Both Sides Now (Seasoned Hearts Club)

Chapter 8

Chapter

Eight

KEEGAN

“ T here’s a Dr. Evans here to see you.” Alice’s voice sounds through the intercom and I straighten in my seat.

“Send him in.” I’m not surprised Shawn is here. In fact, I figured he would have dropped in a while ago.

Either way, game face on.

Shawn strolls in, and I gesture to a chair. No point in delaying the inevitable. “Come to give me the talk?”

Shawn settles into the chair, his body tense. “I’m trying to figure out what the hell is happening with you two.”

I clear my throat, downing half my water bottle. “What did Calli tell you?”

“Obviously not enough. Hence, why I’m here. What are your plans?”

“I’m not planning anything. Calli is going to a wedding with me.”

“As your girlfriend,” Shawn adds.

Okay, I wasn’t expecting Callista to be that forthright with her friend. “It’s an arrangement. Nothing more. ”

“Are you sure about that?” His dark eyes hold my gaze, daring me to lie about my intentions.

I bristle at his accusatory tone but hold back from snapping out a reply. Shawn is Callista’s best friend, and her only family on these shores. Add in my rather notorious dating reputation, and the man has every right to be concerned.

This leaves me with two choices: I can continue down my path of evasion, or I can spill my guts. Neither one will be pretty.

“Actually, I’m not sure of anything anymore,” I mutter, rubbing a hand along my jaw.

Shawn’s eyes widen at my blunt admission. “Care to elaborate?”

“I have nothing but the best of intentions regarding your friend. I care about Callista. More than I should. Way more than I should.”

Shawn shifts in his seat, but some of the tension falls from his face. “I’m glad to hear that. I wasn’t sure if she was your newest conquest. I must admit I damn near had it out with you at the medical dinner. I saw you two together on the patio.”

Fuck my life.

“But I talked myself down. Callista has the right to see and sleep with whoever she chooses. She’s a grown woman. But her heart was smashed to bits, and I was left to collect the pieces.”

“You want to ensure I don’t smash it all over again. Am I close?”

“Damn straight. I need to know we’re on the same page, and you’re not going to screw with my friend. She’s vulnerable, no matter what line of crap she feeds you. She’s not nearly as strong as you think.”

How can Shawn and I see such different versions of the same woman ?

I lean forward, resting my arms on the desk. “That’s where you’re wrong. She’s remarkably resilient. Callista went through the true definition of hell on earth, but she didn’t quit, even when quitting seemed the optimal choice. Now, she’s pushing forward, forging a new life for herself. I respect the hell out of that woman. Trust me, I’ll kill anyone who hurts her. You have my word.”

My statements hit their target, and Shawn stands, extending his hand. “Thank you. I appreciate your candor. Take care of her on Long Island. I’m glad she’s getting back to her old self again. I think you play a big part in that, whether she admits it or not.”

He leaves my office, but his words hang in the air. I’m not sure what this weekend holds for Calli and me, but I guarantee one thing.

If she brings that lacy lingerie along, there’s no way in hell I won’t make good on my promise.

Many, many times over.

I glance over at Callista, her hands knotted in her lap. She’s been tense as a board since we started the drive, and I worry she’s having second thoughts about the entire weekend. Maybe Shawn had a pep talk with her, too.

“You want to talk about it?”

A tremulous smile crosses her gorgeous mouth. “I’m nervous.”

It’s the first time a woman has ever offered up that honest of an explanation. Hell, it’s the first time a woman has cared enough to worry about … me.

Squeezing her hand, I offer a smile. “Relax. My family is going to love you. ”

Calli releases a huffed sigh, the tension sliding from her face. “It’s so silly because this isn’t real, but I worry they won’t approve of us together. That they’ll think you can—and should—do better. Proof positive I need to get out more.”

Is she crazy? She’s one of the classiest women I know. No way my family won’t like her. They’ll likely trade me in and hold onto her.

Can’t say I blame them.

But I need to lighten the moment. Make her laugh. Doesn’t hurt she has the best laugh on the planet.

“Nothing like a family wedding to test the waters. If it helps, there will be tons of free alcohol,” I reply with a smirk.

