Page 1 of Rawest Venom

One

JANE

If his eyes scan me one more time, that means he likes me. Right? Did he—was that a full look or just a glance? Or was he looking at the sign behind me?

“If you just remove the plate on the RAM and then… See? It wasn’t seated all the way.” Cal’s soft hand slides over mine to help guide the memory back in its slot. Tingles shoot up my arm as his palm warms my skin. Can he feel how hard my pulse is pounding?

That was definitely a look. Sure, my green eyes met his first, but he’s holding my gaze.Accidentally, the other stick of RAM falls from my fingers.

“Oops!” comes out like a little laugh and, before he can reach it, my legs squat in front of him, slyly taking my time near his crotch before standing back up. Brilliant. Smooth.

His breath catches in his chest as our hands connect while exchanging the stick. My lips quirk, holding back asmile. Was that too forward? Ugh! I hate not knowing how he feels! He is so hard to read.

“So, um. How’s your boyfriend?” Cal swallows as my eyes catch his Adam’s apple dance.

“It’s not serious,” I say a little too quickly.

A staccato laugh escapes him. “Oh, okay. Sorry?” His always worried eyebrows raise. Is that relief or is it mocking?

“I-I just mean that we’ve only gone out on a date, like, twice.” Casually, I lift one shoulder. “You know how it is… Just trying to find ‘the one.’” Does he? Does he know how it is? He’s so private. Is there someone I don’t know about?

I wish I’d never told him about my romantic life. It was all a ruse to make him jealous, and I think it’s backfiring. But explaining that going out to make ends meet or that it’s like a second career doesn’t sound any better… Maybe I can stage a sad breakup scene for him so he can comfort me. Does Caldocomfort?

Running a hand through his loose brown waves, I notice his cut bicep flex under his white T-shirt as he attempts to push back the hair on his forehead, but it falls back again. “So you’ve been doing good here, running things. I’ve taken notice and am impressed.”

“Oh. Um, thanks!” I say with a bright smile, heat filling my belly that he’s pleased with me. Well, I guess I won’t get my answer today, but he was right to change the topic. Cal’s myboss. Flirting is against the company policy, I’m pretty sure. Was that in the manual? Even if he were into me, he’d probably never ask me out. Butjust so he’ll stay near me, I ask, “I still feel like I’m messing up the orders that come in over the phone. Is there anything else I need to improve on?”

“You’re doing great. You’ve handled the orders just fine.” The cupid’s bow of his top lip spreads slowly as he gives me a small grin. “Good job, Jane.” His weight shifts back on a heel, but before he can leave, I stop him.

“I, uh, did have a question.” My hand reaches out to grab his taut forearm, but at the last minute, I pretend I’m just shoving my blue West Tech sweatshirt sleeves up, then busy my hand dusting the glass display counter with a rag. “I’ve been here a while but was wondering when you wanted to show me how to…” Biting my lower lip, I let my words trail off, giving the added effect of nervousness. “To load up the machines.”

Cal pauses as his serious face scans mine with piercing scrutiny. “Sure, Jane. I can start showing you how to pack up the parts. But…it’s not easy work. I’ll need to put you through the same training as the others, starting at step one. Ihavewomen do the jobs, but it’s sometimes very dangerous, especially during those first tasks. Is that still something you’d want to do?” Like honey with an edge of vinegar, his voice lulls me into a trance. Its resonance could easily lure flies before snaring them.

“Yes, I’m ready. I’ll do whatever it takes. This job is so important to me. And it’s important for West Side.”

Ever so slightly, one espresso-colored eyebrow twitches before he replies, “Okay, then. I’ll add you to the task schedule. But I wouldn’t feel right with one ofthe guys training you. So, I’ll supervise you myself and make sure you’re safe.”

“Wow, Cal! Thank you!” Now my handdoestouch his corded arm and the muscles flex underneath it. His eyes and mine both glance to where we are joined before I slowly slide off him and let my hand hang lonely at my side.

His feet curl up as he backpedals away from me in a crawl. “Sure. I’ll be in the back if you need me.” One side of his mouth creeps up into a shy smile before he turns and disappears behind the black curtain to the warehouse.

Was it a smile? Or was it something else? And the eyebrow thing… Was that intensity, like he’s into me or not into me? Did I say too much? Should I not have touched him?

Pounding my forehead into my palms, my head jerks up in surprise as the chime on the door announces a visitor, interrupting my thoughts about my inevitable rejection. A heavy sigh leaves my chest as I put on my ‘I’m a tech geek! Ask me how!’ look and approach to assist the customer.

We at West Tech have our computer repair service front while stuffing computer parts with hallucinogens in the back. My tasks are to answer phones and take orders, something I was trained to do at my previous job at a big-box electronics store. I was lucky to get hired by Cal a year ago when there’s so little work to go around. Times are tough and making rent is not easy for anyone. He pays me more than I made before and there are better benefits. Plus, he smells amazing.

In a truehe loves me notmove, Cal hides from me the rest of the day. Grateful to avoid any more awkward encounters with him, my shoulders relax once it hits five p.m. After locking up the store, I walk the three blocks to my apartment.

Placing my sneakers in the tray next to the door, the keys go on a small hook hung on the wall nearby. Despite not needing it, the downy winter coat is thrown over a standing rack. Pressing my back against the entryway, my eyes roam the area while I hold my breath.

Silence.

Nothing’s moved.

My phone vibrates in my pocket, shaking my focus from my evening checks.

Will

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