Page 38 of The Fangirl and the Grump

As if she’s reading my mind, Willow says, “I know you like her. And I know you’re only really holding back because she’ll be leaving in a few weeks. But, Trace, you do know it’s okay to have a casual, no-strings fling with her, right? You’re both adults. Sure, you grew up in the olden days when such things were frowned upon in polite society, but––”

“Shut your trap,” I cut in with a growl, making Willow laugh.

“Seriously, I think you should go for it,” she says, her voice softer than before. “Just make sure you talk and both agree to keep it light and casual so nobody ends up getting hurt.”

I watch her as she turns and pours the cup of coffee Keegan never got around to making for me. When she brings it back and hands it over, I spin on a heel and walk away without uttering a word.

“Think about what I said,” Willow calls out to my retreating back, and I wave a hand over my head as a response.

Leaving Moonstone Mystic, I cross the street and head down the sidewalk toward the inn. My mind is racing, replaying the whole scene with Keegan, Willow’s interruption, and our conversation after Keegan ran away.

And she did run.

What does that mean? If Willow was right, and Keegan was reacting to her insistence that I like her, did she pull that little Houdini act because she doesn’t feel the same and needed to escape?

My jaw tightens as I let myself into the office and head for my desk. I don’t think that’s it. Keegan was flirting with me. I know it.

I guess there’s a chance she considers her flirting harmless, and having me actually flirt back scared her. She just had her heart broken, after all. Hell, it broke twice. Once by her douche of an ex, and then again by her best friends.

I’m sure she’s feeling fragile after all that, so maybe the thought of starting something with me, no matter how casual we agree to keep it, frightens her.

Hell, it scares the shit out of me.

Sure, I’ve had flings and one-night stands. That’s pretty muchallI have. But there’s a tiny voice deep inside telling me that no matter my intentions, Keegan Carpenter is going to burrow her way under my skin.

That she already has.

And it’s not just my physical attraction to her, which is there in spades. I had a good time with her yesterday. Seeing that joy in her eyes when I took her to the house. Our text messages. Her sassy comebacks and sweet smiles.

The more time I spend around her, the more time Iwantto spend around her.

I blow out a quiet sigh. Maybe starting something with herisa bad idea. I’ve never had my heart broken by a woman. And at my age, I was sure it’s impossible.

But if I allow myself to get closer to Keegan, I can see it happening.

She has the power to steal my heart and take it with her when she leaves Evening Shade for good.

I just need to decide, should I throw caution to the wind and go for it, if the reward would be worth the risk.

ChapterSeventeen

Keegan

It’s finally Friday, and it’s been a great week.

I like working with Willow, and she always manages to keep things interesting. She’s been trying to teach me to read tea leaves, but honestly, the only thing I see is, well, tea leaves. She’s taught me about crystals and the properties they hold, how to use divining rods, and how to meditate to find the answers I seek.

I’m having so much fun, I don’t have the heart to tell her I’m certain it’s all a bunch of mumbo-jumbo. She’s earnest in her beliefs and abilities, but she also laughs at herself when she realizes she’s being off-the-charts kooky.

I’ve never had a friend like her. Completely selfless. Positive and encouraging, always. Affectionate, giving out hugs like they’re a necessary way to start each day.

I love her so much, I don’t know how I’m going to say goodbye when it’s time for me to go.

Only six weeks left.

I’ve already decided that wherever I end up when this is over, I’ll be coming back for regular visits. And Willow has promised to come visit me, too.

And Trace? Well, things have settled into a casual familiarity. We text every day, but the messages are playful and light. Acquaintance-type stuff. He comes in for his coffee every morning. We smile and make small talk, but there’s been no mention of that awkward scene we had Monday morning when I ran and hid in the bathroom.

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