“I don’t think me getting snookered is the best way to impress your folks.”

“It’s just my mom.”

Calli pivots in her seat, her gray eyes regarding me intently. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize your father had passed.”

My grip tightens on the steering wheel. “He might still be alive. I wouldn’t know.”

“Has he ever been lucky enough to know you?”

I grunt out a mirthless laugh. “Know me? Not hardly. He left when I was four. Found a new life that suited him better.”

She tucks her legs under her, and I realize she isn’t going to let the matter drop.

A matter I don’t discuss with anyone. Not even my mother.

“Now I get it,” Calli murmurs, resting her chin in her hand.

“What’s that?”

“Your aversion to love and romance. I assumed some silly girl had broken your heart, but your truth is far worse. The man who was supposed to put you above all else … didn’t. I’m sorry that was your experience.”

Tension creases my brow, and I run my hand over my forehead, desperate to release the pressure.

But another part of me, those last remaining remnants of my inner child, need to get it out. Speak the words aloud instead of holding them hostage in my brain.

“I watched what love did to my mother. Even after he abandoned us, she still pined for him. For years. She didn’t think I’d notice, but she was my entire world and life made me grow up fast.”

“Did she see it coming?”

I shrug. “Probably, but my mom is a dreamer. She loves love and all its trappings. Deep down, she believed he would return. He never did. Love ruined her.”

Calli sets her jaw, her eyes steely with determination. “No, it didn’t.”

I’m not in the mood to argue this point.

Calli has other ideas.

“Can we change the subject?” I ask.

“No, because this is the good stuff. This is what makes you the man you are today.”

“Cold and bitter?”

“You’re not either of those, but you are guarded. You think love destroyed your mom. It saved her.”

I open my mouth to retort, but Calli holds up her hand, stopping me dead in my tracks.

“I’m not referring to your father. Your mom’s love for you and your love for her saved her. I guarantee if she hadn’t had you, she would have fallen apart completely. You gave her a reason to go on. A reason to get up every day.”

Her words resonate with me, even though I’m nowhere near ready to forgive my father. Hell, I detest using that term, as he hasn’t earned it. Sperm donor suits him far better.

But there is sense in her statements. A kernel of truth that I’ve avoided because the story I constructed in my head allowed me to hold everyone at arms’ length.

That story kept me safe, but with this petite beauty’s help, I no longer want to play by those rules .

Her courage has given me courage to tear down the walls built around my heart.

It’s a slow road, but no other woman has ever loosened a brick in that wall.

Callista took a damn sledgehammer to it.

What she doesn’t know is how much I think about her. All the time. How no other woman is remotely tempting anymore.

I’ve been asked on several dates, and turned them all down.

Calli is my new measuring stick, but she can’t be mine.

Why not?

Another question that has simmered in my brain for the last few weeks.

A question I damn well know the answer to, no matter how I despise the truth.

Calli has plans. She dreams of being a mother and living out the happily ever after that life stole from her the first time around.

She deserves that.

“Hey, where did you go?” Calli’s voice is soft as she brushes her fingers through my hair, bringing me back to the present.

“Sorry. Just thinking.”

“Normally, I would apologize for barreling into your personal life, but I want to know you, Keegan. All the good and bad parts. Besides, I can’t be the only one with mopey stories. You had to take some of the pressure off me.”

Typical Calli. I laugh and roll down the window, letting in some fresh air. Soon, I’ll be able to smell the ocean.

Home. It’s been too long.

Calli offers a shrug as she flips down the visor mirror to apply some lip balm. “Now I really want to meet your mother.”

“Because she has a sob story? ”

She smacks my arm, shaking her head. “No, because her past pain is a testament to her strength. It’s not easy being a single mom. Or, so I’ve heard.”

I grit my teeth at her words. No, it’s not, and I had a front row seat to that life.

The same path Calli is currently considering.

That right there should send me hurtling for the nearest exit.

Callista isn’t mine. Not long term, anyway.

She wants a life I can’t give her.

Maybe you can.

Who knows? Maybe she’s fine with us being friends. Or, perhaps she’s looking for some fun this weekend. Maybe some added benefits to the friendship.

