Page 50 of Both Sides Now

He considers my question, his fingers tapping against the table. “Let’s keep it simple. Tell them the truth.”

“Tell them we met in your office? Isn’t that a bit odd?”

“Not when it’s the truth. People meet in all manner of ways and love blooms in the oddest of places. Why should we be any different?”

“Right. Okay.”

I will not read into it. I will not read into it.

I sip my coffee, but my mind focuses on one thing.

I’m reading into it.

Chapter

Eight

KEEGAN

“There’s a Dr. Evans here to see you.” Alice’s voice sounds through the intercom and I straighten in my seat.

“Send him in.” I’m not surprised Shawn is here. In fact, I figured he would have dropped in a while ago.

Either way, game face on.

Shawn strolls in, and I gesture to a chair. No point in delaying the inevitable. “Come to give me the talk?”

Shawn settles into the chair, his body tense. “I’m trying to figure out what the hell is happening with you two.”

I clear my throat, downing half my water bottle. “What did Calli tell you?”

“Obviously not enough. Hence, why I’m here. What are your plans?”

“I’m notplanninganything. Calli is going to a wedding with me.”

“As your girlfriend,” Shawn adds.

Okay, I wasn’t expecting Callista to bethatforthright with her friend. “It’s an arrangement. Nothing more.”

“Are you sure about that?” His dark eyes hold my gaze, daring me to lie about my intentions.

I bristle at his accusatory tone but hold back from snapping out a reply. Shawn is Callista’s best friend, and her only family on these shores. Add in my rather notorious dating reputation, and the man has every right to be concerned.

This leaves me with two choices: I can continue down my path of evasion, or I can spill my guts. Neither one will be pretty.

“Actually, I’m not sure of anything anymore,” I mutter, rubbing a hand along my jaw.

Shawn’s eyes widen at my blunt admission. “Care to elaborate?”

“I have nothing but the best of intentions regarding your friend. I care about Callista. More than I should.Waymore than I should.”

Shawn shifts in his seat, but some of the tension falls from his face. “I’m glad to hear that. I wasn’t sure if she was your newest conquest. I must admit I damn near had it out with you at the medical dinner. I saw you two together on the patio.”

Fuck my life.

“But I talked myself down. Callista has the right to see and sleep with whoever she chooses. She’s a grown woman. But her heart was smashed to bits, and I was left to collect the pieces.”

“You want to ensure I don’t smash it all over again. Am I close?”

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