Page 66 of Both Sides Now

My shower is near boiling point, but it’s icy compared to the temperature of the blood in my veins. Images race through my brain of Keegan, his mouth pressed against some beautiful woman’s neck as he pumps in and out of her, whispering how inside her is the only place he wants to be.

Whispering words that belong to me.

Or at least they did, before I mucked it up.

When I emerge from the bathroom, the suite is empty.

Again.

I spy a note on the table and snatch it up.

Had to run a couple of errands with my cousin. Your food should arrive soon.

I’ll be back in a bit.

K

That’s it.Straight and to the point, with nary an emotion in sight.

I don’t want to stay here. I want to escape, returning to the house I hate and crawl under the covers, never to emerge.

I’m not equipped for human interaction today.

But I’m an adult. I made a deal with Keegan. I will not storm out like some spoilt child, leaving him to explain what occurred.

Moreover, I refuse to ruin his cousin’s day. They seem like alovely couple, and I’m sure as hell not going to be the black mark on their celebration.

Chin up, old girl. You’ve muddled through worse. Besides, there’s an open bar and whiskey a plenty.

Pivoting before the mirrored wall,I examine my reflection. I may not always be beauty pageant ready, but today, I’ll hold my own. The dark blue cocktail dress hugs my curves, complete with a leg-flashing slit that’s barely this side of legal.

Classy with a sassy edge. I’ve curled my hair, letting it cascade in waves down my back, and for once, I took some time with my makeup.

Throw in a pair of four-inch heels, and I’ll give any of those women Keegan boinked last night a run for their money.

Is it false bravado? Absolutely.

But as upbeat music streams through the suite, I’m determined to maintain a sunny disposition. I just might need copious amounts of alcohol to maintain it.

Particularly if any of Keegan’s conquests make an appearance.

“Wow.”

That single word makes me spin around, my breath catching at the sight of Keegan.

I hate the man—truly—although I mean it in the most loving sense of the word. It’s just that no one should look that good in a tuxedo. He puts James Bond to shame. “Wow, yourself. You look wonderful, Keegan.”

He smiles, but I feel the tension from across the room. There’s a canyon of space between us now. “Are you almost ready?”

I nod. “Let me put on my necklace, and I’ll be good to go.”

“Allow me.” Closing the distance between us, he takes thechain from my hand, his fingers setting off waterfalls of feeling as they brush against my skin.

Control my breath. Breathe in, breathe out. Find my calm. My center.

Screw this. My internal mantra doesn’t stand a chance. I drag my eyes up to meet his in the mirror, our gazes holding, the emotion crackling between us.

“Thank you for doing this.” He slips his fingers away from my skin, and I feel cold without their weight.

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