Living Violet by Jaime Reed Read Free Book Online

general principle.
    I wove through the maze of bookshelves toward the break room when Caleb leapt out of nowhere and blocked my path. “If I didn’t know any better, I would think you’re jealous.”
    I tried to walk around him, but he blocked me with a side step.
    â€œJealous of what?” I asked.
    When I moved to the right, he did the same. “Of my popularity.”
    I stopped moving. “Oh please. I know practically everyone in this town.”
    â€œI mean with the opposite sex.”
    My hands pinned to my sides, my fists clinched. He may stand over six feet, but my killer right hook could bring him down to size. “Are you implying that I don’t have game?”
    The side of his lips curled. “No. I’m implying that you have a tendency to scare people off. You don’t have the same reaction with me that most women do. For a while, I thought you hated men.”
    At his words, my muscles relaxed. I gave up worrying what people thought of me long ago, but that didn’t lessen the sting. “I don’t hate men.”
    â€œThen prove it. Go out with me.”
    My mind went blank for a second, so I wasn’t sure if I had heard him right. “Go-who-what?”
    â€œGo out with me. Nadine gave me two tickets to Europia Park since she works there, and I want you to come with me.”
    â€œGet Nadine to take you.”
    He gave me a weary look as if I should know better than to ask. “Catching Nadine on a day off is as common as Halley’s Comet.”
    He had a point. Vacations and sick leave must be against her religion or something. “Then why don’t you call one of your disciples to go with you?”
    â€œBecause I want you to come with me. Besides, they would be all over me, and I actually want to see the park. I’ve been in Virginia for two years, and I’ve never been there.”
    Indignation came back with a vengeance. “You are so arrogant!”
    â€œYet you won’t say no.”
    â€œOh yeah? Check this out. No!” I tried to skirt around him. When that didn’t work, I raced to the other end of the aisle and ran into his chest.
    He tapped his chin in contemplation. “Tomorrow would be a good time. We’re both off tomorrow. Why don’t we meet here and we can take my car?”
    â€œHow about I stay home, and you go get your little groupies to show you around?”
    â€œI already told you why, and this would be a great way to get to know me.”
    â€œI don’t wanna get to know you,” I argued, sounding every bit the five-year-old.
    â€œIt’s not a date. I just want to hang out.”
    Jabbing a finger in his chest, I met his gaze dead on. “First off, how do you know when I work? Second, you’re assuming I have nothing else to do but show you around a theme park all day, and why isn’t it a date?”
    â€œBecause you don’t want it to be. And our work schedules are posted in the break room.”
    â€œOh.” I dropped my hand. “Well, I’m still not going.”
    His advance made me retreat until my back pressed against the shelf.
    â€œI’ll tell you what, meet me here at noon, and if you’re not here by twelve-fifteen, I’ll go alone. No pressure, though I’m sure you wanna know why what’s-her-name had her heart attack.”
    He slowly backed away, his eyes watching my reaction. And boy, he had quite a show. All kinds of horror scenes flashed before my eyes in every subgenre, from psycho killer to swamp monster.
    â€œWhat do you mean?” I called after him.
    â€œTomorrow. Noon.”
    â€œWhat? What the hell kind of cliffhanger is that? If there was foul play, there’s no way I’m going anywhere with you.”
    He turned and walked on. Now it was my turn to chase. He only made it to the end of the row before I caught his arm. “Did you have something to do with it? Did you poison her, or