Page 75 of Both Sides Now

I smirk at the blonde seated at an adjacent table. "I see your feelings for Nadia haven't warmed in the last few years."

My mother waves off my comment, a smile on her lips. "I have no issue with Nadia, but she's always behaved like a spoiled child. I'm just glad you found a woman worth your time and energy for once. Don't let Callista go, Keegan. Women like that don't come along every day, and I see how she looks at you. She loves you, too."

No, Mom, she doesn't.

The idea guts me, so I slide on my practiced smile. Let's move this conversation train into the next station.

I know Callista isn't for keeps. But I'm sure as hell not ready to let her go just yet.

Callistaand I return to our room after the reception, riding up in the same elevator where we damn near consummated our relationship earlier that day.

Trust me, I’m tempted as hell to hike up her skirt and take her from behind, but I manage to keep my libido in check and our clothes on.

With one exception.

Calli shucked off her shoes the second we left the ballroom, opting to swing them in one hand. Our height difference is even more noticeable now, but it only ups her appeal.

She’s by far the most adorable woman I've ever met.

Along with gorgeous, sexy and delicious. There's an array of adjectives to describe the petite beauty.

“How did I do?” she inquires with a grin.

“Mom wants to adopt you. She says anyone who can tolerate an hour with Mrs. Jones deserves instant status in the family.”

Calli’s eyes twinkle as she traces a finger down the front of my shirt. “So, I’m an honorary Russo now.”

Her words catch me off guard and I half laugh, half choke at her retort. “I suppose so.”

She’s in one hell of a playful mood as she drags her hands lower. “Does that make me your stepsister?”

“Don’t even start with that shit.”

“Hmm. I do declare, I have the sexiest brother known to man.”

I back her against the hallway wall, swooping in to steal a kiss. “Will you be quiet?”

“No, because I want you to keep kissing me.”

Maybe it’s the way she keeps biting her lower lip while gazing up at me through dark lashes.

Or the way I feel when I am close to her.

I almost say those fateful words again.

Almost.

But right before I open my mouth, I remember the look on her face when I told her how I felt—the confusion, the uneasiness—and hold back.

If she didn’t want to hear them last night, she definitely doesn’t want to hear them now.

I won’t make the same mistake twice.

I will, however, take full advantage of her flirty nature. My plan for the remainder of the weekend? Calli and I naked in bed while I explore every inch of her body.

“Where did you go?” Calli asks, tracing a finger along my jaw. “Are you okay?”

“More than,” I reply, before swinging her over my shoulder in a fireman’s hold and earning a delighted squeal of approval.

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