by Harloe Rae
I rock on my heels, taking a minute to figure out how to kick this off. “So, you got a dog.”
A groan almost wrenches out of me. Great job, moron. Way to state the obvious.
Keegan quirks a brow. “We did.”
“From where?”
She huffs. “Not sure why you care, but Rover & Meow in Gulligan Haven.”
I stroke a hand over my jaw. “That’s where I picked up Patch.”
“They have a great facility.”
“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 and naughty.”
Millie’s bottom lip wobbles, and I wince. “Okay, Mama.”
“You’re not in trouble, baby girl. Just turn the sass down a couple notches.” I snort at the irony. There’s no question where she learned it from. Keegan whips a glare at me. “Do you have something to add?”
I hold up my hands. “Nope.”
Millie remains rooted in place, her gaze set on me. “Can we hang out again soon?”
Keegan lays a gentle palm on her daughter’s back. “I’m sure he’s a busy man, sweetie.”
“Didn’t we already cover this once?”
“I’m trying to help you out, Ford.”
“I don’t need rescuing.” Especially when I’m already heading straight for hell.
“If you open this door, she won’t close it.”
“Will you?”
Her eyebrows soar into her hairline. “What are you getting at?”
“There’s no harm meeting me in a few agreed-upon locations, right?”
“I can’t even begin to imagine where those might be.”
“There are several parks and trails nearby. I’ve been taking Patch out into public more. Socialization and all that.”<
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“Oh, that’s rich, coming from you.” A scoff packed with disbelief tumbles out of her. “Millie will be relentless now.”
“Not always a bad quality, if it’s aimed in the right direction.”
Keegan stares at me, fiery emeralds blazing into my blackened core. “Lucky for me, I tend to search the left first.”
Healing Hug #17: Offering support is never a weakness.
Against my better judgment, and every single gut instinct compelling me to bust a U-turn, I pull into a gravel lot that marks our final destination. I glance out the windshield to get a lay of the unfamiliar land. This is another expansive piece of Silo Springs that’s been left untouched, for the most part. The huge grassy field, sprawling far and wide, is sectioned off with chain-link fencing. A large board plastered with multiple columns of rules is visible from where I sit, huddling in the safety of my car.
The twisting clench in my belly increases. “Maybe this isn’t such a great idea.”
“You’re such a chicken.” Josey snorts from her spot beside me.
Millie gasps from the backseat, and I glare at my best friend. “Calling people names isn’t very nice, Josephine.”
“She’s right, JoJo. You should apologize.” Millie’s scold has the power to make grown men weep.
I cross my arms, giving Josey the smuggest grin on history. “I also accept chocolate and lattes.”
“Getting backed up by a seven-year-old. You must be so proud.” She flicks some hair over her shoulder with a flourish.
I turn off the ignition and turn to face my accuser. “I certainly am. She follows the rules and never gets into trouble.”
“Uh-huh, I’m a good listener. My mama is, too. That’s why we’re meeting Ford. He asked us to, and we don’t want to make him sad.” Millie unbuckles her straps, wiggling in the slightly raised booster. Elsa perks up from the commotion and stares out the window. Her tail begins whipping against the door when she catches sight of where we are.
“We shouldn’t leave him waiting.” Josey motions to the entrance gate.
“You’re coming with me,” I grumble.
“Obviously. Why else would I tag along?”
“For a good show?”
“True. You’re providing the entertainment today.”
“I’m beginning to regret inviting you.”
“Make up your mind, woman. No wonder you’re driving Ford crazy.”
It’s my turn to gasp. “That’s not true. We did each other wrong.”
Josey waves me off. “Mutual fault is boring. I prefer to pretend you have all the ass kissing to do.”
Millie releases another squeak of outrage. “JoJo said a bad word!”
My friend flinches. “Crud, I’m sorry.”
“I’ll be expecting your dollar in the swear jar by sundown.”
She wrinkles her nose. “Such a stickler.”
“Just wait until you have kids. The last thing I want is one of her teachers calling me to say she’s using potty talk.”
“Oh, that’s too cute.” She winks at Millie.
I pinch her arm. “Don’t be a bad influence. I can’t even deal with you right now.”
“It’s only going to get worse once we catch up with your lover boy.” Josey smacks her lips.
An exaggerated groan vibrates my chest. “Please don’t embarrass me.”
“I make no promises.” And with that, she hops out of the car.
I scramble to follow her lead, grabbing Millie and Elsa along the way. My daughter giggles when her new best friend spins circles around us. Someone is definitely ready to play. My pulse crashes louder with each hurried step. Crawford better show or he’ll be the unfortunate recipient of my mama wrath. I pray that this isn’t the biggest mistake I’ll ever make.
We make it five feet inside of the gate when Millie takes off running. I’m about to call for her to wait when I see who she’s racing toward. Crawford is sitting on a lone bench, looking hot enough to give me acid reflux. I’m certain the green shirt he’s wearing brings out the color in his eyes. How doomed I am to already be imagining that belly-fluttering view?
My stride turns into more of a stomp as we cover the remaining distance.
Josey tips her head back and laughs. “You’re so screwed.”
