Page 60 of Pirates in Calusa Cove

CHAPTER 12

Keaton glancedat the screen on the computer as he raced by the living room.

Fucking Fenton had ruined his big moment. For the first time since he’d been twenty-five, he felt love. Honest to goodness love.

It was pure and genuine, making his heart pump blood through his veins like he was a teenage boy all over again. He was pretty sure she felt the same way.

Well, as sure as he could be, considering they were two fractured beings. They were wounded in very different ways, but they shared that bond. Of course, he could have read that situation wrong. He could certainly be coming on too strong.

It had been years since he’d uttered the words, and he certainly didn’t take saying them lightly.

Perhaps this was the universe telling him to slow down. He could wait a few days. A couple of weeks…a month. No. He had made that mistake once, and he wouldn’t make it again.

He curled his fingers around the doorknob and yanked it open. Jesus, he disliked this man.

“What are you doing here? It’s late.” Keaton stood in the center of the door and glared, painfully aware he was barefoot, shirtless, and he hadn’t bothered to button his jeans. Not that it mattered. This was his home—his domain—and this man had ruined his evening.

“I came to see Trinity.” Fenton lifted his chin. The idiot held flowers in one hand. He didn’t know Trinity. Not one single bit. Even if he didn’t understand why she didn’t like flowers, he should have at least been in tune with the concept that she didn’t want them, considering they’d dated for a couple of months. But he shouldn’t be showing up at his home with a bouquet.

“You’ve got some nerve to show up here unannounced and uninvited,” Keaton said. “She doesn’t want to see you.” He pointed. “And she sure as hell doesn’t want those.”

“No offense, but I won’t take your word for it.”

“You don’t have a choice. This is my house, and you’re not welcome.” He pointed to the man’s fancy vehicle. “Now, kindly leave before I make you.”

“Not until I speak with Trinity.” Fenton widened his stance.

Jesus, this man had a big set of balls.

“Keaton,” Trinity’s voice rang in his ears.

His heart did a flip in his chest, but he didn’t dare glance over his shoulder. He wasn’t about to take his eyes off this jerk. He didn’t trust Fenton as far as he could spit. “Yes?”

“My dad’s on the phone. He’s stopping for food on the way home, and he wants to know if we want Chinese or Italian for dinner,” she said. “Oh, Fenton. I’m surprised to see you here.” Her fingers glided across Keaton’s shoulder and curled around his biceps. She leaned into his body.

Keaton glanced down and swallowed. She wore one of his shirts and a pair of his boxers, and she looked so damn sexy in them.

“I’ve been so worried about you,” Fenton said, taking a tiny step forward. “I brought you these. I know how much you love lilies.”

Keaton inched closer. No way would he let this man inside his home. Nor would he allow him to speak with Trinity. If that made him a dick, then he’d gladly wear the title.

“Hang on. I need to give my dad an answer.” She waved her cell.

“Italian sounds great,” Keaton said softly.

“Daddy, why don’t you order something from Mario’s?” She nodded. “Okay. See you soon. Love you.” She pulled the phone from her ear, glanced down, and tapped at her screen as if she didn’t have a care in the world.

Keaton furrowed his brow and leaned over her shoulder. She actually had been talking with her dad.

She glanced up. “I’m texting Audra. She wants to know if we want to come to the B&B for breakfast tomorrow. I’m making the executive decision that we’ll be there. It’ll be fun to hang out with them.” She managed the cell quite well with one arm in a sling.

“Sounds nice.” Keaton nodded, almost forgetting an intruder stood a foot away. He shifted his gaze. “I’m not going to ask you nicely again. Now, leave.”

Fenton didn’t look at him. He stared at Trinity—really stared at her—and it got on Keaton’s nerves.

“Trinity,” Fenton said softly. “I need to speak with you, it’s important. Can we go for a walk? It won’t take long. I promise.”

“No,” Keaton said. “She’s not going anywhere with the likes of you.”

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