That’s enough, right?

Not by a long shot.

Truth is, I’m terrified of what I feel for her.

And more so, what she may not feel back.

Christ, but life was easier before this woman marched into my office. Far less colorful and interesting, but much safer.

My life made sense. Now, nothing does.

And it’s all Calli’s fault.

“You and your mom are buddies, aren’t you?” Seems Calli is still determined to discuss my family.

At least we’re off the topic of dear old dad.

“Absolutely. I’m an only child, so it was just her and me against the world.”

“It must be hard living so far from her.”

I sigh, pulling a hand through my hair. “It is. Especially since she’s gotten older. Her sister is on the island, along with my cousins, but I hate that should she need me, I’m a few hours away. I’ve considered moving back to Long Island, but it’s a tough decision, what with my practice and all. I spent years building it, and now, the concept of starting over from scratch is overwhelming.”

Not to mention that the Hudson Valley has never been so appealing as it is now, with Callista in my life.

But I’ve spent enough time on the hot seat. It’s her turn.

“Speaking of relocations, what made you leave England?”

“I wondered when you would shift the conversation back to me,” Calli replies with a lilting laugh. “Charlie got a job here in America. I never considered leaving Britain, but it was either leave England or leave Charlie. It was an easy choice.”

An emotion flashes through me. It’s just an inkling, there but a moment, but I envy the man who holds her heart. “Do you like it here?”

“Yes, and no. Like you, I miss my family. It’s very lonely since Charlie …” She doesn’t finish the statement. She doesn’t have to. The pain creases her face and the depth of her anguish is evident. “But this weekend is not about me, and certainly not about my tale of woe. You’ve heard that story enough times. It’s your turn. Tell me everything about your family and don’t leave out the juicy parts. I need to make a good impression.”

With a chuckle, I begin filling her in on the stories of my childhood. Most women would nod and appear interested. Not Callista. She wants every detail, even the most mundane, and isn’t afraid to demand more information.

I don’t disclose my life to the women I date. Nothing personal, but I don’t get personal with them. Not emotionally, anyway.

Never felt the need.

But with Calli, it’s effortless.

By the time the sign for the Throgs Neck Bridge comes into view, we are sharing a myriad of laughs over our teenage shenanigans.

As I glance at the beauty seated next to me, I know I made the right decision. For once, I’m can’t wait to show off the woman on my arm.

Don’t get me wrong. I’ve dated a bevy of beautiful women. But I shied away from the truly remarkable ones.

This time, I’m bringing the whole package with me. Only trouble is, I’m not certain I want to be just her friend any longer.

I want more.

Callista lets out a low whistle when we pull into the reception parking lot. “Wow. Is this the Yank version of a castle?”

Chuckling, I park and pull our luggage from the back. “As close are you’re going to get, I’m afraid. Although I’m certain there is an array of sordid stories that occurred within these walls. Can’t let Europeans have all the fun.”

“Didn’t see a moat, though.”

“A hot tub will have to suffice.”

“Now that sounds like a brilliant idea,” Calli exclaims.

Can’t agree with you more, beautiful.

We aren’t three steps into the lobby when an excited screech sounds to my right.

“Keegan! It’s about damn time!” My cousin Jane bounds across the floor, pulling me into a bear hug. “I was just talking to Aunt Louise, wondering when the hell you would arrive.” Her gaze settles on Callista, her expression curious. “And who is this?”

Before I can provide introductions, my date for the weekend extends her hand. “I’m Callista. A pleasure to meet you.”

“Love your accent!” Jane elbows me in the ribs, a wicked gleam in her eye. “I’ll bet that’s sexy as hell in the sack. ”

My jaw slackens in horror at my cousin’s forward statement—even if I am reasonably sure Callista sounds sexy as hell in bed. God knows she did when I fingered her against the wall. “You did not just say that.”

“Oh, but I did.” One thing about my cousin. She’s beyond outspoken. I should have warned Calli about her smart mouth.

But Calli takes it all in stride. “Actually, I take on a French accent in bed. Unless we’re really getting kinky, then my Russian side comes out.”

