Page 98 of The Blackmail of Denise Randall

THE ROSE

Our lunch date was simple. We went to a steak house on the other side of town that offers a buffet, since he was short on time. He had to get back out to the job site. That one lunch date led to us having lunch together for the rest of the week.

Today I decided to surprise him with lunch at the construction site. A shiver runs through me as I watch Keaton spread the grout on the floor. His muscles glistening as he works with skill and grace. He grabs a marble tile and puts it in place. He must feel my eyes because he looks up at me. The smile that spreads across his face has me working up a sweat.

I hold up a picnic basket, and he stands.

“I thought we could spend your lunch on a picnic. I made us a few peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.”

Keaton gives me a crooked smile. “Let me clean up real quick. I know just the place.” Sitting on an unfinished balcony, Keaton takes a bite of his sandwich and moans.

I smirk. “Impressive, I know. I’m just full of hidden talents.”

We chuckle, and he says, “I can’t wait to find out what other talents you possess.”

I suck my bottom lip in and look away. I’ve only been with Roland, and he was quite the man. I can’t help but blush because I know when Keaton and I do take our relationship there, he’s going to make it special.

“It’s been a week since Reynolds was arrested. Nothing has come of it. They can’t connect him to Wyatt, Charlee, or anyone we’d thought. His only connection to Charlee is that it was supposedly their first date. I callBullshit. They seemed very cozy for just getting to know each other. There’s no connection to Wyatt, other than they both know Charlee.”

Well that was like a bucket of cold water. Keaton definitely got my mind back to the present. Thanks. I mull over what he just told me. Charlee is the connecting link in all this so it would seem. I can’t believe Keaton Sloan was ever serious with her. I can’t think about that right now, though. Back to Reynolds.

“He will be charged for breaking into your house and threatening you. For now. I won’t let this go.”

“But what bothers me the most is that there’s no logic behind it.”

“Unfortunately, sometimes we never understand the logic behind some people. Most people actually.”

A guy calls out. Keaton sighs. “I’ve gotta get back to work. My lunch time is up, but thank you for this. It was really nice.” He starts gathering our basket and blanket.

Keaton walks me to my car. “I should be finished around five. Maybe later.” He takes my hands in his. “Want me to take you out for dinner? Or…I can throw something together at my place?”

“Wow. That sounds enticing. You gonna throw something together, huh?”

“It’ll be delicious, I promise. And I have all kinds of ideas for dessert.” He waggles his eyebrows, and his dimple shows with the big grin on his face.

I pull my hands away and smack his arm. “We’ll see.”

He gives me an incredulous look. “I’m well aware what ‘we’ll see’ actually translates to. My mom used it in every other sentence while I was growing up.”

I laugh and begin pushing him toward the site. “Get out of here. Aren’t you supposed to be building a house?”

He gets serious and places his hands on my shoulders. “You’re right that I do need to get going, but call me if you need me. Okay?”

I watch Keaton quickly walk back to his crew. He looks over his shoulder and gives me a little wave.

I’m applying the finishing touches to Alice’s dress. I plan to give it to her tomorrow.

My phone dings. I pick it up and smile. It’s a selfie of Keaton eating a glazed donut.

Keaton: Donut judge me :P

So cheesy. I love it!

Me: Didn’t we just eat?

Keaton: That was like 2 hours ago…

I look at the clock, not surprised I lost track of time. I usually do when designing and sewing.

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