Page 97 of The Blackmail of Denise Randall

“That’s one way to put it.” I nod.

“That’s the only way to put it,” he firmly states.

“Anyways. You were telling me how all this came about.”

“I became concerned about your condition. I called and found out where you all were. You kept accusing me of dating Jennifer or Charlee. Which I’m not. I was at the police station the entire time, until I could get away to come back to your celebration. When I finally found you and convinced you that I hadn’t been at Jennifer’s…” his eyes sparkle with laughter, “you straddled me and made some bold suggestions.”

I could crawl under this car. And pray it backs over me. I feel my face flame. Dear Lord, what all did I say? My mind races, trying to piece together last night. My hands become clammy as I remember how firm and warm he felt. We’d danced, laughed, and we’d kissed! My eyebrows shoot up. We had taken a private ride around in the limo. It had gotten heated. He’d been the one to stop it from going further and then took me to Alice’s apartment. Keaton had helped me to the room and laid down with me. We’d talked and cuddled.

“Why didn’t you spend the night with me?”

“I wasn’t sure how much of that was real last night. You were sobering up toward the end, but I didn’t want to wake up and see the look of regret in your eyes.”

My mind is still fuzzy, but I vaguely recall telling him that he was mine now and I’d whoop any bitch’s ass that so much as looks at him too long.

“I mean I know they’ll look. C’mon. You’re tho damn hot it’s a thin. Tho thexy.”

Heat creeps onto my cheeks as I cringe at the memory. I had also been vulnerable to him. I’d confessed that I would overthink us and allow my insecurities to damage our relationship. We’d discussed my dreams of fashion. I feel his hand encase mine.

“Don’t overthink. Don’t stress. One day at a time, okay?”

I smile and nod. “Okay.”

“Good. Let’s do this.” He releases my hand and exits the vehicle.

Slowly, I open the door, and despite my utter embarrassment, I climb out and turn to face him. He places his hand on my lower back and leads me into the police station. I fell off the wagon, but that’s what friends and family are for, to make sure you don’t get completely left behind.

Keaton leads me back to his car and opens the passenger side door. “I have to work today, but I’d like to take you out to lunch.”

“That’d be nice.”

He leans on the open door and cocks his head. “Really?”

I shrug and give him a puzzled expression. “Yeah, why not?”

“Oh, I don’t know. Maybe because you’ve shot me down every time. I’m surprised you’re being so agreeable.”

I straighten my spine. “You know what?”

“What?”

“I’m full of surprises.”

“I believe that.”

“Also, maybe it shows that I might push you away, but don’t give up on me.”

“Never.” He leans further into the car and says, “Being a persistent ass is my best quality.”

I reach out and jerk my door shut. I watch him chuckle as he walks around the front of the vehicle and gets in. He gives me a smirk as he turns the key and starts the car. We ride in a comfortable silence. When he pulls in front of my parents’ guest house, he shifts the car into park.

I’m not sure if I should kiss him or not. Honestly, I’m feeling a little bashful. I smile and say “Thank you,” as I open the car door. I get out and grin at him as I walk around the car.

“Pick you up at eleven-thirty AM. Be ready.”

I turn around to watch the car disappear down the street. If we continue a relationship, I wonder if it’ll always be one where we tease and challenge each other. I can only hope. I smile as I remember his lips and the mischievous sparkle in his eyes. I check the time on my phone. I have a little under an hour before my lunch date. I skip happily into the house; for the first time in years, I feel giddy and excited. And I’m sober.

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