Page 56 of Free to Run
A minute later, my phone buzzes against my hip. Warily, I pull out my phone.
Keene’s text weakens me.I can see the first star over the sunset. If I believed in such things, I’d wish for you to talk to me. Please, Alison.
I look over his head. He’s still facing Collyer, his arms crossed. He’s right. Right over where the sun is dropping, you can see the first star. Damn him for being right. Damn him for being sweet. Damn him for being here where I have no resistance.
Before my brain can connect with my fingers, I begin to type.Then move away from the edge before my urge to kick you off really takes over.
I see the phone light up against Keene’s arm where he’s been holding it. He quickly reads the message and turns. “Where are you?” he rasps out.
“On a ledge about forty feet behind you,” I say quietly.
He starts to take a step forward and then stops. “I swear, I didn’t know you were here.”
I nod before I realize he can’t see me in the shadows. “I realize that.”
He hesitates. “I don’t want to interrupt your peace more than I already have.”
Okay, coming from Keene, that’s actually…sweet. “I’ll come down.” I slowly make my way off the small ledge until there’s about ten feet between us. I clear my throat and say, “Hi.”
Keene takes one step forward and then another. Finally, a third. He’s in touching distance. “Hi.” He reaches up and pushes some hair that’s clinging to my cheek away from my face. He frowns. “You’ve been crying.”
I shrug. “Letting off some steam.”
“Not ready to share?”
I shake my head emphatically. Definitely not.
Surprising me, he says, “Okay.” He hesitates. “Can we sit?”
Crossing my legs, I immediately drop down Indian-style at his feet. He blinks at me a few times before he chuckles.
“Keene, you do realize I’m the resident smart-ass of the family?”
Still chuckling, he maneuvers down next to me and says, “I think that title passes between you all, depending on the day.”
“Eh. Maybe, maybe not. Cassidy’s still learning her way. Particularly when we talk about sex.” I shoot him a small smile. Maybe this is how I need to navigate it, one small conversation at a time.
Chuckling, he throws an arm around my shoulders. “Nope. You’re not going to distract me with a discussion about my sister and sex. Especially since her babies were conceived by immaculately. Caleb hasn’t touched her.”
Laughing, I lean into his shoulder and jostle him. “Keep telling yourself that, buddy. I’ve heard stories.”
Keene groans.
The pain around my heart is different now. Keene’s a good guy. No, he’s a great guy if he’d let himself be one. Yes, there’s this crazy, stupid attraction between us, but maybe not for this life. I take a deep breath and speak at the same time he does.
“I owe you a huge apology, Alison.”
“It’s okay you decided we’re just family.”
I’m proud I got it out. I’ll be all right, eventually. We’ll be one big happy family and move on. Keene will always hold a place in my heart.
And then I feel his arm drop as he starts laughing hysterically.
“What the hell?” I snap.
“Back at ya, babe. I told you already, there is no way you’ll ever be my sister.” His voice is laced with amusement.
“And then you acted like a dick last night, remember?”
