Page 147 of Champagne Nights

Chapter Twenty-One

Paisley

As I was applying my foundation, Keaton walked into the bathroom and set the coffee cup on the counter.

“Spill it, sister. I guess my little rant yesterday got to you.”

“Maybe it did, but you were out of line.”

He shrugged.

“We started off with a run, and he had a semi-breakdown. Then I went with him to the cemetery.”

“You went to his dead wife’s grave? I don’t even know what to say about that.”

“Yes, and then we went surfing,” I replied as I dusted my face with some powder.

“I’m all for you being there for him, but I thought you were just going running with him.”

“I did, too, but then things happened, and now I’m going out with him and his family for dinner.”

Keaton leaned up against the doorway. “Is there more to Ben that you’re not telling me?” he asked.

“Like what?”

“I don’t know. Maybe some feelings are brewing up inside you.”

I looked at him through the mirror as I dusted my cheeks with blush. “No. I don’t know. Damn you, Keaton.”

He smiled. “Damn me? What did I do? I just asked a simple question.”

I walked past him and headed to my closet. “He’s a really nice guy, and we’re friends. We’re friends who understand what the other is going through.”

“Perhaps friends with benefits?”

I smacked his arm as I walked out of my closet.

“Ouch.”

“No friends with benefits. Just friends, Keaton. I’m not like you. I just can’t fuck anybody.”

“Did you just insult me? And yes, you can. It’s easy.” He smiled.

“Get out of here so I can change. Go play with Romeo.”

“Fine. But this conversation isn’t over.”

He shut the door behind him, and I changed into my black dress. As I walked into the family room, Keaton was holding Romeo on the couch. He looked at me and whistled.

“You look smokin’ hot for a sister.” He smiled.

“Thanks.” There was a knock on the door.

“Are you expecting someone?” Keaton asked as he jumped up from the couch.

“No.”

He opened the door. “Oh, look. It’s Charlotte and Piper. What are you two doing here?”

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