Page 35 of Bad Boy Crush

May chuckled. “You bet your sweet ass I am.”

eleven

Arms buzzing from two hours of chainsawing and sanding, Ant set aside his hand sander as the announcer called time. He plucked out his earplugs and dropped them into his pocket. He’d carved the sculpture of a howling wolf in record time. It wasn’t perfect. His artist’s eye detected areas that could use further definition, but he hadn’t had the time. Two hours was a rush for the ambitious sculpture, but he’d wanted to push himself. He was playing to win.

Now that he was done concentrating so damn hard, he was aware how fucking hot he was. He’d worn protective gear that included heavy leather flaps over his jeans, goggles, and gloves. He was roasting. He shed everything he could without being inappropriate and tossed them into his bin.

Tall, black dividers stood between each of the five men who had competed, so they hadn’t seen each other’s sculptures. The crowd had seen everything. Volunteers came around with white sheets to cover the sculptures and tag them with the competitor’s name and ID number. Only then were the barriers removed between competitors.

“Tonight, our judges will view and score the contestants’ sculptures,” the announcer told the crowd. “Tomorrow at four p.m., Salty Dog will unveil the winner of the contest. Until then, there will be booths at the marina and a pub crawl on Endless Avenue. There are no more official competitions today. We begin at noon tomorrow! Enjoy the rest of your day.”

“Can’t wait to win!” Hunter shouted, earning cheers from his fans. A young girl asked for his autograph, and he took the pen and paper, but not before giving Ant a smug smile.

Ant swiped sawdust off his arms. The idea of losing to Hunter stung, and Ant wasn’t a particularly prideful guy. But watching him kiss Lou earlier had sent anger pouring through him like lava.

Ant had kept an eye on them for a few minutes, to make sure she was okay. He’d followed them to the frozen lemonade booth, where Hunter had pulled her in for a kiss. The second she’d placed her hand on his chest, Ant had shut his eyes and turned around. He sure as shit hadn’t wanted to see that. While he didn’t have any claim on her, he hadn’t imagined she’d kiss Hunter.

“Hey.” Lou bounced over to him now, fresh-faced and gorgeous. “Great job.”

He drank from his water bottle and tried to decide if her perky mood was because she’d made out with the state champion.

“So, I never had a chance to interview you for the blog. We should talk.”

“About what?”

“About the games. About your wins. About”—she gestured to the sheet-covered carving—“why you chose to sculpt what you did.”

“I’m not sure anyone actually cares.”

She scoffed. “I beg your pardon. I care. This is my work you’re talking about.”

“Thought he was the star of your article.” He pointed his chin at Hunter, who was signing another autograph for a young fan.

“Hardly. We both know who has the real talent here.”

He was trying to decide if she was placating him or if she’d meant the compliment. She’d always appreciated his work. Ant himself had been another story. He felt disposable.

“Maybe later. I need a shower.” He brushed off his dusty arms again.

“Okay.” Her gaze was downcast like he’d disappointed her. If he was reading her right. After today, he wasn’t sure he could read her at all. He was either really out of practice from their hiatus, or she was being cagey. “Well. I guess I’ll meet up with May. She’s at the wine bar waiting for me.”

“See you around.”

“Bye.” With a little wave, she walked off. He watched her until her hat was nothing but a small white dot in the crowd.

“You’ll win.” Brady, in uniform, sneaked up behind him. “Good going, man.”

“Thanks.” Ant continued packing up his tools.

“The state champion medal is as good as yours.”

“Does that mean I have to do this shit next year?” Ant asked over his shoulder.

“If you want to defend your title.”

“How long are you working?”

“The remainder. Food and drink trucks will be set up until eight p.m.”

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