Page 20 of Baby Maker

“I suppose I have my moments.”

“I’m sure you have plenty.”

A fellow attendee jostles us, and Keegan moves closer, crowding my space. Not that I mind. There’s such a familiarity in his nearness.

“Are you having a good time or do you secretly detest these shindigs, too?”

Keegan shrugs, sipping his drink. “I’ve had worse. Like I said, it’s looking up since I spotted you.”

“How are you not married?”

My abrupt question catches him off-guard, and he sputters his drink.

“Careful, Keegan. You don’t want to suffer one of my coffee mishaps,” I giggle.

“That is such a random question.”

“Not really. I’m just wondering how you avoided it thus far. You’re quite the catch.”

“Maybe it’s because I don’t want to be caught.”

His eyes twinkle with amusement, but the words sadden me. “I get it. The more, the merrier, huh?”

“Not exactly. You think I’m a total cad, don’t you, Calli?”

“Not a total one. You have a few redeeming qualities, your flattery skills among them. Although, I think you’d actually be great husband material.”

I mean the statement as a generality, but judging by his widened eyes and another slight sputter on his drink, it came out as anything but. “Are you implying something?”

“Not for me,” I cajole, chuckling as I once again blather on like an idiot. “Trust me, Doc, I’m not your type. You needn’t worry with me bothering you about matrimony.”

He clears his throat, his gaze averted. “Why do I feel like I missed out on an opportunity just now?”

“You likely did. I am pretty damn amazing.”

Those azure orbs focus on me, and I’m acutely aware of the proximity of our bodies, as the space between us diminishes with each passing minute. “You are indeed incredible. I’ll make you a deal, Calliope. If I ever change my mind on the subject of marriage, you’ll be the first person I call.”

I fan myself, shooting him a smirk. “Careful. You might sweep me off my feet with such a romantic proposition.”

But instead of volleying back another sarcastic edged retort, he inches ever closer, ducking his head close to my ear. “I can be romantic. You’ll have to wait and see for yourself.”

My heart pounds like a locomotive, and for a second, I worry I might pass out. What a delicious proposal.

Another jostle from an eager drinker wrenches us from our lust infused haze, and I let loose with a laugh. An honest to God, genuine laugh. “Figures someone would break the mood as the conversation was getting interesting.”

Keegan leans back against the bar, a smile splitting his gorgeous face. “Now see? That right there made tonight worth it. Your laugh is the most amazing sound.”

My thoughts drift back over the years to when Nigel uttered almost the exact same words. But, for once, my heart isn’t heavy when I think of him. Rather, I know that he’d be thrilled to see me laughing again.

All thanks to the handsome doctor by my side. I’m going to have to thank Simon for dragging me out of the house. Seeing Keegan again is the highlight of my week.

“Keegey,” a high-pitched voice whines over my shoulder, “I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”

My high from our flirtatious exchange deflates at the woman’s words. I know, without turning, who’s behind me. Keegan’s date. His not-girlfriend girlfriend. The woman who will warm his sheets later tonight, and if memory serves, looks like an exotic version of Barbie. Only with bigger tits.

“You found me,” Keegan replies, swallowing the remaining liquid in his glass. “Calliope, this is my friend, Megan.”

Swallowing against the lump in my throat, I turn, my gaze homing in on her breasts. It’s accidental, I swear, although I know from the low cut of her dress that she intended on every ogle.

---