A few years ago, we started taking jobs all over the country. After we landed in Crystal Cove last year to partner with Gabe, we never left. Work is steady, we like the town, and so we decided to make a go of it here.
If anyone can tell when I'm full of shit, it’s Oliver. This time, he’s wrong. Okay... maybe he’snotwrong and this girl’s done a number on me. I wouldn’t know, I guess, since I have nothing to compare this to. I’ve dated a little but since our business took off, there’s no time for it. Besides, he’s the ladies' man—women flock to him and his pretty boy face.
“Keegan, I know you,” he says seriously now, clapping a hand on my shoulder, “better than anyone. Maybe better than you know yourself. Whatever that girl has done to you, you ought to do something about it. Never seen you get so twisted up. I mean you never say hello to her, you won’t eat her food when she sends it over, and you basically pretend she doesn’t exist. Every single time she passes by you stop working and your mood is off the rest of the day.”
Grumbling, I nod because yeah, he’snot wrongabout this girl. It’s been months and I've done my best to pretend it’s nothing. That what I feel when I see her strutting by or laughing with someone else doesn’t bother me. It does. Christ, does her laughing with another man bother me—even if it’s Oliver.
“Let it be. I will get my shit together, starting now. We just had words down at the courthouse that made it clear what I think of her. Cost us the permit that Brady wanted, all because I got messed up over some woman.” My words are filled with more regret than anger because I screwed up a job.
“Whoa wait a minute...youtalkedto her?”
“Talked to her? Yeah, I talked to her. Told her what I thought of her sugar daddy paying for her shop and her permits. Let her know I will be dammed if I let his deep pockets fuck up our build.”
“Holy shit. You absolute asshole.” He’s laughing again.
“How am I an asshole?” I argue even though I know how. Out of jealousy I have no right to feel, I tried to shame her.
“You have no clue, brother. No clue. No wonder you’re still single. Look, just come with me to Marshall's shindig this weekend. You will see exactly why you’re an asshole,” he snickers and heads off.
I don’t get a chance to refuse the invite for the second time. Who am I kidding? I want to go see her, even if I tell him and anyone who will listen that I can’t stand her. What I can’t stand is her being withthatguy—Ican’t standher being withany guythat isn’t me.
I don’t understand why she makes me so irrational, so unfocused, and so damn jealous. Before today, I never said two words to her. I avoid her at all costs. Even as I’ve wanted her so badly I can barely stand it.
I might want her, but the truth is.... she’s not mine to have.