Page 31 of Baby Maker

"I'll be the judge of that. Besides, you can't know everything about me while I know nothing about you. That’s hardly fair. Make a right here, and it's the fourth house on the right."

He pulls into my driveway, throwing the Jeep into park. "Nice house."

"It is a nice house, even though I hate the damn place."

"Why do you hate it? Because it reminds you of Nigel?"

“No, that’s the only reason I like it. The truth is that I wanted to live on the beach, not in town. It's convenient, but it was his style. Not mine."

"I live on the Providence River. It's as close as I could get to the beach around here."

I swivel in my seat, letting out a huff of indignation. "Lucky bastard. Do you love it?"

"I do. But I’ve considered selling."

Please, God, don't tell me he's moving. I've only just met him. "It's a good market for it. Did you want to come in? I can make you some coffee. You can flirt with Domino."

He grins, but there's an air of uncertainty hovering about his face. "I better get back. I have a long day tomorrow."

I nod, the smile deflating from my lips. "Get home safe and thank you for saving me. You'll have to let me know how I can make it up to you."

"Come with me to a wedding."

I start at Keegan’s unexpected statement. "What's that?"

"I have my cousin's wedding next week. On Long Island. I'd like you to be my date."

"Why me?" It's an innocent question, but what I really want to know is what does that mean? For us?

His brow furrows at my inquisition. "Why not you, Calli? I thought it might be fun. Get you out of town for a few days—"

"It's a three-day wedding?"

"It's a wedding weekend. Plus, my family is sick of me bringing along dates who behave like Megan. I'd like to show them I know some classy women, as well."

Ah, a fake showing. Wonderful. "But we're not dating."

"They don't have to know that. Come on, it'll be fun. I'll pay for everything, and all you have to do is pretend to like me for a few hours."

"Lord, that might be tricky," I joke, although the idea of a weekend with Keegan sounds incredibly enticing. Even if I leave behind a shattered heart on Long Island.

"I'll ply you with alcohol. Make it a bit easier on you." He drums the steering wheel, releasing out a slow exhalation. "Just think about it, okay? You don't have to answer right now."

"Fair enough. I appreciate that you consider me classy enough to meet your family. Goodnight, Keegan." I lean across the interior, pressing a kiss to his cheek. For a split second, I consider grasping his chin and bringing his lips against mine, but I think better of it. We already agreed it was a bad idea for us both.

But in that same moment, I feel the energy perk between us. That same energy that has been there since the moment we laid eyes on one another. When my lips touch Keegan’s skin, I feel his body tense, ever so slightly.

But now, after our earlier conversation and our decision to remain platonic, I'm not sure if it's anticipation or trepidation. Better to err on the side of caution.

My heart is safer that way.

---