Page 42 of Both Sides Now

First, it’s not true, and I should know, because I’m falling for Keegan—hard and fast—against every better judgment that I possess.“I thought you two were friends.”

Shawn shrugs, taking a sip from his drink. “I wouldn’t say we’re friends. We’re colleagues, and he’s a hell of a nice guy. An amazing doctor. But you’re like my sister, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t warn you about his reputation.”

My temper rises at his words and I release a slow, even breath. Time to center and calm, because I’m getting way too heated over this discussion.

Every time my friend makes a less-than-stellar remark about Keegan or questions his moral compass, I’m tempted tohurl the last twenty years of his poor decisions in his face. Trust me, I have plenty of ammo and stories when it comes to Shawn.

Then it hits me. I’m possessive about a man who isn’t even mine. Overly so, to the point that I’d engage in a knockdown, drag out fight with my best mate.

Lunatic asylum, save a room for me, please.

I roll my shoulders and slough off the anger brewing in my core. “Your concerns are noted, Shawn. You’ve warned me about his reputation since day one. But I’m not dating him. Hell, I’m not even screwing him. I’m simply attending a three-day wedding celebration with his family.”

Shawn opts out of further arguments, turning his focus to the birds chirping outside the window.

But I know my friend andallhis gestures.

He doesn’t believe a word I’m saying.

Hell, I’m not sure I believe me anymore.

And despite Shawn’s opinion otherwise, I’ve vacillated like a erratic pendulum on attending this soiree.

I could use a weekend getaway. I haven’t been anywhere beyond our town borders in months. Plus, it will give me the opportunity to know Keegan better. And the schoolgirl in me gets a giggle at the idea of fooling his family into believing Keegan has changed his dating habits.

But the idea of a fake relationship brings a bucketload of questions: are we flirty or full on intimate? Hand holding or making out in darkened corridors? Sharing a room or bunking separately? How far does Keegan want to take this charade?

More importantly, how far will I let him?

A weekend away sounds lovely. A weekend with conjugal activities involving a gorgeous doctor? Infinitely more appealing.

All of that is superfluous, though. The last time I saw Keegan, he was kind, funny, and firmly in the friend zone.

What is this man’s endgame?

Best not to bring up this topic with Shawn, who already looks apoplectic at the idea.

Time to try a different approach with my friend and get him on board with this ruse. “I need your understanding. I think this trip will be good for me.”

“What happened with that bloke Suzanne set you up with?”

A dry chuckle flies from my mouth. “I love your wife. She’s one of my best friends, butneverlet her set me up again. Deal?”

“That bad?”

“He was fine, but the date was painful. The only highlight was a wholly underwhelming meal. Lucky for me, he felt the same and I escaped to a local pub, where I proceeded to imbibe whiskey. At least, until Keegan saved me.”

“Keegan?”

I flush at the intimate use of his name. “Dr. Russo.”

“I know who you meant. You two spend a ton of time together.” And once again, Shawn dons his lecturer cap.

“I haven’t seen him since that night.”

It’s the truth, not that I haven’t been tempted to call him daily. But where does that line of friendship blur into something more?

Besides, he isn’t blowing up my phone, either. The last thing I need is to appear clingy and needy.

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