Page 48 of Both Sides Now

I refuse to mire the handsome doctor into yet another of my deep and depressing chats. Today is for levity.

With a grin, I point at the coffee house sign. “Right now? I’m looking for caffeine.”

“You’ve come to the right place, even if that is a bullshit answer.” He holds open the door, and I pass easily under his arm.

Hey, there are afewperks to being a foot shorter than the man.

“Is it wrong to say I have no idea?”

Seems Keegan appreciates my answer. “Not at all. It’s honest.”

I focus my attention on the menu, because it’s far easier to stare at the wall than into Keegan’s mysterious blue pools. I get lost there.

Another sigh breezes past my lips. “I wish I could be like you and date for sport. Not expect anything beyond a good time, but I’m not built that way. I’ve always been far too serious and sentimental for my own good.”

“Trust me, my life is far from ideal. Even if someone warms my bed at night, they’re not in it the next morning. It’s beginning to feel like a shallow pursuit of pleasure that’s no longer pleasurable.”

I swallow back the nauseous feeling bubbling up from my stomach. I don’t dare ask how many women have gotten twisted up in his sheets over the last week.

There has to be some limits to our friendship. My sanity insists upon it.

“Can we talk about something else?” Keegan asks, interrupting my toxic daydream.

“Please.”

“Have you thought about my offer, Callista?” He grazesmy lower back with his fingertips, barely dusting them against my skin.

It’s the slightest of touches, but it triggers memories of that night and those few stolen moments when we caved to our primal desires.

Brain, will you please stop thinking about that kiss? It’s not happening again. At least not with me in the role of heroine. No, it will be Ally or some other equally beautiful and uncomplicated woman.

Ugh.

“I have,” I mumble.

His intoxicating caress pauses, but Keegan keeps his hand pressed against the small of my back. “And?”

“Wouldn’t you rather take someone else? A beautiful woman you can ply with drinks and fancy food, before ending the evening with some raunchy sex? I’ll bet women swing on chandeliers for you.”

I expect a snort of laughter or an embarrassed chuckle.

I get neither.

Instead, Keegan inches closer and wraps his arm around my waist, his breath tickling my ear. “Has it ever occurred to you that I asked you for that very reason?”

A snicker flies from my lips. “Oh, I get it. I’m your shag for the weekend.”

Keegan returns my chuckle, but his grip remains firm. “Obviously. I have high standards.”

“Are you sure about that?” I tease, as the color climbs my cheeks once again.

“I’m turning over a new leaf. So, will you come with me or do I have to beg?”

“Begging might be fun.” I fight to maintain a cool facade during our lighthearted exchange. But internally, my hormones are firing on all cylinders, and it’s getting harder to breathe the longer his firm body presses against mine.

“Calli, I’ll make you a promise. You come with me, and you won’t have to beg foranything. I’ll give you whatever you want. As many times as you want it.”

Holy hell, it’s hot in this coffee shop.

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