Page 63 of Both Sides Now

Biting back a smile, I press kisses to his chest as my palms glide across his skin. This man’s body is a work of art. “Are you jealous? Dr. Russo, I believe you might have a crush on me.”

“Callista, I’m crazy about you, and you know it.”

Tingles break out across my skin at his words. It’s not a declaration of love, but judging by the heated look on his face, it’s not far off. “You’re drunk, Keegan.”

“So? It doesn’t change how I feel.” He pushes my hair from my face, his palm caressing my cheek. “I’m in love with you, Calli. I know that wasn’t part of our deal, but it happened, anyway.”

My heart hammers against my ribcage at his admission. I expected any number of things to come out of Keegan’s mouth—flirty banter, sexually charged comments.

Never, in a million years, did I expect him to tell me he loves me. Keegan Russo, per his own admission, doesn’t fall in love.

Except, he did. With me.

And that concept is overwhelming.

“I-I?—”

Fuck, brain, spit out a response.

He clears his throat, the apprehension rampant on his face. “The idea terrifies me. Likely why I waited until I was drunk to tell you.”

“You’re terrified to love me?” I whisper.

“I’m terrified you won’t love me back.” Keegan searches my face, but I’m rooted to the spot.

Do I feel something for him?

God, yes.

Is it love?

Likely.

Am I lying when I claim it might not be love?

Definitely.

But Keegan is drunk. People say things all the time when they’re drunk. Things they don’t mean.

He walked away from me once before. Actually, ran is a more accurate term. He ripped away from me that night of the medical dinner like I was the worst decision he ever made.

My heart can’t handle him taking this back, too, under the guise of too much alcohol.

So, I play the only card I have at the moment. Good old levity and dry wit. “Is this your way of getting into my knickers?”

Definitely the wrong response, as pain streaks across Keegan’s face.

“This is why I don’t say anything. This moment, right here. For the first time in my life, I let my feelings go, and you think it’s an excuse to sleep with you.”

“No, Keegan, that’s not how I meant it.” Tears prick my eyelids with the knowledge I wounded him.

All because I was too stupid to believe him. Too scared he didn’t mean what he said. Terrified he would regret—and then negate—everything.

Regret me.

Instead, I hurt him first.

Well done, Callista. You meet this incredible man and take a beautiful moment and smash it to bits.

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