Page 32 of Baby Maker

Chapter Seven

Calliope

“He asked you to do what?” Simon’s eyes widen in surprise as I drop my latest bombshell.

“Go to a wedding with him. Stop giving me that look. I knew I shouldn’t have said anything.”

Now he’s leaning back in his chair, scratching his chin like a professor about to deliver a stern lecture. Joy of joys. “Are you two dating?”

“No. We’re friends.”

“Since when?”

I bristle at the stupefied expression on my friend’s face. “Since the beginning, I suppose. Is it so unbelievable that I might strike up a friendship with someone? You were the one telling me to go out and get back into the world. Now you’re giving me crap about it.”

“I’m happy that you’re getting out again, Calli. I’m just surprised because you never mentioned your relationship with Dr. Russo.”

“There’s nothing to tell. He’s my friend. He invited me to a wedding to prove to his family that he’s capable of dating a nice woman instead of a floozy.”

“Wait, a second. You just said you’re going as friends.”

“We are, but as far as his family is concerned, we’re dating.”

Another head shake. Oh yes, a lecture is imminent. “Right. As far as his family is concerned.”

Enough of this disciplinarian style discussion. “Will you or will you not watch Domino?”

“Of course. The kids love her. Just promise me something. Be careful. This is not the kind of man you fall for. You believe in love. He believes in love for the moment.”

Oh, my dear Simon, he is indeed the man you fall for. I should know, because I’m falling for Keegan—hard and fast—against every better judgment that I possess. “I thought you two were friends.”

“I wouldn’t say we’re friends. We’re colleagues, and he’s a hell of a nice guy. An amazing doctor. But you’re like my sister, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t warn you about his reputation.”

I bite my tongue, releasing a slow even breath through my nose. I’m getting way too heated over this discussion—way too angry at anyone questioning Keegan or his moral compass. I’m possessive about a man who isn’t even mine.

Lunatic asylum, save a room for me, please.

“Your concerns are noted, Simon. You’ve warned me about his reputation since day one. But I’m not dating him. Hell, I’m not even screwing him. I’m just going to a three-day party with his family.”

This time, my friend only nods, turning his focus out the window. Code for he doesn’t believe a word I’m saying.

Hell, I’m not sure I believe it anymore.

I’ve vacillated on whether I should attend. I could use a weekend away, and I’d love the opportunity to know Keegan better. I also get a giggle at the idea of fooling his family into believing that he’s through dating floozies, although I’m not sure why the idea of being his fake girlfriend turns me on so much.

Or why I can’t shake the memory of our kiss or my body’s reaction to his caresses.

All of that is superfluous, though. The last time I saw Keegan, he was kind and funny and firmly in the friend zone.

Time to try a different approach. “I think it would be good for me.”

“What happened with that bloke Bridget set you up with?”

“I love your wife. She’s one of my best friends, but never let her set me up again. Deal?”

“That bad?”

“It was a painful hour, highlighted by a totally underwhelming meal. Then I proceeded to get drunk at the pub and called Keegan to join me.”

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