Chapter 71

Nathan stood in the hallway not sure where he wanted to go. He heard footsteps on the stairs and turned to see Alex carrying a pile of books to be reshelved in the library.

“Hey,” Nathan said. “Don’t you ever sleep?”

“Eventually,” Alex said. She reached him with her pile of books. Her hair was undone and wavy around her shoulders, and she had thrown a grey cardigan over her violet shirt, painting a picture almost like a librarian in the stacks. “Can’t sleep?”

“Dreams aren’t my strong suit lately,” Nathan admitted. “So by all means, feel free to take advantage of Jim. I left him all alone and defenseless in there.”

Alex giggled, keeping her voice light so as not to disturb any sleeping patrons. “As tempting as that is, I have work to do. And you never know when a late caller might come through. Do you need anything?”

“I’m…not really sure yet.”