Page 69 of The Keeper

“You love me,” I retorted, looking him straight in the eyes. His easy-going exterior faltered.

I had no filter when I flirted. Approaching the line but never crossing it was one of my favorite games to play. Killian could scoff at my no sleeping with the product line all he wanted but he knew my reasoning behind it.

No attachments. Ever.

Broken people didn’t get happy endings. Especially the ones at fault for destroying an innocent person’s life. Doubly so if that person was their twin. Triply so if it tore the whole family apart.

I already thought of myself as a horrible person. What others said about me could never be worse.

“Thanks for letting me borrow these.” I handed the folded hoodie and pants to Xavier. I’d changed into my own clothes and started laying out the rest to pack later.

“Keep them,” he offered. “Authentic souvenirs. Way better than a tea cup with the King’s face on it.”

“I’ll pass, thanks,” I laughed.

“On the tea cup? Smart move.”

“You know what I mean,” I grinned.

“You’ll change your mind. I could tell you liked being in them.”

His ability to combine cockiness, a touch of arrogance, and flirting was pretty masterful. The fact that he could do it without coming off as a complete asshole was also impressive.

“Do you plan on keeping me in this bedroom all day?” The silkiness in his tone prompted me to stop folding and look up. He leaned into the door jamb all casual and hot and boyfriend-like, exuding sex appeal with little effort.

Nope. No more sex. Maybe some kissing. Definitely some kissing but that’s it.

“You’re free to explore,” I suggested. A sultry glow lit up his eyes, forcing me to amend my statement. “The house. You’re free to explore the house.”

“Smooth. C’mon. Stop fidgeting with your clothes and let’s go get lunch. Remember, you’re with me all day.”

Food sounded like the best idea. Besides, I wanted to see Dawn and Ray before leaving. A little twinge of sadness filled me for not spending as much time with them as I’d planned. Charlotte and I loved going to the Black Rose Tavern. Dawn would always give us extra french fries with our orders. She also worked tirelessly to convince us mayonnaise tasted better on them than ketchup.

Poor thing. We never had the heart to tell her nothing topped ranch dressing.

And then there was Ray. He called us his two little ginger snaps while serving us heaping bowls of Eton’s Mess. With all the empty calories we consumed there my mother would always make sure we ate nothing but fruits and vegetables once we got home.

Not too many people were at Black Rose, so we opted to sit at the bar. Dawn came over as soon as she saw us.

“This is a lovely surprise,” she beamed, eyeing me warmly.

“Figured it was time to be cordial to my neighbors,” Xavier said, winking at Dawn.

“Helps that she’s a looker, yeah?” She reached over and ruffled his hair in a motherly way. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say Xavier blushed. This man can’t possibly have a bashful bone in his body.

I smiled at their interaction. Dawn was about twenty years older than me. She and Ray never had children so I considered her to be the cool aunt type. She was stylish, always ready for a joke, and had the kindest brown eyes.

“You know me,” he stated. “Always the gentleman.”

“You’re a rogue,” she declared. “I’m keeping an eye on you.” Turning to me she asked, “The usual fish and chips for you, love?”

“Yes, please.”

“Same for me,” Xavier chimed in. “And don’t hold back on the chips.”

“I thought your body was a temple,” she teased.

“It is.” He smirked. “But the temple is closed today.”

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