Page 134 of The Keeper

“Yeah?” His expression brightened. “So you’re glad you went?”

“I am.” I paused. “He wanted to know who the guy was my mom spoke to on the phone. I told him it was you and he nearly fell out of his chair.”

“Really?” He chuckled.

“Oh yeah. And then he said something about you charming my mother when you talked to her.”

“I told you we had a lovely chat.” The playful arrogance returned to his tone.

“Well, whatever you did worked. My parents actually talked and transferred the cottage to my trust.” I spread my arms out. “Looks like we really are neighbors now.”

His eyes widened, glowing with hope and fear and resolve. And, of course, mischief. “Guess that means I’ll be visiting you all hours of the day and night.”

“I was thinking more along the lines of you shirtless in my yard cutting the grass,” I sassed.

“Mmhmm,” he hummed, leaning closer. “You’d like that wouldn’t you?”

I would. I’d like it a lot. For a brief moment I allowed my thoughts to go places I never let it. To the future. To him and I as a couple.

If he could read my thoughts right now, I wondered what he’d say.

I shoved my fantasy life back into the safety of my mind.

“You should get back to the hotel before they find out you’re not in the room.”

“It’s the middle of the night,” he flicked his wrist dismissively. “Nobody’s checking.” An intense stare focused on me. “I’m not leaving you alone right now.”

The last time he said similar words to me I told him I’d only slept with him to distract myself and we were nothing. From the way he kept his eyes glued to me I could tell he was thinking the same thing.

“Okay,” I said. “But promise me you won’t get in trouble.”

“You’re worth it,” he declared, gently stroking my cheek. “Bedroom?”

I nodded, standing up. There’s no reason to fight this anymore. Our lives are forever entwined thanks to one fateful summer when we were both teenagers, blissfully unaware of the other’s existence. And now here we are, pressed together in a gentle embrace on my bed.

He played with my hair as I slid my hand under his t-shirt to caress his skin. My earlier fantasy of us as a couple came roaring back.

I didn’t stop it. I liked how it made me feel. I liked how he made me feel.

“Thank you,” I said.

“For what?”

“This. Being here. I didn’t realize how much I needed it.”

He held me tighter. I curled into him, tangling my legs with his. He threaded his fingers through my hair, gently massaging my scalp.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t with you today.” A soft kiss lingered on my forehead.

“You don’t have to apologize.”

“I do. My first priority is you. I promise I won’t make that mistake again.”

“Don’t make promises you can’t keep.” I nuzzled into his chest. “Especially during the season. If your schedule is anything like—”

“Victoria.”

I sighed. “Yes?”

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