Page 119 of Magical Mission
A few seconds of silence sat between us.
“Do you ever want to go back?”
The question hit harder than I expected, so I ate a few bites of my wrap.
“No, but I miss them. And I hate that I can’t explain why I’ve pulled away without unraveling their sense of reality in the process.”
Keegan reached across the table and lightly touched my hand. “You’re protecting them in the way only someone who loves deeply would.”
I looked down at our hands, then back at him. “You make it sound noble.”
“It is. Hard things often are.” He took his hands away and ate more of his meal.
I smiled, touched, then narrowed my eyes. “You always know the right thing to say. It’s very suspicious.”
He leaned in slightly, voice lower. “It’s a skill. Like carpentry. Or kissing.”
My stomach did a little flip. “Is that an offer?”
“More of a preview.” His eyes steadied on mine, and I laughed in a way that cracked something open in me.
The world outside the window slowed. The town lights flickered, the shops bustled, the students wandered the sidewalks, and for a moment, I let myself feel safe.
“You keep surprising me,” I said, taking another bite of my wrap.
Keegan’s brow lifted. “How so?”
“I thought you were just the gruff, growling type. All frowns and foot-dragging and accidental charm.”
“And now?” He took the last bite of his steak.
“Now I think you knowexactlywhat you’re doing.”
He laughed as the check floated over. “Tonight was nice.”
I smiled, nodding. “It was. I kind of wish it wasn’t over.”
Keegan left money on the table and looked at me. “Walk back with me?”
“Do I have a choice?” I teased.
“Not really. I’m excellent company.”
I stood, taking his offered arm. “Don’t get cocky.”
“Maeve,” he said as we stepped onto the cozy Stonewick sidewalk, “I think we both know cocky is just confidence with better lighting.”
And under the soft glow of early stars, I let myself smile like someone who finally remembered what joy felt like.
“Is this your go-to move?” I asked.
He grinned. “Only when it works.”
The moonlight caught the gold in his eyes as he glanced at me.
Casual. Confident.Capable.
Fully Keegan in every way that I loved.
