Page 30 of Crazy Love

Kali’s eyes widen. “Nathan wouldn’t do that. The tequila just went to my head.”

“Yes, by all means, defend that piece of shit,” I spit, handing her a bottle of water. “Drink this.”

Kali’s eyes flicker back and forth as she takes a few swigs, before focusing on the space around her, as if suddenly realising where she is. “What are you even doing here?”

“I finished painting the trims like I promised. I was finishing up the front counter when you and Romeo pulled up.”

“You don’t have better things to do on a Friday night?”

“Nope.”

Kali stares at me. I want to know what she’s thinking. Most of the time I can get a good read on her. Despite the heated dynamics between the two of us, she usually skips any game-playing and tells me what she thinks straight up.Now?I’ve no idea what’s running through her mind, especially if she’s not clear-headed.

“What?” she asks, and I realise I’m staring at her.

“Why did you go on that date tonight?”

Kali’s eyes widen with surprise. She ducks her head and starts rummaging through her bag. “Because I wanted to.”

“Why?”

She huffs, slowly standing from her chair. “Because he’s cute and charming andniceto me. Well, Ithoughthe was.”

“I’m not nice?” I ask, stepping forward so she doesn’t fall again. Her breathing escalates. It’s hard to ignore how her body responds to mine.

“You’re only nice to me when you’re trying to get something from me,” she mumbles.

“That’s not true.”

“No?” She lifts her chin. “So, you’re not all up in my grill now to try to win this stupid bet?”

I tower over her. “I’m up in your grill because Iwantto be up in your grill.”

Kali blinks several times before responding. “I don’t get you.”

“What’s not to get? I’ve been nothing but transparent since the day I met you. And if you think the bet is stupid, let’s call it off.”

Kali narrows her eyes. “I’m no quitter.”

“Then stop whinging.”

Kali scoffs. “I’m notwhinging. Stop projecting your mind games onto me. Take it up with your therapist.”

I can’t help but chuckle. “Why are you so fixated on the fact that I go to therapy?”

“I’m not. I used to go religiously.”

“Why’d you stop?”

Kali hesitates. “Thirteen years of it was my limit.”

Something in my chest loosens. “Maybe you should try again.”

Kali hums to herself, her feisty demeanour replaced by one much softer, her arms wrapped around herself like a cocoon. “Maybe. Figure out why I self-sabotage all the time.” Her voice drifts off, as if she’s talking to herself.

“I could point you in the right direction,” I offer. “Since moving here I’ve gathered all sorts of contacts. There’s a good spread of mental health professionals around.”

Kali’s mouth twists in thought. “Maybe.”

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