Page 27 of The Chaos She Brings
Loud and insistent? Demand an answer?
Or should I just burst in and act like I own the place?
Before I can make a decision, the door swings open.
“Hi!” I blurt, way too loud.Real smooth, Tess.
Kai’s expression is unreadable, but my stomach decides to host a gymnastics meet anyway. His presence is magnetic, his grumpy aura a direct assault on my self-control.
“What are you doing?” His voice is rough, low, and entirely unfair to my hormones.
“I have work,” I say, crossing my arms as if that will keep my dignity intact. “Just thought I’d let you know I’m heading out.”
His expression darkens. “Is that wise?”
I narrow my eyes. “I have to make money somehow.”
He holds my gaze for a moment, then shrugs. “Okay. Need alift?”
I blink, caught off guard. “Uh, no. I’ll take the tube.”
“Suit yourself.”
I turn to make a swift escape, but his hand shoots out, catching my arm. The contact sends an electric jolt through my body, and I freeze.
“Give me your number,” he says, his tone low and commanding.
“What?” My voice comes out sharp, as anger builds inside. “Are you kidding me? First, you say you’re not interested, then you ignore me for two days, and now you’re asking for my number? Arrogant prick—”
His hand covers my mouth, silencing me as he backs me against the wall.
Every nerve ending in my body ignites as I become hyper aware of how close we are. His hard, muscular frame cages me in, and, for a moment, I forget how to breathe.
“I’m not asking because I’ve changed my mind, Hurricane,” he rumbles, his voice a dangerous whisper. “It’s for emergencies. I’ll text you so you can call me if you get into trouble. Got it?”
His hand is still on my mouth, his dark eyes boring into mine. My heart races as I nod.
He releases me, pulling out his phone. I rattle off my number, my voice unsteady, then bolt before I do something stupid—like beg him to kiss me again.
It requires me to get three tubes to get to my job at Fitness Magic due to rail strikes and because Kai’s house is much further away than my flat, and I almost regret not accepting the offered lift. Almost.
By the time I collapse into my chair behind the front desk, I’m a sweaty mess. My iced latte (yes, Starbucks was absolutely necessary, how else would I cool down?) is already halfway gone. Strands of hair cling uncomfortably to the back of my neck, so I twist them into a high ponytail, savouring the relief as a bead of sweat rolls down my temple.
The door chimes, and I plaster on my best customer-service smile as the first gym rat of the day strolls in. Of course, it’s theSweat Sprinkler.
“Hi, David!” I chirp as he swipes hismembership card.
“Tess, glad to see you back.” He saunters over with a confidence that far outpaces his actual charm.
“You miss me?” I tease, keeping my tone light.
“Always, baby girl,” he winks before heading off. I suppress a shudder.Gross.
Another member breezes past, swiping their card without even glancing in my direction. Just as I’m about to enjoy the quiet, Dana, my coworker, slides into the chair beside me, flashing a perfectly professional smile for the line of gym-goers filing in.
“Was that theMirror Magnet?” she whispers, her tone laced with amusement.
“Yep. Wonder how many selfies he’ll take today,” I reply, trying to stifle a laugh.