You’d never know Calli was a nervous wreck the first half of the journey with that comment. But shit, now I’m really thinking about her naked in my bed.

Focus, Keegan. Focus.

Jane’s face breaks into a smile as she wraps her arm around Callista. “I like her. I’m Jane, Keegan’s terribly brazen but fun as hell cousin.”

And just like that, my fake girlfriend cements her place in my family. What Calli doesn’t realize is that Jane is the unofficial gatekeeper, at least when it comes to my romantic interests. She’s despised every woman I’ve ever dated.

Until now.

“Will you be coming with us to the spa tonight? The ladies have opted to forgo the typical stripper show in lieu of some primping.”

Calli smiles, snapping her fingers. “Damn. I had a stack of singles all ready to go.”

Jane giggles, leading the two of us to the check-in desk. “Well, we can sneak out early.”

“Or,” Callista says, swinging her gaze to me, “I can give Keegan my stash because I’m fairly certain the men have not decided to forgo a stag do.”

“What the hell is a stag do?” I ask, slipping an arm around Calli’s waist. Hey, we’re supposed to be dating. I need to act the part. Easiest damn part I’ve ever played .

“A night of tits and ass.”

“Correction,” Jane interrupts. “I don’t like her. I love her. I’m keeping her.”

“I’ll fight you for her,” I jest with my cousin, dropping a kiss on Calli’s hair when she leans against my chest, her fingers twisting around my belt loop to hold me close.

Don’t worry, beautiful. I’m not going anywhere.

Meeting my cousin’s gaze, I bite back a smile when she offers me a thumbs up.

Oh yes, she approves of my choice.

How could she not?

“Nonsense,” Calli interjects. “Plenty of me to go around. Is there anything I can do to help with the festivities? I’m ridiculously anal-retentive, which comes in handy with event planning.”

Jane’s grin widens until she resembles the joker, before shooting me a knowing look. “You’ve done more than your part. I never thought I’d see the day when Keegan had a girlfriend.”

I glare at my cousin. Not in the mood to traverse this path of my past conquests. “I’ve had lots of girlfriends, Jane.”

“No. You’ve had lots of floozies. Tremendous difference.”

I roll my eyes, eager to end this conversation. “Where’s Mom?”

“Where do you think? With my mom, sampling every variety of champagne at the bar. I’m off, but I’ll see you later, Callista. The spa retreat starts at seven.”

“Can’t wait.” Calli grins up at me after Jane struts off. “I like your family. Those I’ve met, anyway.”

“To think you were worried about fitting in. Joking with my cousin about tits and ass not three minutes into the conversation.”

An adorable flush crawls up her face. “Sorry. Too cheeky? ”

I slide my hand down, cupping her ass, my gaze intent on her face. “No. Just the right amount.”

She swats my hand away, but her eyes sparkle with amusement. “You’d better behave. The weekend is just beginning. Have to save some of your libido for the myriad of strippers about to parade through your life.”

I carry our bags to the elevator, but I can’t resist my next question.

“I’d rather save my libido for that lacy lingerie you promised. Or did you chicken out and leave it at home?”

Callista steps back, sliding her blouse over just far enough for me to catch a glimpse of her purple satin bra.

All I can say is if I’m getting hard looking at her bra strap, I don’t stand a chance when she strips down.

“I always make good on my threats.” She offers me another smile, but this one oozes sensuality.

I lean down, my lips grazing her ear. “And I, always make good on mine.”

“What a gorgeous room,” Callista gushes as she walks around our suite and takes in all the details, a glass of champagne in her hand. Taittinger flows like water here, and my date wastes no time in sampling the wares.

She’s not lying about the resort. My cousin spared no expense on his wedding, mostly because his future wife demands elegance and luxury.

But this place outshines all the reception sites I’ve seen and in my years, I’ve attended my share of weddings.

My gaze lands on the king-sized bed, and I realize sleeping arrangements might be an issue. Granted, after our sensual teasing in the lobby, sleep is the last thing I want to do with Calli .

Might as well address the elephant in the room.

“I can crash on the sofa or on the floor,” I offer.

