Page 146 of The Next Lie

Cal’s face goes through three emotions before landing on tired amusement.

“Noted,” he says.

“Don’t noted me.”

He holds up both hands. “I wouldn’t dare. Anymore.”

“You’re smirking.” She points at me.

“I am trying very hard not to.”

“You’re failing.”

Cal looks at me. “Good luck.”

“Coward,” she snaps.

“Yes,” he says, and walks away.

I watch him go, mostly to avoid laughing.

Reva turns on me.

“Do you have intentions for me?”

The question comes out like a challenge.

Her chin is up. Her cheeks are flushed. Her eyes are still wet from the conversation he had no business making her have and I had no business overhearing.

I should handle this carefully, but I won’t. I don’t do anything the right way where Reva is concerned, it seems.

I step toward her.

She holds her ground for two seconds, then backs up when I do not stop. The brick wall catches her shoulders. Vines frame her on both sides. Her breath catches, and the sound moves through me like a command.

I set one hand on the wall beside her head and lean in.

“I definitely have intentions where you’re concerned.”

Her eyes drop to my mouth. That’s a mistake.

Mine.

Hers.

Both ours.

“What kind of intentions?” she asks. Her voice emerges raspy and breathless and sounds like sex.

I take her chin and make her look at me. “The kind that will make Cal consider murder again if I say them out loud.”

Her lips part. “You’re impossible.”

“You like me.”

“You’re arrogant, too.”

“The best men are.”