“Sure do.” This superficial conversation scrapes at my skin worse than a rash. That’s really saying something, considering my general lack of giving a shit whenever talking is involved. “And you just so happen to be walking her in my woods?”
Keegan pins me with a fierce glare. “Your woods?”
I hold my arms out to the side. “Do you see anyone else wandering in these parts?”
She rolls her eyes. “Millie is especially attached to this piece of property. Why might that be?”
I take a glance around at the endless rows of trees, streaks of sunlight breaking through the leaves. “It’s a beautiful spot.”
“You almost sound sentimental,” she mutters.
That dull tone twists a knife in my gut. “Even I care about some shit.”
“Shocking.”
This is going slightly better than a botched root canal. I lift my hat, fiddle with the brim, and yank it back on. “You, uh, look good.”
She tilts her head, sending a cascade of shimmering waves over her shoulder. “Is that painful to admit?”
“Yes.” I bore my gaze into her, shooting every drop of sexual frustration into the static sparking between us. What the fuck am I doing? My intentions are murky, even to me. “It is when there’s nothing I can do about it.”
Keegan gives my appearance a lazy perusal. My torso flexes, muscles straining to be under her microscope. Her lashes flutter as she treats herself to another once-over. I want to believe she’s picturing me naked, much as I was doing to her moments ago. Or is she repeating the last words we exchanged? Perhaps the knockout punch I foolishly delivered to myself? Based on the severe frown tightening her expression, Keegan hasn’t forgotten my parting blow—not that I expect her to forgive me. But why the fuck do I care so much if she does?
Because this is the woman who’s responsible for my demise. Not that it’s been all bad. If Keegan hadn’t blown a hole in my reclusive existence, I wouldn’t be standing here right now. Does she know the hell I’ve been in? What are the chances she feels the same? Pretty fucking low, considering how I treated her. I wouldn’t fault her for slapping me across the face. That’s the least I deserve. Maybe I’ll offer up the option if she’s willing to hand over something in return.
I set this chain of shitastic events in motion. Does that mean it’s my job to stitch the rips? “You’ve been giving me a lot to think about.”
“I could say the same for you.” Her tone is husky, dropping several octaves.
“We’re very compatible in the ways that count.” What am I trying to accomplish by leading us down this winding trail?
Keegan licks her bottom lip, pulling the plump flesh between her teeth. “What’s rolling around in that dirty mind of yours?”
“That’s a great fucking question. Is it freaking you out?”
“A little.”
“Why?”
“I’m the one doing the asking,” she deadpans. “Why are you looking at me like that?”
“Maybe I’m reminiscing.”
Her cheeks burst into a blood-red hue. “Don’t you dare.”
I offer a lame shrug. “You can’t stop me.”
Keegan waves an erratic finger into the still forest. “My daughter is feet away. She can hear you.”
“Don’t search for an excuse.”
She scoffs. “We’re not doing this now, or ever. That possibility is a dead-end.”
As if they’re hiding in the bushes listening to us, Millie and her loyal guardians pop into the clearing. I flare my nostrils, releasing a stream of hot air for being interrupted. But maybe it’s for the best. Who knows where our battle of words would lead us?
Millie tugs on my shirt. “Are you friends now?”
The laugh that bursts out of me is brittle. “Not sure about that, Peep.”
“But you’re talking and smiling. My mom has that look on her face that means she’s happy. She doesn’t smile like that for just anyone.”
I can’t stop my gaze from trailing to Keegan. “Is that so?”
Millie nods. “Uh-huh. You’re special. I’ve been trying to tell her that. She doesn’t like to listen, even though she always tells me to be a good listener.”
Keegan begins coughing. “All right, sweetie. That’s enough.”
She frowns at her mom. “Why? We shouldn’t keep secrets. Unless it’s about a super cute puppy. That’s a good surprise. Ford should know that we like him.”
There’s a real smile splitting my face. The expression is wide enough to lift my cheeks. “That’s nice to hear, Peep. I like you, too.”
“What about my mom?”
I scratch at the stubble on my chin. “If she likes me, I will like her back.”
Millie stomps her foot, narrowed gaze set on Keegan. “See? It needs to be mu–tu–al.” The way she pronounces the last words makes me believe it’s her first time using it. That works in my favor.
“I couldn’t agree more, kid. That’s how the closest friendships build.” What the fuck do I know? But it sounds good.
“Yep, uh-huh. That’s how I’m going to make friends in second grade.”
“It’s a guaranteed success.”
“Okay.” Keegan claps her hands. “This has been fun. I think we should leave Ford alone now.”
That’s actually the last thing I want. The truth rattles against my ribs. Watching them walk away might shadow the sun and allow thunder to strike. But admitting any of that is a step too far right now.
Once again, Millie steps in to save my pansy ass. “But I don’t want to go yet.”
I peer up at the forest ceiling, watching the branches dance in a light breeze. “I don’t mind the company.”
Keegan cocks out a hip, taking a fighting stance. “From her, maybe.”
How can I argue with that? “You’re part of the package.”
“Because you don’t want to make Millie sad.”
I grind my molars. This is heading in the wrong direction. “Seeing that little girl upset would hurt you more than me.”
“If I cry, can we stay?” Millie sniffs for good measure.
Oh, she’s good. I know some women who could learn a few tricks from this one. “Please don’t do that.”
Keegan struts over to her daughter. “She won’t. Right, Mills? That would be misleading
