her presence. I’m not sure what’s possessing me to be an intolerable brute. Maybe that’s my customary response. All systems jam, grind to a rusty halt, and destruction ensues.
She makes me want to be a different person, more friendly and capable and suave.
I despise her for forcing such ideas into my brain. My life is mine alone, and that’s always been adequate. Existing without experiencing life to the fullest. What a damn waste. Getting out more probably wouldn’t hurt, but I’ve been satisfied with my isolated routine. Now? Nothing fits quite right.
Patch whines from her shady spot along the far wall.
“Are you hot, girl?” There’s an industrial-sized fan mere feet away, aiming directly at her. The force is powerful enough to send a constant flutter through her fur. I nod toward the direct line of sun currently scorching me in flames. “Want to trade?”
She releases a soft woof.
“I’ll take that as a no.” After checking that her water bowl is still brimming, I deduce that she’s just bored and hot. “We can go to the stream in a bit, okay?”
Her ears perk up, tongue lolling out with loud pants.
“Just the two of us. We won’t be seeing Keegan or Millie again,” I add for no reason other than extra accountability on my part. It’s not as if my dog knows what I’m talking about. Taking a swim on a hot day is good no matter who’s tagging along.
Patch blinks at me, remaining oddly still. After another moment of staring, she yawns and slowly rises to her feet. A long stretch follows. She trots off toward the woods without another huff or bark.
“Figures you’d take her side,” I mutter.
And here I am, talking to a dog. Maybe this weird desire to change my ways is from a lack of human interaction in general. Keegan is the first person I’ve wanted to have a conversation with that wasn’t related to motorcycles or work. I’m too chicken shit to admit the truth—I enjoy Keegan’s company, along with Millie. But I have a hard time believing anyone would balk at having that little girl nearby. Maybe the pint-size kiddo will take me up on my offer to come back. That will give me an excuse to see Keegan again. Getting her to come back causes an erotic beat to pulse through my veins. Heat travels south faster than I can groan. I adjust the bulge in my jeans. What the fuck am I doing, giving shape to these fantasies? It will only lead to disappointment and blue balls.
I should go for a ride and clear this shit out of my head. The wind against me will be a damn nice reprieve, too. Even on days hotter than Hades, speeding across county lines is a relief. Lord knows the open road will settle the fight vibrating in my bones. Relying on anything other than my bike and business is pointless. The past has taught me that well enough. But having people around doesn’t have to be an undertaking. I’ve been an antisocial loner for most of my life. It’s easier for everyone if I keep to myself. The separation never bothered me. I’ve always preferred my privacy, until that fateful afternoon. This recent shift is crawling beneath my skin. The sudden urge prods at me without an avenue for escape.
Once again, as if compelled, Keegan’s stunning face pops into my mind, hypnotic green eyes glittering like the rarest emeralds. Tan skin smooth enough to taunt the most stubborn soul. Fair features to match my darkest. She has me craving more…proximity. Not from just anyone, only a very certain blonde with a saucy bite to her tone will soothe the ache. Does Keegan reserve her fire just for me? Millie told me that her mother is sweet and kind. She doesn’t seem inclined to be overly friendly toward me. My abrasive personality has a lot to do with that, I’m sure.
Extinguishing the flames she feeds is necessary for my sanity. I’m in no position to pursue her, and that’s not going to change. Keegan has enough responsibility raising a daughter on her own. She doesn’t need the type of trouble I’d add to her plate. Staying away from her is the only solution, and that shouldn’t be too hard considering I’ve been avoiding people my entire life.
All of these dead-end desires are distracting me from what’s truly important. I drag over a socket set and get back to work. There’s a group of bikers from the