Page 54 of Both Sides Now

I don’t disclose my life to the women I date. Nothing personal, but I don’t get personal with them. Not emotionally, anyway.

Never felt the need.

But with Calli, it’s effortless.

By the time the sign for the Throgs Neck Bridge comes into view, we are sharing a myriad of laughs over our teenage shenanigans.

As I glance at the beauty seated next to me, I know I madethe right decision. For once, I’m can’t wait to show off the woman on my arm.

Don’t get me wrong. I’ve dated a bevy of beautiful women. But I shied away from the truly remarkable ones.

This time, I’m bringing the whole package with me. Only trouble is, I’m not certain I want to be just her friend any longer.

I want more.

Callista letsout a low whistle when we pull into the reception parking lot. “Wow. Is this the Yank version of a castle?”

Chuckling, I park and pull our luggage from the back. “As close are you’re going to get, I’m afraid. Although I’m certain there is an array of sordid stories that occurred within these walls. Can’t let Europeans have all the fun.”

“Didn’t see a moat, though.”

“A hot tub will have to suffice.”

“Nowthatsounds like a brilliant idea,” Calli exclaims.

Can’t agree with you more, beautiful.

We aren’t three steps into the lobby when an excited screech sounds to my right.

“Keegan! It’s about damn time!” My cousin Jane bounds across the floor, pulling me into a bear hug. “I was just talking to Aunt Louise, wondering when the hell you would arrive.” Her gaze settles on Callista, her expression curious. “And who is this?”

Before I can provide introductions, my date for the weekend extends her hand. “I’m Callista. A pleasure to meet you.”

“Love your accent!” Jane elbows me in the ribs, a wicked gleam in her eye. “I’ll bet that’s sexy as hell in the sack.”

My jaw slackens in horror at my cousin’s forward statement—even if I am reasonably sure Callista sounds sexy as hell in bed. God knows she did when I fingered her against the wall. “You did not just say that.”

“Oh, but I did.” One thing about my cousin. She’s beyond outspoken. I should have warned Calli about her smart mouth.

But Calli takes it all in stride. “Actually, I take on a French accent in bed. Unless we’re really getting kinky, then my Russian side comes out.”

You’d never know Calli was a nervous wreck the first half of the journey with that comment. But shit, now I’mreallythinking about her naked in my bed.

Focus, Keegan. Focus.

Jane’s face breaks into a smile as she wraps her arm around Callista. “I like her. I’m Jane, Keegan’s terribly brazen but fun as hell cousin.”

And just like that, my fake girlfriend cements her place in my family. What Calli doesn’t realize is that Jane is the unofficial gatekeeper, at least when it comes to my romantic interests. She’s despised every woman I’ve ever dated.

Until now.

“Will you be coming with us to the spa tonight? The ladies have opted to forgo the typical stripper show in lieu of some primping.”

Calli smiles, snapping her fingers. “Damn. I had a stack of singles all ready to go.”

Jane giggles, leading the two of us to the check-in desk. “Well, we can sneak out early.”

“Or,” Callista says, swinging her gaze to me, “I can give Keegan my stash because I’m fairly certain the men havenotdecided to forgo a stag do.”

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