Page 40 of The Keeper

I let out a long sigh. “I don’t even know what to say.”

A soft laugh was the only response I got. I looked up at him.

“Is your dinner date offer still good?” I wondered aloud.

“All of my offers remain active until further notice.”

“Good to know.”

He stood in front of me. “Let me see your phone, please.”

I was about to ask why when he continued, “I’m putting my number in it, just in case.”

“Just in case what?”

“You’d like to text me. Or send me naughty photos.” He grinned as he tapped at the screen.

“Do I get naughty photos in return?”

“Maybe.” His wide, crooked grin appeared.

“I thought you didn’t like maybes.”

“Depends on the context.”

I rolled my eyes. He glanced up and saw it. “Insufferably snobbish again?”

“Maybe.” I said it louder than I normally would have. It did make him laugh though.

“What does your day look like tomorrow?” I asked when he handed me the phone. I looked down, noticing he’d saved his number as Mildly Hot. “This,” I laughed and held it up so he could see screen, “really got under your skin didn’t it?”

“Nope. Just distinguishing myself from any other mid-life crisis you may have met here.”

“Now that you mention it, I do have a couple others. Juggling all of you will be exhausting.”

He tipped my chin up, brushing his thumb over my mouth. “I’d prefer it if you make me your priority.”

The tinge of jealousy in his voice at my harmless banter stirred something in me.

“Is that what you expect? To be the center of my universe?”

“I expect nothing from you other than what you’re willing to give me,” he responded with a smirk. “C’mon. Let’s finish this tour before we leave.”

Before I had a chance to react, he headed for the foyer. When I caught up to him, he’d already bounded up the staircase. Dread gripped at me, knowing I’d have no choice but to follow him up there.

“Here we go,” I muttered, climbing the stairs.

The second floor was more shadowed than the main level, mostly because several of the doors remained closed, blocking out any natural light. My old bedroom, along with Charlotte’s, was open. I closed my eyes, sending a silent prayer to the universe, God, angels, and basically any higher power out there that he’d wandered into my room.

“Peaches and cream, huh.” Xavier poked his head out from the doorway to my sister’s room. “Not quite the color combination I’d imagined for little you.”

Fuuuuuck. I raked my hands through my hair, watching him disappear back inside. After a few calming breaths, I followed him.

Stepping into her room felt like traveling back in time. It didn’t smell like her fruity perfumes anymore but her spirit existed in every corner. I’d almost forgotten the dreamy, stylish flair she’d preferred in her decor with the soft blankets and fuzzy pillows.

“Tell me more about little Victoria,” Xavier requested. He’d made himself comfortable on my sister’s bed, holding what looked like a diary in his hand. “Or should I just read this?”

On instinct, I shot across the room and snatched it. My quick movement elicited a throaty laugh from him.

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