Twisted Mind (Chequered Flag #2) by Mia Hoddell Read Free Book Online Page A

sound serious. However, the teasing in voice dampened the effect. “And allowing you to call me Taz is a big deal. That’s usually only reserved for family.”
    I raised one hand to my heart, splaying it on my chest. “It is an honour to be included in such a selective group.”
    Tazia playfully swatted my arm. “Don’t take the piss.”
    “I’m not. I wouldn’t want to be kicked out of the club only seconds after gaining membership. This is some serious shit. I wouldn’t dare mess with it.”
    “You’re a dork.”
    “But I’m a cute dork.”
    “Cute is what you say about a kitten, it’s not sexy. Cute gets you friend-zoned.” She drew both lips into her mouth, trying to stifle a laugh. Turning away from me, she hobbled down the hallway and called over her shoulder, “I’ll meet you downstairs. You may want to put a shirt on before you leave the building.”
    I glanced down, surprised to see she was right, then peered up at her with a grin. I’d noticed the way she’d been staring at me—now and earlier. “I think I’ll go like this and prove you wrong.”
    She shrugged, no doubt attempting to feign nonchalance. However, the blush tinting her cheeks betrayed her real thoughts. “Your choice, it’s not like you’re going to be walking around with me.”
    I didn’t bother to correct her and caught up in a few strides. She was mistaken if she thought I was letting her go without a fight.
    I hardly knew her, yet already I felt I needed her. Something about her presence soothed my wounds and numbed the pain to a barely noticeable level, and I planned to take full advantage of every reprieving second.
     
    * * *
     
    “What did you want again?” I asked, pushing the trolley into the supermarket and starting down the first aisle.
    “Does it matter? You’re doing your own shopping.” She waved at me. “‘Bye now.”
    “Come on, Taz. Did you really think I meant it, and how are you planning on getting around with a trolley and crutches?”
    She folded her arms and glowered. Though, having to balance on one leg to perform the action lessened its severity to make it more comical. “I’ll manage, and yeah I did, so you’re going to stick to it.”
    “If I take my shirt off again will it make you change your mind?” I chuckled. When I had thrown on the shirt I kept in my gym bag back in the car park I swear Tazia’s eyes fell in disappointment.
    “Are you trying to be an ass?” she murmured.
    “What was that?”
    “I thought we were meant to be starting over? You’re not exactly making a good first impression.”
    “I must have made a better impression than Perry considering you’re here with me. What’s the deal with you and him?”
    “Nothing. He helped me move in after some jerk knocked me over.”
    Tazia wasn’t kidding about her bluntness. I kind of liked it…maybe.
    “I apologised for that.”
    “So? It doesn’t mean I’m going to let you live it down. I’m only biding my time for the perfect comeback.”
    I scoffed, not worried in the slightest.
    “Why can’t I give you a pet name?” It had been gnawing at me since I witnessed her reaction. Instinct told me there had to be something bigger there.
    She paused in front of the refrigerated section, eying the selection of whipped cream. “You don’t know me. I’m not looking for more than a friend and pet names signal more. I’m not anyone’s baby, I don’t care if someone thinks I’m beautiful, I’m not a princess, and my heart is broken not sweet.”
    Tazia refused to meet my eyes, pretending to read the ingredients on the back of the canister. She shrugged, the action appearing defeated.
    “I want to be known as myself, as Taz, because it’s the only version that’s true.”
    Dumbfounded, I struggled to find any words to create a response. I’d never met a girl who didn’t like endearing names, let alone had such an adverse reaction to them. Raine always got emotional when I called her sweet girl, although that