Chapter 30

“It’s okay Kee. You don’t have to explain. You didn’t love me the way that I thought you did and that has to be okay,” I said, my voice trembling slightly.

Keegan sighed. “Brees, of course I still love you. How could I ever stop?”

His hand gently glided up my arm and to my face. Our breath was loud and labored. Not because we were out of breath, but because we both felt something. My breath caught in my throat as his hand continued to caress my face. I closed my eyes in anticipation. I wasn’t sure what this moment was between us, but I knew I felt an energy that was polarizing. I felt his heart beating faster and faster. He pulled my waist towards him. My body pressed up against his. His thumb traced around my lips. He put both hands on my face and neck and pulled me in. His lips looked so inviting. They wanted me, but did I want them? I parted my lips and gasped. I don’t think I remembered to breathe this entire time. He smiled and leaned in. His lips were right by mine.

Just then I heard the melodic tune stop and heard clapping coming from the kitchen. I pulled away, bringing myself back into reality. The trees rustled outside of the window in a low hum and the birds began to sing a softer tune. I could hear chatter coming from the kitchen.

“Brees, I don’t know why I did that. The moment felt so nostalgic and I…” he said, wringing his hands together.

“It’s fine, Kee. I heard you loud and clear earlier when you were trying to convince your girlfriend that you didn’t have feelings for me,” I said, with a sense of irritation.

“She isn’t my girlfriend, Brees. I’m sorry about this. I really am,” he said.

“I am too Keegan. You don’t get to kiss me. You don’t get to have me and have her too. It’s not fair,” I said, bounding for the kitchen.

How could I have been sucked back in by those blue eyes and his charismatic dance moves? Casey came out of the kitchen as I was headed back in. She saw my distraught look and followed me.

“James, what happened?” she asked, holding her bow like a weapon.

“Case,” I laughed, “everything is fine. I swear.”

“Ok, but my bow is already warmed up if shit goes down,” she joked, from an animated karate stance.

Keegan walked in at that very moment. His beautiful curls pulled back into a slicked ponytail.

“Brees, can we talk for a minute?” he asked.

As I was going to speak, I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket. It was Jagger and she was here!

“Let me in, beautiful!” her text read.

“Not right now Kee,” I said.

I ran to the door, my heels clicking on the wooden floors. Everyone followed me, to see why I was so excited. I swung open the door and standing there was Jagger. She was wearing ripped jeans and an off-the-shoulder white sweater. She stepped inside and wasted no time showing me how much she missed me. She scooped me up off of the floor and kissed me. It wasn’t a long kiss, but it was super hot.

“Hey babe! I kinda missed you,” she said, smiling and holding me around my waist.

“Eh-hem,” Casey coughed.

“Oh my gosh, I didn’t even see everyone. Hi guys!” she said, letting go of my waist.

“Hey,” everyone said almost in unison.

“I was just gonna take off guys. This was fun. Double dates soon?” Keegan asked, addressing the room.

“Of course,” Jagger agreed.

“I’ll set it up,” Quinn said, hugging Keegan before he walked off.

He gave me a quick squeeze and even hugged Jagger. His eyes had an emptiness that spoke of unsaid words. His walk lagged in pace when compared to an upbeat Keegan. He left my mind wondering and my heart wanting for something I was unsure of. This was what he did. He confused my thoughts and left me feeling anxious. This was Keegan Patts.