Page 22 of Keel

She shook her head. “There’s no way I would take a boat on my own. I’m not brave like that.”

“You don’t know what you’re capable of until you push yourself.”

“Touché. I haven’t ever pushed myself. It’s true. So I guess that starts now with recovering and trying to get better.”

He nodded. “You’ll get there.”

She finished the eggs and began washing dishes. The first time she started washing, he’d told her she didn’t have to clean. She told him to let her help. That it was part of her recovery.

“Thank you for breakfast. I’m going to get ready.”

“Cool. I’ll see you in a few.”

She closed and locked the door to her grandmother’s condo, but didn’t move away from the hard, solid surface. She should figure out her money situation and leave. She shouldn’t lean on Keel so much. He would hate her for ruining his life, and she would ruin it.

One thing the book taught her was that she really was messed up, and she needed to get her shit straight. Today wasn’t the day to leave. She would have fun, and then she would figure out what to do with her life.

Keel had almost blown it. He’d wanted to kiss Frankie, to see what her lips would feel like on his, what she tasted like. Find out how her heart beat as they held each other in a lover’s embrace.

He was being ridiculous, so he grabbed for his phone to check in with Chase.

I’m having a hard time. I can keep strong, but the pull is intense.

It took Chase a moment to text back. In that time, he showered and cleaned up his beard, trying to look a little more presentable.

Brother, you’ve been through worse. You can do this. Question your motives. Is this a real attraction or just lust?

Chase’s question hit hard, and he had to really think about how he felt. Lust was there. No question he found her attractive. It wasn’t just her body, but her. The time they spent together had made the attraction stronger.

He wanted good things for her. That meant he should step away, because deep down, he knew he wasn’t any good in a relationship. Shana had shown him that time and time again. Just being Frankie’s friend was best for everyone.

He had some time so he ran to the store before going up to pick up Frankie. She looked cute in her capris and t-shirt. Her bruises had faded more, but not all the way. She still wore a wide-brimmed hat and was carrying her hoodie.

“You ready?”

She smiled as she nodded. “As I’ll ever be.”

“Cool. Let’s go.”

The drive over to the marina wasn’t long, and they were on the boat in less than thirty minutes. The air wasn’t hot, but it wasn’t too cold. He glanced over and saw Frankie pulling on her hoodie. She was thin, so maybe that made it harder for her to regulate her body temperature.

He glanced forward and spied something up ahead. “Hey, dolphin.”

Frankie sat up straighter. “Where?”

He slowed the boat and reached out a hand to pull her over, holding on to her. The boat owner had supplied life jackets. Thankfully, they were the thin ones and not the bulky ones that were uncomfortable.

Keel pointed toward where he’d seen the dolphin. “It’s there.”

He could tell by the expression on her face the moment she spied the dolphins. The delight on her face spread warmth through him. The two dolphins were feeding, moving slowly past them.

“Oh wow. That’s so cool.”

They passed the dolphins, and the waterway had opened up a little. “Want to learn how to drive?”

Her tips twisted up to one side. “I don’t know.”

“Come on. You listened to the instructions the guy gave at the marina.”