Page 16 of Keel

Chapter 9

Keel shut the door and turned, leaning his forehead against it. The cool metal felt good against his skin. He needed to cool off. Maybe a dip in the ocean was warranted, but that would be stupid. The undertow wasn’t anything to play with. In the dark, he couldn’t see the ripples at the surface or judge how the water was coming in. If he had up-to-date information on currents like he did on missions, he might go swimming, but alone at the beach, no way.

He opted for a cold shower, but even that didn’t chill the itch under his skin. Frankie didn’t need his desire. He should be ashamed of himself for wanting her. It wasn’t fair after he’d spent so long telling her he would be her friend. She needed a friend, not some idiot guy hitting on her. He could be a friend to her.

He pulled his phone from his pocket and looked at his contacts. He settled on Chase. The phone rang twice before Chase answered.

“Hey, Keel. What’s up?”

“I need someone to bounce something off you.”

“Shoot.”

“You know I’m at Link’s condo for the week.”

“Yep, say more.”

“There’s this woman.”

“Oh shit, bro. Tell me about her.”

“Her ex is a jerk. He showed up here and got arrested. I ran into her the next morning. We ate and talked. She came over for breakfast this morning. We sat on the beach and talked. It got deep, not sexual deep, but deep. She did some stuff she regrets. We bonded over that.”

Chase was silent for a moment. “Listen to me, brother, she needs a friend. Nothing more. Do not cross over that line.”

“I know, that’s why I called you. I don’t want to overstep or make matters worse. I want to be that friend, but I’m attracted to her, and I don’t want to be. I won’t have a relationship, and it would be wrong to pull her close then push her away when she wants more that I can’t give her.”

“I get it. Attraction happens, that’s good that you called. You can get through this. It might not be a long-term attraction. It could be a flash in the pan. Don’t do it to yourself or to her.”

“Thank you. I needed someone to kick me in the balls and get me set right.”

“I’m here for you, buddy. You know, sometimes, you have to lean on others. I lean on you guys all the time. We’re brothers.”

“Yeah, we are brothers. I’m better. I’m going to get some rest.”

“That will help. Call me if you need another reminder.”

“Will do.”

The call ended, leaving him feeling better than before. He would stop the crazy lust and just be her friend. That’s what she needed.

The next morning at breakfast, he had no problems being her friend because he pushed those other feelings away, and he vowed to not let them intrude.

“What makes your coffee so good?” Frankie asked as the sun made its show.

The sunrise wasn’t as striking as the day before, but it was nice being out here. He appreciated having her over. He could do this, remain friends with her, and nothing more. It would be easy enough.

Frankie turned to him, flashing a huge smile. His stomach tightened. This was going to be harder than he thought.

Frankie had no idea why she was so attracted to this man. She shouldn’t be attracted to any man. She pushed the thoughts down and focused on coffee and food.

Turning to sex and another relationship that would blow up in her face would only lead to more pain. Keel offered friendship, which was much better than lust.

“I don’t know. Maybe the beans. I don’t buy cheap beans when I’m at home.”

She nodded, taking another sip. After the sun was up, Keel made breakfast for her. Today was scrambled eggs and sausage. She hadn’t had sausage in a long time. It was fattening, and Forest kept it from her, like so many other things.

“So you up for a walk?” Keel asked after she helped him clean the plates.