Call Me Crazy by Quinn Loftis, M Bagley Designs Read Free Book Online Page B

noticed the first time she looked up at me that they were a striking blue–grey color, like the color of the clouds as they darken for a coming storm. I find myself wondering if her eyes, like storm clouds, become darker and more turbulent with strong emotions.
    “Well, let me take the awkwardness out of it,” I tell her. “I’m here visiting my mom. She’s going through a tough time.”
    Her face softens as she finally looks back up at me.
    “I’m sorry to hear that.”
    I hear the sincerity in her voice and in that very brief moment I see a glimpse of the depth of emotion Tally carries deep inside. Don’t ask me how, but something in her draws me and I know that I want to spend more time with her. I want to see just how deep those emotions go.
    I raise my brow at her. “Do you have family here?”
    Just as she’s about to answer, an older woman comes around the corner and stops beside Tally. She smiles up at me and the wrinkles in her face deepen. Her eyes are a tad wild and there is no doubt that this woman is a patient.
    “Tally is…,” the older woman starts.
    “I’m her niece,” Tally interrupts, “well her great niece. Candy,” she motions towards me, “this is Trey.”
    The woman called Candy looks me over from head to toe and back again. I might have been a little freaked out by the gleam in her eyes but my attention is caught by the blush that is once again burning up Tally’s tan skin.
    “It’s nice to meet you Candy,” I tell her as I hold out my hand. Candy takes it without pause and pumps it up and down vigorously.
    “Oh believe me, the pleasure is all mine.”
    Tally tries to inconspicuously stomp Candy’s foot as she glares at the older woman from the corner of her eye. Candy doesn’t even flinch. She finally drops my hand and takes a step back.
    “So you and my niece, ” she emphasizes the word as she glances at Tally, “known each other long?”
    “All of about five minutes,” I tell her.
    “Got any plans?”
    “Candy, really?” Tally scolds her aunt.
    Candy shrugs. “What? An old lady can’t live vicariously through her great niece’s love life?”
    “Okay first off, eww , second, there is no love life, and third, if there were, the answer would be a big, freaking, fat NO.” Tally looks up at me with a small smile. “She has an over active imagination.”
    “Do I ever,” Candy smirks as she continues her perusal of me.
    “Okay, so Trey, it was really nice to meet you but I need to take my aunt back to her room before she attempts to rape you in broad daylight.”
    I choke at her words and can’t help laughing when Candy responds.
    “It doesn’t have to be in broad daylight, and who says I would have to force him, I mean I am much older than you and have much, much,” she waggles her eyebrows at me suggestively, “more experience.”
    “Okay, I think I just threw up in my mouth.” Tally grabs Candy’s hand and begins to drag her off.
    I reach out quickly and snatch Tally’s free hand.
    “Will I see you again?” I ask her and can tell she is surprised at my forwardness, but frankly I don’t care. All I know is that I want to get to know Tally.
    “Um…,”
    “She practically lives here,” Candy snorts. “I’m sure you will run into her again.”
    Tally throws Candy a look I can’t decipher. I’m still holding onto Tally’s hand, waiting for her to confirm her aunt’s words.
    “I am here every day, don’t really have anywhere else to be, as sad as that sounds.” She admits meekly.
    I let my thumb rub across her smooth wrist, as if I’ve done it a thousand times before, and I see her eyes widen and her breath hitch.
    “I think it’s great that you care so much for your aunt.”
    She lets out a nervous laugh and I feel her trying to gently twist her wrist free. I open my fingers reluctantly and stand up straight, backing up a step in the process.
    “Okay well, see you tomorrow,” she frowns as if she doesn’t like what she has said. “I