Callista shrugs, sending me an amused grin. “We’ll figure it out.”

What I want to figure out is how quickly I can strip her down and get up close and personal with her sexy curves.

But time is of the essence. Traffic delays cost us, and the bachelor party starts soon.

Stifling a groan, I grab some clothes from my suitcase. “I’m going to jump in the shower. Get the road grime off.”

“Have to get all clean before you get dirty again?”

That statement receives every ounce of my attention.

My cock now thinks it’s all systems go, and it’s homing in on the petite auburn-haired beauty in front of me. “Who says I’m getting dirty tonight? You know something I don’t?”

“I know where you’re headed tonight. Enough said. Go shower.” Calli turns her attention to the menu, but I notice the smirk on her mouth.

She knows exactly what she’s doing to me. And she’s loving every second of it.

I retreat to the bathroom, even though I’d far rather forgo the damn bachelor party in lieu of a private party with Callista. The things I would do to that woman … they’d hear her moans the next town over.

Fifteen minutes later, I stroll out of the bathroom. At least I’m clean. And calm. Calmer, anyway. Yes, I jacked off in the shower like a college kid. Sue me.

A guy has needs, but a raging hard-on is not what I want to lead with.

“Look at you. You clean up well.” Calli is sprawled across the bed, flipping aimlessly through television channels. She gestures for me to move closer, and I waste no time closing the distance between us. “Now, don’t have too much fun tonight,” she teases, her fingers straightening my collar .

“Not to worry. I’m not a huge fan of strippers.” I am, however, a huge fan of this woman’s hands on my body. It might be an innocent gesture on her part, but my dick is geared up for round two.

“Does any woman believe you when you say that?”

“It’s true.”

“Right. Every man hates tits and ass in their face.”

“I have no issue with tits or ass in my face. I’m just particular with who those tits and ass belong to.” I walk across the room and grab my coat from the closet. If I don’t leave soon, my cousin will have to pry me away with a crowbar.

Calli settles back on the bed, a saucy grin crossing her features. “Any particular tits and ass you’re eying this weekend?”

“You know damn well the answer to that question.” I’m trying to be a gentleman. Honest to God, I am. But if this gorgeous minx utters one more deliciously sexual comment, all bets are off.

She runs her hands along her blouse, her fingers playing along her cleavage. “Just curious, since I am wearing that lacy lingerie you love so much.”

That’s it. Game on. I toss down my jacket and march to the edge of the bed. As I lean over Calli, I forgo asking permission as I fumble with the buttons on her shirt. I’m tempted to rip the damn thing from her body. Anything to feel her skin under my palms.

“What are you doing?” Her voice is breathless, but she isn’t stopping me.

“You’ve teased me with it for days. Now, I want to see you.”

She rises to her knees, shooing me off. “Then wait a damn minute. You can tear my shirt off, or you can watch. I guarantee the second option is a ton more fun.”

Calli pulls out her hair clip, letting a cascade of auburn waves tumble down her back. She bites her lip and grabs my hands, resting them on her thighs.

Then with a naughty smirk, she fingers open the remaining buttons on her blouse, letting the material slide down her arms.

Her ivory skin glistens in the low light, her full breasts threatening to spill out over the top of the purple lace bra.

She grasps the front clasp and pops it open, tugging at the material in a playful dance. Spinning on the bed, she puts her back to me and allows the bra to fall away, her hands skating up to cup her breasts as she tosses a coy smile at me over her shoulder.

Holy fuck.

My own personal burlesque dancer.

Calli winks at me, biting that pouty lower lip as she turns to face me again. “Strippers aren’t the only ones with moves.”

No way I’m keeping my hands to myself.

I grasp her wrists, locking them behind her back as I haul her close, her breasts pressing against my chest. So much for that cold shower. “When I get back, you’re showing me the rest. You’re showing me everything.”

Her lips brush mine, a hint of champagne evident on her breath. “Depends on if you’re good or not.”

She barely has the last word out when I claim her mouth. That delightfully dirty mouth I’ve been craving since that medical dinner. I slide my tongue against hers and release my grip on her hands, twisting my fingers deep in her curls.

