Page 37 of Anti Player

This. Is. Crazy.I keep repeating the mantra in my head. When I head out to the main area of the apartment, I see my brother asleep on the couch. I’m hoping he’s sleeping strong. First, I

head to the kitchen and gulp down a cool glass of water. Butterflies dance aimlessly in my belly as I slip on my slides by the door and head out to my little nook in the hallway. I stare out to the city, thinking it feels like there is so much possibility here. As upset as I was about catching Nathan in the act, I am starting to think it happened for a reason. My life in Jersey was far from perfect. Being around Brett has been good for Asher and me too. I realize I am five minutes early and I internally chuckle at my ambitiousness to get out here. My curiosity is on high alert.

What could he possibly have to propose to me?

“Hi,” the voice is low and deep, and I immediately know it’s him.

I turn my head, trying to keep my cool, because I am the new Maddie. I will not fall head over heels for Kaleb. I am in control of my heart, and I will not jump into anything new.

“Hi,” I reply dryly.

“You really like that spot.” He chuckles.

“I do,” I admit. “It’s quiet out here and this city is filled with so many possibilities. It always seems to have a pulse. Even this time of night.”

“It does,” he agrees, and he rocks on his heels. His hair is wet and slicked back and he’s wearing a plain white T-shirt and basketball shorts. “You always liked quiet spots. I remember when you used to climb midway up the tree in your backyard and sit on the trunk.”

I watch him carefully because it feels like I am seeing him for the first time.

“My room was in the back of the house. I’d see you sitting there,” he explains.

“Oh.”

He raises his brows. “You probably want to know what my proposal is about?”

“You’ve piqued my curiosity,” I admit, trying to keep my voice even. Inside my nerves are bubbling up.

“I would say you should come into my apartment, but your brother gave me a warning about that today,” he says with a wry smile.

“He did not.” I cover my face then uncover it. “Sorry, Kaleb.”

“Brett understood that you were only there to tell me about Taylor, but I still got the warning.” He chuckles.

“You know Brett.” I shrug. I look him in the eyes, which is a big mistake, because it’s hard to contain the happy flutters inside me when I do.

“I do, which is why my proposal is risky,” he begins and then he turns around and checks the area.

“Last I checked, Brett was fast asleep on the couch.”

Kaleb nods and licks his lips. They are fine lips with just the right thickness. I swallow and redirect my thoughts but his scent and just his overall demeanor, the way he stands tall, they do things to me they shouldn’t.

Kaleb then leans into me. My breath catches as his lips brush the edge of my earlobe. He begins to whisper. “I was hoping it would be you who takes my virginity. I need someone I trust and I’m attracted to you, Maddie, I have been most of my life. I can make it good for you and maybe being with me will help you get over that douchebag who broke your heart. Not that I want you to fall for me, just that I think the sex between us could be magic.”

He pulls away and my heart hammers in my chest as I try to get my bearings.

“Say something, Maddie.” He reaches out and caresses the side of my face with his thumb, and I feel like butter from that small touch.

“I . . .”

He smiles warmly.

“I’ve sworn off men,” I blurt.

He chuckles softly. “That can’t be true. I felt the way you reacted to me last night. Was I reading that situation wrong?”

He waits.

I close my eyes and shake my head at the gravity of what I am considering.

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