Page 18 of Crazy Love

Why aren’t I jumping at the bit to accept a date with him?

“Oi, Kali!”

I whip my head to see Anthony standing in the entry. “You done flirting, or should we assume you’re out for the day?”

I narrow my eyes at him and notice that whilst his tone had a humorous twang to it, his body is stiff, tension rolling off his shoulders.

“Is he your boyfriend?” Nathan’s tone is laced with uncertainty as he looks at Anthony.

I scoff. “He wishes.”

“Right. Well, you don’t have to answer me right now about dinner-”

“I’d love to do dinner,” I cut in.

“Great.” Relief flitters across his face. “How about next Friday?”

Through my peripherals I see Anthony still watching our exchange. My heart rate picks up.

“Sounds great,” I say with a smile. “I’ll see you then.”

He nods with a big smile and heads back towards his shop.

I adjust the toolbox in my arms and head back towards the warehouse. Anthony’s still staring me down, his expression unreadable.

“What?” I snap, shoving the toolbox into his arms.

“Glad you could join us, Kali.”

I push past him towards the girls inside, ignoring his searing gaze and the intoxicating sensation trickling through my veins at hearingKalioff his lips, instead of Red.

10

KALI

The setting sunover the distant mountains signals the end of the workday for most people. As we edge closer to winter, the days are getting shorter and the air cooler. We’ve put in a solid day of work and despite my jokes earlier about my friends working for free, I can’t help but feel humbled by their help. Between the five of us, we managed to tear down every remaining wall and clear out half of the crap in there. The lot’s dumpster is almost at capacity and until my one arrives tomorrow (thanks to Meg), I can’t clear out anymore.

We all chatted amongst ourselves when we had bursts of energy, although Anthony had been quiet. But it was aloudquiet. He and I only exchanged a few words, almost as if he was pissed with me.

As I round the corner towards the dumpster, to squeeze one last bit of rubbish inside it, I’m yanked sideways by my waist. The rubbish in my hands falls to the ground as my back smacks against a brick wall, an enormous frame towering over me. Breathless, I gather my bearings and stare up into a pair of cobalt eyes filled with molten heat.

Anthony’s face is inches from mine, his breath warm on my mouth. My heart beats out of my chest like a drum, and I wonder if it’s possible for it to burst through flesh.

“What are you doing?” I gasp.

“I could ask you the same question,” he growls. Anthony’s gaze travels across my face and down my neck, electrifying my skin.

“I’m sorry. Are you braindead? You’ve bailedmeagainst the wall like a psychopath.”

Anthony frowns. “Are you seriously going on a date with that guy?”

My mouth opens and closes. I had not been expecting that and I’m torn between wanting the upper hand in our stupid game and wanting to succumb to his questions.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Anthony’s nostrils flare and he slides one of his large hands up my neck, enclosing it with his fingers on a gentle squeeze. I grin and gasp at the same time.

“Oh, you don’t know what I’m talking about?” His lips trail down to my collarbone, the grip on my neck softening. “I have half a mind to take you right here in the carpark.”

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