Pulling her tighter, I slide one hand around her throat and hold her in the kiss, demanding everything she has to give. But Calli is all too eager to play, as she moans into my mouth and wraps her hands along my hips.

She’s as desperate as I am.

Calli pulls away, delivering tiny nibbles to my lower lip and sending shock waves through my system. “You are good. ”

I’ve never wanted a woman so much in my damn life. Knowing I’m getting to her, too, is the ultimate ego boost.

I trail kisses down the column of her throat, high off her intoxicating scent. “Trust me, Calli. I’m very good. Want to place a bet on how many times I’ll make you come tonight?”

“I’m counting on several, but do we have to wait until tonight?”

Her heated, honeyed whisper damn near takes me over the edge.

Fuck no, we don’t.

I let out a low chuckle and duck my head to tease her nipples with my tongue, never letting her out of my embrace. When a low moan falls from her lips, I grip her tighter, sucking and nipping at her skin. “Get this skirt off. I want my head between your legs. I want to hear you screaming my name, Calli.”

“Only if I get to return the favor,” she murmurs, her hands knotting in my hair and holding my mouth flush against her skin.

The knock at the door is so loud that it reverberates through the room. I jerk my head up, trying to collect my thoughts.

Who the fuck dares to bother me now?

“Hey Keegan, let’s go. The limo is waiting on you.”

Damn it.

Why couldn’t it be room service? Why does it have to be my cousin, also known as the groom, on the other side of the door?

With a huffed sigh, I rest my head on Calli’s shoulder. “I need an excuse to make him go away.”

Calli shakes her head, her hands drifting along my chest. “No, you don’t. Just know I’ll be here when you’re done playing.”

“I cannot leave here like this,” I argue .

It’s a valid argument.

Calli giggles, her gaze skating down my body to rest on my fully erect cock, straining against my jeans. Then, just to be truly sadistic, she drags her nails along my cock, her hands sliding down to cup my balls. I buck against her touch, knowing I’m about ten seconds away from ripping every stitch of clothing from her body and telling my cousin to fuck off without me.

“Hmm … you’ll be more impressive than the strippers tonight.”

Another laugh rises from her chest. I love her laugh—husky and sexy as hell. Even if right now, she’s laughing at my predicament.

I’ll make her pay later.

“Only one woman I want to impress.” At that moment, I realize it’s true. She’s the only woman I want. The only woman I’ve kissed in the last month.

The only woman I want to kiss for the foreseeable future, along with a myriad of other sexual activities.

Our gazes hold, conveying what our mouths don’t dare speak aloud. Then Calli grabs my face, sliding her tongue past my lips as she stakes her claim with a fierce kiss.

When she pulls back, she nips my lower lip, offering up that sexy smirk. “Something to remember me by.”

Like there’s a chance in hell I’ll forget her. The woman is burned into my brain.

She grabs her purse and pulls out a brand new hundred-dollar bill. “Here,” she says, pressing the money into my hand, “get a lap dance on me.”

Is she kidding? I don’t care how good these dancers are or how perky their tits. I want the woman in front of me. I toss the money onto the bed, cocking my brow at her surprised look. “How about you give me one later? Like you said, you have some serious moves. ”

She traces her fingers down my torso, and my cock threatens to explode if I don’t sink inside her immediately. “I’m incredibly flexible, too.”

I toss my head back, releasing a frustrated groan. “Holy shit, Callista. I’m supposed to walk out that door without testing that claim? I don’t think so.”

“Keegan, let’s go, man!” I love my cousin. I do. But right now, I’m about to knock him dead in his face. I’m in the middle of an important conversation. One that involves burying myself inside Calli for the rest of the night.

“I’ll be right there.” I throw the reply toward the door, even though I don’t care if there are piles of hundred-dollar bills on the other side. I want to stay here. With Callista.

“Have fun. Be careful.” A quick peck to my lips, and she’s off the bed, her hands covering those amazing tits as she struts to the bathroom. “See you later, gorgeous.”

She closes the door, leaving me standing there with a stupid grin on my face.

Yes, darling, you will see me later. All of me. And I’m claiming all of you.