossetti
    â€œShe was a well-known poet in the Victorian era. I think you’d like her work.” He pauses. “I got it for you.”
    I suck in a quick breath of air, surprised. My throat closes up, and I stare at the book. “I can’t take this.” I turn around, looking up into his eyes. The room is a little dim so it’s hard to see him perfectly, but I can clearly feel the warmth of his skin as he stands just inches from me, smell the clean crispness of his cologne.
    He shrugs, the dark stain flooding his cheeks belying the casual gesture. “I already bought it. Besides, do you know how badly my brother would beat me up if he saw me with this?”
    A chuckle escaped from me. “Nice.”
    His face turns serious. “I saw it yesterday and thought of you. It has some great poems in there. Figured you’d appreciate it. Please, just take it.”
    â€œHow about we share it?” I offer.
    He smiles. “Okay. I’d like that.”
    A small piece of my heart chips off as I realize I’ll have to leave this book behind when Sitri takes me. I can’t even let myself think right now about how I’ll feel leaving Samantha and Dominic behind, too.
    We head toward the door, making sure to tell Jim goodbye. Jim hollers the same at us and tells me to enjoy the new book. We step outside into the warmth of the evening air. I press the hardcover against my chest and try hard to calm my pulse. Dominic bought a gift for me . I can’t remember the last time I got a present—at least, one that didn’t come with any strings attached.
    â€œDid you eat yet?” he asks.
    I shake my head. “You?”
    â€œNope.”
    â€œDo you…do you want to come over?” I ask, trying to keep my voice casual. “I can make something for us, if you like. I mean, I’m not the greatest at cooking, but I can throw together a few things, and—”
    â€œSure,” Dominic says, interrupting my rambling. A smile spreads across his face.
    Every step back to my house seems to hold a lifetime. I capture it all in my mind, silently wishing I could keep this memory forever—the balmy breezes, his steady breathing, the rustling of the trees around us. It all etches within me a sort of living photograph.
    â€œSo, tell me more about yourself,” I say, then wish I sounded a little less awkward and clichéd. “I mean, um, if there’s anything you want to share.”
    Dominic reaches a hand up and brushes the tips of his fingers along the bottom leaves of a low-lying tree. It rustles from his touch. “Hm. Well, I have a few friends but we don’t get to hang out enough. My favorite class is English—”
    â€œMine too,” I say in a rush.
    He smiles, his eyes twinkling. “Kinda figured. What else… I like old kung fu films and Chinese food. My brother and I spend a couple of marathon nights each month in front of the TV, reenacting the fight scenes.” He grins wryly. “He usually wins, but I’m getting better at anticipating his moves.”
    What would it be like to share those kinds of moments with a sibling? Jane would