“Just jump in!” Keller called. “It’s easier!”
“That doesn’t sound easier!”
“Do it, or you’ll never get in,” he replied. Yet, Holly couldn’t make herself move. “Suit yourself. I’m going to pull you in myself.” He swam toward her, and Holly knew he’d do it.
“Wait, no!” she cried through her giggles. “I’ll do it! I’ll do it!”
“Too late! You had your chance.” Keller darted for her.
Holly launched her body over him and sunk into the water. The cold bit into her skin and penetrated her down to the bones. She burst through the surface, sputtering and squealing.
She felt alive.
Keller’s arms were soon around her, pulling her against his chest. Even in the cold water, his skin was still warm. Holly wasn’t sure if it was the cold or him, but every nerve of her body was extra sensitive. Her bare breasts brushed against his chest, sending an electrifying shiver through her body. She sucked in air through her teeth.
Keller’s eyes locked on hers, his gaze deep and unwavering. He had a quiet intensity about him. Where Johnny was like a hurricane, Keller was like a mountain range. Silent, stoic, but awe-inspiring all the same.
“It’s nice to spend time with you like this,” Holly blurted.
“Like what?” Keller smiled, caught off guard.
“In a relaxed, fun way. I’m so used to you being rational and collected. Now, you’re pulling me into icy springs and laughing.”
“I’m a big fan of laughing, you know? I just don’t get to cut loose as often as I’d like. Someone has to be the rational one around here.”
“Garret and Johnny don’t seem that hopeless. I’m sure you could get away with cutting loose more without everything falling apart.”
“It’s a force of habit, I guess.” He shrugged. “I’ve always been the one who has his shit together, whether I want to be or not.”
Holly drew her brows together. “What do you mean by that?”
“I grew up quickly,” Keller said. “Too quickly, psychologists would probably say. There isn’t a psychologist in town, so I can’t check.”
“A lot of responsibilities at home?” Holly guessed.
“I’m the oldest of six.” Keller nodded. “Our mom left just after the youngest was born. She wasn’t really the most attentive mother, to begin with, so when she left, nothing changed that much.”
“That must’ve been difficult all the same.”
“She never pretended she loved us. In fact, she often called us her biggest regrets.”
Holly tightened her grip on Keller’s arms. “That’s terrible. No child should ever hear that from their mother. What about your father?”
Keller’s eyes lit up. “He was the best.” He grinned.
Was? Holly’s heart sank, but she let him keep talking.
“Of course, he was only one person. There was only so much he could do at once for all six of us. I started helping out as soon as I was able. It wasn’t what I wanted to be doing, but I did it for him. We lost him fifteen years ago.”
“The war?”
Keller tipped his head. “You know about that?”
“Johnny told me about it,” she said.
Keller nodded. “He lost his parents too,” he said. “That’s kind of how we became friends. Pearl wanted us to spend time together. We weren’t the only ones who lost parents, but somehow, she knew we’d get along well.”
“Pearl clearly knew what she was talking about.” Holly smiled.
“Johnny and I are night and day, but we’re brothers now. For as much as we’re at each other’s throats, I know he’s got my back. I have his, too. And Garret’s.”
“I’m glad you have each other.” Holly smiled. “What about your siblings? Do they still live in town?”
“Oh, no.” Keller shook his head. “I made sure they all got into good colleges. They needed to get out into the world. I hope they’ll come back. I know at least two of them will end up settling down here. The others? I’m not sure. As long as they’re happy and taken care of, I’m happy. That’s why I started my own business. I wanted as much control as possible so I could make sure their needs were met. The youngest only left town a year ago, when she graduated high school. She’s studying in Italy now; can you believe that?”
“That’s incredible!”
“She got a scholarship that pays for most of her expenses since education is so affordable there.” His whole face lit up as he talked about his family. “She wants to be a famous artist. I think she’s got a real shot. The painting above the fireplace is hers.”
“Is it really?” Holly beamed. “She’s very talented.”
“The others are pretty amazing, too. My oldest brother is interning with NASA right now.”
Holly’s mouth dropped open. “No way!”
“He’s going to build the ship that takes us all to Mars one day.” Keller laughed. “They’d all be so embarrassed if they heard me talking about them. They think I hype them up too much.”
“It sounds like they’re worthy of the praise,” Holly surmised. “They’re so lucky to have you.”
“I’m lucky to have them,” he said. “Looking out for them gave me a sense of purpose after Dad passed. If it weren’t for them, who knows where I’d be. I could be trying to go back to the dark ways, or worse.”
“But, you’re not.” Holly slid her hands up and down his arms. “You’re fighting against them. You’re going to win that fight.”
“I hope so.” The corner of Keller’s mouth twisted up. “It would be pretty embarrassing to get my ass kicked by one of those losers in front of you.”
“I pity anyone who thinks kicking your ass is a good idea.” Holly trailed her fingers over his chest—the guy was pure muscle; it was insane.
“They better stay away from you then.” He smirked. “If anyone
