Page 35 of Unstable

“Never. He’s very nice, easy to talk to, and a great listener. He understands what I’ve been through, you know, because of his dad."

He deliberates, a low and long rumble rising up from deep in his chest. “Okay, well, he seems alright, and I’m glad he’s helping you. But remember Henley, I’ll help you too. And you can always talk to me. I’d love it if you trusted me enough to do so. I know all about what you’ve been through, so please, consider letting me be there for you too.”

“Are you just saying this as some sort of macho thing, or do you mean it?”

Why do I need clarification?

Because, as much as I hate to admit it, Gatlin doesn’t elicit any feelings in me besides friendship, kinship, comfort. Whereas Keaton stokes a fire—whether it be an angry fire, flames of desire or forbidden heat—in me. All different, but I always feel something…strongly.

Maybe I always have—just another thing I so expertly refused to acknowledge.

“Both.” He rubs the back of his knuckles down my cheek. “I can be both, Hen. Your best friend and your man. I can be everything you need.”

Dear God, my belly just went off in rapid flutter and my pussy clenched. The hated neighbor…not so much anymore. That deep sultry voice drapes over me like silk. The reverent promise in his eyes the color of the clearest ocean.

I feel my resistance weaken more every time we interact.

But I can’t let it matter. I won’t. Not until I’m sure.

“I…I have to go,” I take a step away from him. “I better not go back in there and hear you were a dick to him.”

“You shouldn’t, because I wasn’t. Do me one favor?”

I lift a brow in question.

“When he’s gone, call me before you go to sleep.”

“Why? And I don’t know your number.”

He grins, full lips parting to showcase straight, white teeth and endless charisma. He’s a really good grinner. “Because I asked you to. And yes you do, as I have yours. Check your phone, I’m under “Irresistible Neighbor.”

“You hacked my phone? And do you know how to spell irresistible?” I taunt with a smile.

“Your code is your birthday, that’s not hacking, just pressing buttons. And yes, smartass, I know more than you think I do. Just call me, okay?”

“Whatever. Goodnight.” I turn to go in.

“Not yet. You can tell me that when we hang up later.”

Infuriating.

“I’m sorry that took so long.” I’m already talking when I walk back in to join Gatlin. “I hope he wasn’t a complete ass. I really don’t think he can help it. He’s been, well, him, since forever.”

“He wasn’t anything but friendly. Eh, maybe not friendly,” he chuckles, “but definitely not rude. You remember when I admitted to you I cried like a baby?”

“Yes,” I answer, gathering up the dishes.

He rises and helps me, following me to the sink. “Think that set the tone that we can talk openly. So can I ask you something?”

My head drops and the dread of knowing what’s coming leaves me in a loud breath. “Sure,” I say monotonously.

“You and Keaton, more than friends? Or maybe in the past?”

“No and no.” I fill the sink with bubbles and throw him a towel. “You dry. And why do you ask?”

“Because there’s something there. He wanted to kill me, for being alone with you. And you try to act like he annoys you, but that’s not annoyance in your eyes when you look at him, Henley. There’s this palpable thing between you two, and honestly, I felt like an intruder.”

I hand him a plate and dunk another one. “Keaton is very…alpha. He wants to be the man in any room, and honestly, he always has been. He was the best at everything while we were growing up. Quarterback, most popular guy in school, rodeo champ in Calf Roping and Bull Riding, rich, good looking. He’s cocky and always will be.”

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