Loner by Harloe Rae Page 0,57

pin in place. A wide shadow immediately curtains the table, providing much-needed relief from the skyrocketing heat.

“Better?”

Keegan doesn’t answer. She seems transfixed by something on my shirt. I glance down to see what’s caught her attention. My hem lifted with the movement, exposing a slice of my lower abs. I hum and allow a smirk to tilt my mouth. Now that’s more like it.

“Find something of interest?” I don’t bother masking the humor in my voice.

“Hmmm?” She licks her bottom lip, feeding my already overflowing spank bank. My cock jerks in approval, which is highly inappropriate considering the quantity and nature of the company surrounding us. I force images of wrinkly grandpa asses into my mind to dial me back.

“Just appreciating you enjoying the view,” I drawl.

That snaps her out of the trance. Keegan shoves her shades to the top of her head with a huff. “Don’t flatter yourself.”

“Don’t need to. You’re doing a mighty fine job of it.”

A rosy hue blossoms on her cheeks. “Whatever.”

“Getting busted in the act looks great on you, Kee.” I plop my ass down on the seat, getting comfortable under her blazing fury. Even the fresh air and overpowering scent of much-needed caffeine can’t mask her pineapple paradise aroma.

“Continuing to rub my face in it makes you look like a…meanie.”

Millie has been silently sitting on the sidelines until this moment. Her adorable face pinches tight. “Uh-oh, you’re gonna get in trouble. Don’t be naughty, Ford.”

Vindication splatters across Keegan’s terse expression. “Yeah, be nice.”

“What did I do? You’re the one ogling me like I’m a piece of—”

“Do not finish that sentence,” she scolds.

I narrow my eyes on her. Mama Bear is showing up to battle. “This isn’t over.”

“Far from it.” Keegan’s eyes gleam in a way that almost makes me avert my gaze.

“Is that why you picked this spot? You almost had me running scared.”

“That’d be a fun sight, but no. This is my favorite café. I spend most of my weekdays here working with Josey. Figured I’d introduce you to good coffee.” She nudges a large mug in my direction.

I peek at the dark brown liquid, steam rising off the top. “You ordered for me?”

“Are you offended?”

“Not at all. I like it when you take care of me.” I treat myself to a tentative sip. The rich brew bursts on my tongue. Damn, that’s delicious. She’ll never hear me admit that, though.

Keegan tosses her hands up. “Here we go again.”

“You make it so easy for me.”

“Too bad I can’t say the same for you.”

I wince with a hiss. “Oooh, ouch.”

“We’re off to a fantastic start.” She glances down at the pups lying under Millie’s chair. The little girl is pleasantly distracted by her fierce protectors. “I wasn’t sure you’d bring Patch.”

I study the slender column of her throat, moving with a thick swallow, as she watches them. “Why not?”

Keegan’s gaze returns to mine. “She doesn’t fit on your bike.”

“Which is why I didn’t drive.”

“You walked all the way from…uh, where do you live?”

I hitch a thumb over my shoulder, pointing in the direction we came from. “Above the garage. Figured you knew that.”

“I’m trying to curb my assumptions. That’s a far hike, Ford.”

“It’s only seven miles.”

She sputters and her eyes bulge. “That must have taken you hours.”

I give her a flick of my wrist. “Only a little over one. It’s nothing we haven’t done before. We go for a run every morning. This wasn’t a big deal.”

Keegan nods. “Wow, yeah, I guess not for you. That’s really inspiring.”

I enjoy another swig of coffee. “It’s good to know that I can impress you.”

“Weren’t you aware already?” She circles the rim of her cup with a fingertip.

A quick glance shows me that Millie is still occupied with Elsa and Patch. “No harm hearing it directly from the source.”

“I could learn a thing or two from you,” she murmurs.

My pulse leaps at her words. Such simple context from this woman gets a huge reaction. “Is that so?”

Keegan taps my arm. “Get your mind out of the gutter. I just meant being more physically active.”

I wipe over my mouth, hiding a smarmy grin. “I’m the one being dirty? Plenty about that topic can be misconstrued.”

She presses a hand to the flush racing up her neck. “So, anyway. You just hoof it everywhere if Patch comes along?”

“What else am I gonna do?”

“Get a car?” She clamps her lips shut, looking like there’s more she wants to add.

I wait for another beat, but she remains quiet. “Nah. I can get