Page 20 of Both Sides Now

“Brutally honest, to be sure. But, maybe you’re dating her because she’s beautiful and sexy. Maybe that’s enough for you. Maybe she fits the bill for what you need in your life.”

And maybe, I need to shut the hell up.

Seriously, who am I to give life advice? I’ve been a shut-in with a grief complex for the last twenty months, and now I’m suddenly swooning over a handsome, unattainable doctor and discovering an increasingly desperate need to get laid. How’s that for a plot twist?

If my words anger Keegan, he hides it well. He studies my face, considering my statements.

Then, he averts his gaze and nods. “I’ll stop by your wellness center soon. Maybe take a class."

Ah, we’ve downshifted into small talk. It’s for the best, really.

"That would be nice. Thank you for the coffee."

"Thank you for the company. It's been a long time since I've enjoyed chatting with someone this much."

"Me too." It's true. I adore Shawn and Suzanne, but there's something about Keegan.

Something enticing, delectable, and dangerous.

Dangerous for my heart, mostly.

I extend my hand, releasing a shocked gasp when Keegan pulls me into a hug.

For the first time in forever, I feel safe. In his arms, I feel at peace, even though there’s nothing presumptuous or risqué about the embrace.

Just pure, unadulterated comfort.

Okay, comfort mixed with a token dirty thought that this man’s body is far more beautiful sans clothing.

I told you I needed to get laid.

We part with a final grin, and I watch him stroll toward his vehicle. He has a grace about him that no doubt carries over into the bedroom.

Once again, I’m thinking about the man naked.

With a sigh, I tug Domino’s leash and turn in the direction of my center.

Time for some girl talk and a cold shower, although I know one thing for certain.

The Baby Maker will be making a dreamtime appearance tonight and this time, there won’t beanyphone calls interrupting us.

Chapter

Four

CALLISTA

“Absolutely not, Shawn. Why can’t Suzanne go to the meet and greet? This clearly falls under the category of wifely duties.”

I stage my protest from the comfort of my couch, wrapped in my softest sweats and a fluffy blanket. If my friend thinks I’m moving from this position, he’s lost his bloody mind.

“She’s got a miserable cold. Apparently, everyone at daycare is sick and now, so is Suzanne.” He releases a heavy sigh into the phone, and I wait for the inevitable guilt trip to begin. “Don’t make me go alone.”

“You’ve attended tons of these parties alone. Why do you suddenly need an escort?”

“Because, there are certain doctors who will usurp my entire evening, and I can’t be held responsible for the copious amounts of alcohol I’ll have to consume to put up with their incessant blathering.”

Shawn is unrelenting, which leaves me two choices. I can continue engaging in this fruitless argument for the next hour, or agree to attend the medical soiree as his pint-sized bodyguard.

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