Page 17 of Baby Maker

"I could walk with you now."

This is unexpected. "O-okay."

Keegan buses the cups, tossing them in the garbage. His phone rings, but he silences it before sliding it into his pocket. "After you."

Domino is thrilled to be moving again, and she takes full advantage of spreading her scent on everything not moving. I always assumed that was a male dog trait, but she's happily taking a wee on everything that will stand still, her tail erect as she prances along.

I feel a pang of regret that much of her puppyhood was spent confined to the yard, dealing with a mum who had no ambition to move beyond the garden gate.

"What kind of dog is Domino?" Keegan asks, sidestepping the pup as she loops between us.

"A mutt. But, in her defense, I believe she's descended from royalty. That's the story I tell her, anyway."

"You Brits and your royal lines," Keegan ribs, dodging Domino once again.

"You know I'm British, but what are you?"

"Human? I'm half Irish and half Italian. Hence the name."

"Ah. Makes sense." I barely manage the last word as Domino succeeds in her quest to entangle us. I lose my balance, but Keegan grabs me before I hit the ground, pulling me against him.

"Thanks," I mumble. My heart is pounding, and I can't be sure if it's from the near fall or Keegan's proximity. "Damn dog."

"Seems she has an agenda," Keegan murmurs.

I'm steady now, but he has yet to release his grip. It's as though neither of us wants to move back from this shared space. "She's been on a mission this entire stroll."

"I wonder what her end game is?"

"Hard to tell." My throat chokes out the words, as if all the energy in my body needs to focus on the racing of my heart.

"What's your end game, Calli?" His own voice is deeper, dripping over me and further heating up my already inflamed core.

"The better question is, what is yours?" I draw ever closer to him, my lids heavy, my gaze focused on his mouth. Those delicious lips that I'm craving more than oxygen.

The ring of his phone rattles us both, and I spring away from him, damn near tripping over Domino's leash in the process.

What am I thinking? I almost kissed my doctor! I'm a married woman who almost kissed my doctor—who is not single, I might add.

I'm losing my damn mind. That's got to be it.

Keegan glances at his phone, rolling his eyes.

Oh, I know that look, and I know who's trying to reach him.

"You'd better go," I offer, giving him a way out. A way back to his statuesque brunette with EEE breasts.

"She's relentless. Likely has some inane question or demand that can't wait a moment longer. Who am I kidding? They're all inane."

"Why are you with her?" I blurt, shocked by my forthright question.

He shoves the phone back in his pocket, scrubbing his face with his hands. "I don't know anymore. I'll stop by your yoga studio soon. Maybe even take a class."

"That would be nice. Thanks for the coffee."

"Thanks for the company. It's been a long time since I've enjoyed chatting with someone this much."

"Me too." It's true. I adore Simon and Bridget, but there's something about Keegan.

Something enticing, delectable, and dangerous.

Dangerous for my heart, mostly.

I extend my hand, gasping when he pulls me into a hug. At that moment, I feel safe for the first time in forever. There's nothing presumptuous or risqué about the embrace. Just comfort.

Okay, comfort and a heady feeling as he strokes my back that this man's body is even more beautiful sans clothing.

I know who will make a dreamtime appearance tonight.

The Baby Maker.

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