Page 58 of Awakening the Sheriff

I hesitated, my conversation with Byron coming back. I knew the truth, but revealing it would betray the trust Byron had placed in me. Damn, I hated keeping this from Keaton, but if I screwed up with Byron now, I might never get him to trust me again. It left me torn between loyalty and honesty.

“Sometimes teenagers go through phases where they’re trying to figure themselves out,” I said vaguely.

Keaton sighed, setting down his spoon and lacing his fingers with mine. “I hope so.”

“Give it time.” I squeezed his hand. “He’ll come around.”

With the dessert finished and the bill paid, we exited the restaurant and made our way to my truck. The cold night air was refreshing against my skin as we walked hand in hand, our steps in sync.

Once inside, Keaton turned to face me. “Thank you for tonight,” he whispered and pressed his lips softly against mine.

I reciprocated the kiss with equal fervor, our mouths exploring each other’s.

With regret, I broke off the kiss and leaned my forehead against Keaton’s. “When can I see you again?”

“Tomorrow evening? After telling the boys about us, I’ll need your support.”

My heart ached for him. “I hope it’ll go well. Unfortunately, I can’t meet you tomorrow evening. It’s my father’s birthday. You can come with me, and I could introduce you to my parents?”

Keaton shook his head. “They deserve to hear it from you first rather than you springing it on them. I look forward to meeting them, but we have time.”

He was right. We had all the time in the world.

20

KEATON

Ipaced the living room, wiping my sweaty hands on my jeans. The knowledge of what I was about to do threatened to buckle my knees, but I couldn’t afford to falter now. Not with Byron and Milton staring at me from the couch. I’d called them down, saying I needed to talk to them, and I couldn’t postpone any longer.

Please let Byron take it well. Please.

“Boys.” I swallowed hard and tried to steady my racing heart. “I have something important to tell you both.”

Milton leaned forward, his glasses slipping down his nose. He looked at me, curiosity etched into his innocent face. Byron, on the other hand, glared at me, his dark hair falling into his eyes.

“I’ve been seeing someone.”

The words hung in the air like a balloon about to burst. I braced for impact.

“Who?” Milton blinked owlishly.

“Auden Frant, the sheriff. It’s all very new, but it’s serious, so I wanted you to know.”

“Really?” Milton gave me a smile, bright and genuine. A small wave of relief washed over me. “That’s great, Dad! I mean, I don’t really know him, but if he’s a sheriff, he must be a good guy, right?”

“Are you seriously this naïve, Milt?” Byron scoffed, rolling his eyes, then turning his scowl toward me. “You’re actually okay with Dad sleeping with the damn sheriff?”

“Byron!” I snapped, my heart sinking as Milton’s face crumpled. Tears welled up in his eyes, and I could barely keep my anger in check.

“Aw, are you going to cry now?” Byron sneered. “You’re such a sissy.”

“Enough!”

Milton wiped his tears with the back of his hand. My heart ached for him. He didn’t deserve his brother’s wrath. Fury bubbled inside me, a volcano on the verge of erupting. I leveled Byron with a glare. “I don’t ever want to hear that word again, do you understand? There’s nothing wrong with crying if you’re hurt or sad.”

Byron crossed his arms, his expression dismissive, but a flicker of shame flashed in his eyes. He damn well knew what he’d done, and it was such a low tactic.

I turned to Milton, who was still wiping tears from his cheeks. With a gentle hand, I guided him into a hug, his small frame trembling against mine. “I love you, Milton,” I whispered as I held him close. “Why don’t you go play on your Xbox in your room? I need to talk to your brother.”

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