Page 98 of Both Sides Now

The last two times I opened my heart to Calli, she trampled it. Even though she didn’t intend to, my heart still took a beating.

Besides, she has yet to disclose what she wants from me, and I refuse to dole out any information until I know where she stands.

“I don’t want us to end,” I offer, hoping it will be enough for her to see past my fear.

Not even close.

She rubs her hand across her eyes. “That tells me nothing. Wait, I’m wrong. I guess you actuallydidtell me what you wanted. Neighbors with benefits. Forgive me if that concept sounds terrible from my end.”

“It was only a suggestion. Like I said, we can buy something together.”

A bark of laughter rises from her chest. “So, now we’re investment partners with benefits. Am I close here?”

I’ve never seen this side of Callista before. She was harsh and biting in Connecticut, but it wasn’t aimed in my direction. That day, she barely acknowledged my existence … or my feelings.

Tonight is a different story as her wrath has one focus: me.

I’m a calm man, but it’s taking everything in me tomaintain an even keel. The truth, a truth sheshouldrealize, is that I don’t belong playing defense.

I wasn’t the one who pulled the plug on our relationship.

I wasn’t the one who ran away.

“What about a future?” Calli’s gaze focuses out the window, her lips pursed in a thin line.

“Isn’t that what we’re discussing? A future on Long Island?”

“No, you’re discussing real estate options. I’m asking about a future for us. I assume you’ll take over my case down there?”

My mouth goes dry. Maybe I didn’t hear her correctly. “What are you talking about?”

“The baby I planned to have with Charlie.”

She cannotbe serious right now. The woman has to be fucking joking.

“Is that still your plan?”

Calli shrugs, finishing off the dregs of her wine. “I don’t know, Keegan. You don’t want any of the things I want, per your own admission.”

“That was before.” My voice is low, barely audible at this point.

“Before what?”

“Before you. Why do you think I’m asking you to come to Long Island?”

Calli leans forward, her hands grasping the edge of the table. “According to you, to be your neighbor whom you see a few times a week.”

I tug my hand through my hair as my anger emerges. I’ve held back long enough.

Time for her to hearmyside.

“How did I get to be the bad guy?” I ask, pointing to myself. “I’m trying to include you in my life. My plans. What more do you want me to say?”

My loud tone quiets her down, and I watch as a tear slipsdown her cheek. “You never want to get married and have a family. That’s what you said. Have you changed your mind?”

I can lie and emerge the victor from this fight, but that’s not my style. And Calli deserves better than that.

“I don’t know.”

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