I wish.
Instead of letting the truth slip, I shoot her a glare. “Oh, hush. I’m just frustrated in general.”
“I can see why.” She nods in Crawford’s direction. “How in the world do you resist that walking orgasm?”
I allow my gaze to follow her rapt focus. What I find has the breath stalling in my lungs, setting a fire inside the very center of me.
Millie is jumping up and down, flailing her arms in animated circles, while talking so fast it sounds like gibberish. Crawford is just watching and listening, giving her the softest smile. Just like that, my ovaries go into hyperdrive.
“Oh, dear Lord.” I reach out, wildly gripping onto my friend’s elbow.
She giggles. “Yep. Super screwed.”
“You’re not helping,” I spit. A string of the most foul expletives tickle my tongue.
“Be patient.” Josey pastes on the most obnoxious smile I’ve had the displeasure of seeing. If Crawford didn’t hear us talking about him, her megawatt grin is certain to clue him in.
His keen eyes zero in on me in particular, the hazel shade flaring at whatever he discovers. A slight lift of his chin pairs with the scorching stare. “Afternoon, ladies.”
My temperature spikes from two insignificant words. The deep rasp of his voice glides across my balmy skin. How will I manage to maintain my cool if he lets more loose? A shudder I refuse to acknowledge sends a spasm through my muscles.
“Hi, Ford.” Josey gives him a little wave.
He barely spares her a glance, choosing to pinpoint his intensity on me. I’m trapped in his fog. There’s no exit route from this type of unavoidable disaster.
My friend makes a noise of agreement in her throat, walking toward Millie and the pups. I blink and return to my senses. After clearing my overly parched throat, I shuffle forward to be part of the group.
“Hey. Thanks for telling us about this spot.” I flick my gaze to the side, down to a patch of dirt, looking anywhere but at Crawford.
He grunts. “Yeah, it’s all right. Midday isn’t too busy. But in a few hours, the place will be swarming.”
“I didn’t know there was a roam free park in Silo Springs.”
“No reason to unless you’ve got a dog.”
I kick at the ground. “Right, duh. That makes sense.”
“Wowza,” Josey wheezes. “It sure is steamy. I can practically feel the sticky heat clinging to me. Can you sense that…tension in the air?”
“Don’t start.” I glare at her.
She presses a hand to her forehead. “I’ve behaved. How long do you expect me to stay quiet?”
I roll my eyes back to Crawford. “So, how does this work?” Patch is at his hip, still attached to a leash.
He crosses his arms, sinewy biceps bulging under his shirt. “Didn’t you read the rules?”
“Uh, no.” Flames burst across my cheeks. “I guess we were in a hurry.”
“Should I take that as a compliment?” The corner of his mouth tics.
“If you must,” I mutter.
“And on that note—” Josey tugs at the collar of her shirt. “It’s clear you two have some unfinished business. We’ll just be over there, letting the dogs sniff butts or whatever they do.”
Before I can interject, she loops an arm around Millie and grabs Patch’s leash from Crawford. Josey leads their quad-pod toward a hill without a backward glance. I tuck my chin and expel a long breath.
“We need to quit meeting like this.”
“You invited me.” As if he needs the reminder.
Another torch ignites in his smoky eyes. “That I did.”
I feel exposed under his seductive watch. “Do you, uh, come here often?”
Crawford adjusts the ballcap on his head. “More so lately, whenever the mood strikes. I want to come more often.”
That earns him a snort. “I bet you do.”
“Maybe you can assist in those efforts.”
“I thought we decided not to discuss that again.”
He scrubs a finger over his brow. “I never agreed to keep it clean.”
Good grief this man can turn the filth on and off faster than a switch. The way he acts with Millie, gentle and almost polite, is a drastic difference to how he treats me. I could admit the same about myself. Josey was right—this man brings out an untamed side of me. All I want to do at this moment is climb him like one of the ancient pine trees surrounding us.
I narrow the gap separating us until only a foot remains. The need to reach out to touch him singes my palm. “What’re you proposing?”
“We can be…friends.” The suggestion sounds like the last thing he wants. Not that I blame him. The idea of being strictly platonic with him is less than appetizing.
Why not add a little flavor to spice this platter up? “Not gonna tack on any benefits?”
He growls into his fist. “Watch yourself, Kee.”
That nickname again. I wasn’t sure he’d bother with it after the way we left off. I settle a palm flat on his chest. “What’s in it for me?”
“Your daughter’s happiness, apparently.”
I glare at him, my blood beginning to boil. “You’d use her as leverage?”
“Nah, I’m not that big of an asshole. But if she wants us all to be together, what’s gonna stop you from making it happen? And conveniently, Elsa fits into the dynamic.”
He’s got me there, and I bet my taut expression shows it. I’m on his hook without any leverage. Why did I agree to this again? Cue an internal eye roll. Millie’s pleading has no bounds, an endless stream of whining until I can’t hear anything else. I wasn’t joking about her being relentless. “Using the dogs and Millie against me is a low blow. Even for you.”
“I’m a motivated man.”
“Since when?”
Crawford towers over me. “Snap judgments are beneath you, Keegan.”