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“I doubt Trinity wants to go home with the likes of you,” Fenton said.
“Shut up.” Trinity lifted her chin. “Don’t speak to my boyfriend that way.”
“Boyfriend? Seriously?” Fenton laughed. “You’re slumming it with this guy?”
Keaton unfolded his arms, clenched his fists, and took one small step forward.
She reached out with her good hand and grabbed his forearm.
He didn’t flinch. That was a good sign.
“No, I was slumming it with you.” Crap. That wasn’t too smart, but it flew from her mouth and gave her power. It felt good. As if she were taking back parts of her life that had been snatched from her at sea. “Now, leave us alone, and never call or text me again.”
Fenton pursed his lips. His nostrils flared.
She wasn’t sure she’d ever seen that look—not even when they’d broken up. Then again, he’d told her he’d never believe they were through, that she’d be crawling back to him within weeks.
That had never happened.
“You’re making a big mistake.” He leaned a little closer.
Keaton stepped between her and Fenton.
She held her breath.
Fenton raised his hands. “Trust me when I say, this asshole isn’t who he says he is. You can’t trust him. Mark my words, he’s going to hurt you.” He dared to smile. “But because I still care and always will, I’ll be there to pick up the pieces. I promise you that.” He turned on his heel and marched out the door.
The panic that had momentarily been held at bay gripped her muscles once again. She breathed slowly in through her nose, out through her mouth.
Keaton kneeled in front of her, taking her hands, staring into her eyes, and breathing with her as if this were normal.
But it wasn’t, and she hated it.
“I’m right here, babe. It’s okay.”
“I hate that guy,” she managed.
“He’s not my favorite person, either.” Keaton leaned in, kissing her forehead. “I’m going to have Chloe run a deeper background check on him, just to be safe.”
“I’m not going to stop you, but I’m sure you’ll just find he’s a two-timing asshole who’s looking for a sugar mama.”
Keaton chuckled.
“It’s not funny. I felt like an idiot after I broke up with him.”
“Babe, you’re no fool. Even I could fall for his charm. And he’s not bad-looking.”
“Now you’re being an asshole.” She couldn’t help it. She smiled.
“Are you going to be okay while I get my truck? It’s not far. It’s in the main parking lot, so if you sit outside, you can see me the entire time.”
“I shouldn’t do this,” the orderly said. “But Fletcher’s a good man. He’s done a lot for me since I’ve come back. I can walk both of you to your truck.”
Keaton nodded. “Thanks, man. I appreciate that.”
Trinity let out a long breath. All she wanted to do was sit out on the back patio at Keaton’s place, sip some tea, put her feet up, and try to forget.
Only, she knew that would be impossible.