A funny expression crossed Keelie’s face. “That might explain it,” she murmured.
“Explain what?”
She shook her head. “It’s not important. Tell me more about your family.”
I didn’t like her changing the subject, but I let it go. I snagged a bite of pear as I considered what to tell her.
“My mom miscarried when I was four. I don’t remember that part, but I remember the aftermath—how she was so sad and needed to stay in bed. She couldn’t have more kids after that.”
“Did she want more?”
“Yeah, she and my dad had wanted a large family. They got me.” I shrugged like it didn’t matter, but it did—the weight of all their hopes and dreams rested on my shoulders, and I’d never quite been able to live up to them. “So my mom’s been desperate for grandkids. As soon as they realized my career in the NHL was going to last—as long as I don’t get injured—my mother started asking.”
Keelie nodded. “And you said that wasn’t something Shannon was interested in. Starting a family.” She slid the cooked chicken onto a cutting board before moving back to put the salad together in a large bowl.
“Nope. Shan never wanted kids, but she didn’t tell me that until we’d already gotten married. For a while, I was in denial, but once I saw how much the idea worried her, I said it didn’t matter; we just wouldn’t have kids.”
Her expression softened. “Because you loved her.”
Nodding, I said, “I did, and for a while I thought she might come around. I also wanted to be true to my vows. When she asked for a divorce, I was angry—no, furious. I’d been willing to sacrifice my dreams of a family for her, but she wouldn’t do the same for me. She said she was ‘setting me free’ but she’s never entirely left my life. After a while, we became friends again. Lately I’ve noticed that she checks up on me, makes sure I’m not dating anyone.”
“Could be her, then,” she muttered.
“What’s that?”
Keelie met my gaze and chewed her lip. Finally, she slid her phone out of her pocket. After pressing some buttons, she turned the phone to face me. “Listen to that message.”
I didn’t know the number, but I did as she said. My eyebrows rose. “That’s…wow. And you thought that could beShannon?” She was still gnawing on her lip. I tugged it free.
“Or your mom,” she said.
“I’m glad you told me. Can I take a screenshot of this?”
“Sure. Do you know who it is?”
“Yeah.” I blew out a breath. “It’s my mother.”
We were silent for a moment. Then Keelie cleared her throat. “Dinner’s ready. That is…if you still want to eat with me.”
I frowned. “Why wouldn’t I?”
She placed her hands flat on the counter next to my hip. “There are some strong headwinds fighting against us.”
I wrapped my arms around her waist and tugged her close. “There’s something you need to know about me: when I see something I want, I go after it.”
She smiled. “You’re so intense. But I don’t understand why me.”
She’d asked me before, but this time I had an answer. I skimmed my fingertips down her cheek before settling my thumb against her lower lip. “Your smile. The way your eyes light up. The way you make me feel.” I relished the heat of her body. “I don’t know what it is exactly, but I feel alive when I’m with you. And I like the feeling. Actually, I’m addicted to it. There’s something about you I can’t seem to live without.”
Chapter15
Keelie
Icontinued to hold Cormac’s gaze, trying to read him. “That’s…something.”
“Dating me will be hard sometimes, and I don’t want fake tabloid stories, my mother, or my ex-wife to get between us. I want to be happy, and I’ll be happiest with you.”
I swallowed but pressed a kiss to his thumb. “I still don’t get why you like me, but I’m glad you do.”
