Page 49 of Heal Me, Love Me

I released him and stood, backing away before I changed my mind.

Keaton moved to my side instantly. His hand settled against my lower back, not grabbing onto me, just reminding me he was there.

Ridgway rolled onto his side, coughing. He dragged himself upright, breathing hard and red-faced.

The door opened, and a woman in a black polo stepped outside. “Westly? What the hell are you doing?”

“Nothing.” He tried to fix his hair.

She took in the scene, then looked back at him. “Doesn’t look like nothing.”

Keaton lifted a hand. “We were leaving.”

I expected her to ask questions. Instead, she narrowed her eyes at Ridgway as if she already knew enough. “Get inside,” she ordered. “Your break is over.”

Ridgway shot us one last glare before disappearing through the door.

The woman sighed. “Sorry about him.”

Keaton faced her. “You might want to keep him away from customers.”

“I’ll handle it.”

We didn’t stick around to see what she meant.

As we got to the car, the adrenaline finally started to drain, leaving my body heavy and my hands unsteady. “I wanted to hurt him,” I admitted.

“I know,” Keaton replied as he unlocked the doors.

I drew in a breath and let it out slowly. “I’m sorry.”

“For what?”

“For the date including a takedown in a parking lot.”

“Honestly?” He stepped closer. “Not my worst date.”

I couldn’t help smiling.

He grinned. “I’m kidding. This date is definitely the most likely to get us banned from a restaurant.”

A laugh broke out of me. “You’re impossible.”

“You love me.”

“I do.”

His smile faded. “Say it again.”

“I love you.”

He took my face in both hands and kissed me, and this time, it wasn’t for Ridgway or to prove anything. It was just Keaton, his mouth moving against mine until the anger and adrenaline turned into something hotter.

When he pulled back, his eyes were full of desire. “I got us a room.”

9

Keaton