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“I wasn’t speaking to you.” Fenton’s face hardened. His nostrils flared like a bull. “I’d appreciate it if you’d let Trinity talk for herself.”
“We have nothing to say to each other, Fenton.” Trinity tucked her good arm through Keaton’s and leaned against his shoulder. “And keep the flowers. I don’t like lilies. They’re your favorite, not mine.”
Keaton puffed out his chest. He wasn’t normally the kind of man to do that. But damn, he was proud. It was an honor to have her on his arm.
“Please, Trinity. There are things I need to tell you.”
“Okay. Speak.” She glanced at her cell. “But we’ve only got a few minutes, so make it fast. Keaton and I need to get ready. We have friends coming over shortly for happy hour.”
This was news to Keaton. He figured she was lying, and it scared him how good she was at it.
“Not in front of him.” Fenton jerked his head.
“Well, if you can’t say it in front of my boyfriend, then I don’t want to hear it,” Trinity said with a strong, confident voice. “And seriously, don’t come to his houseagain without calling. Actually, don’t call me or him ever again. I’ve put up with this long enough. I broke up with you for a reason.”
“You’re not safe here,” Fenton blurted out. “I’ve heard things about him, and they aren’t rumors. I know people. You need to listen to me.”
Keaton wasn’t going to stand in his own house and listen to this shit. “Get?—”
“I don’t need to listen to anything you say.” Trinity squeezed Keaton’s arm. “You’re a liar, a cheater, and the only person you care about is yourself. I don’t know what game you’re playing now, but I never want to see you again. So, if you don’t leave, I will call the police chief.” She leaned a little closer. “I’ve got his personal number on speed dial, and I’m not afraid to use it.”
“Remember, I warned you about him.” Fenton shifted his gaze, as if to look past both of them and into Keaton’s personal sanctuary. Then he turned on his heel and marched off toward his vehicle.
Keaton watched him back out and pull onto the main road. Then he turned, cupped Trinity’s face, and kissed her hard. It was wet and sloppy. It wasn’t very romantic. He suspected he had bruised her lips as they stumbled backward into the wall. When he broke off the kiss, they were both breathless and gazing into each other’s eyes with wonderment.
“You…were…incredible just now. You handled him like a pro,” Keaton whispered.
“I’m so tired of him.” She pressed her hand on his chest and pushed a little.
He realized he was crushing her arm.
“Shit. I’m sorry. I hurt you.”
“That kiss was worth the throb in my shoulder.”
He chuckled.
“I don’t understand what Fenton’s obsession with me is. My dad’s not going to fire him. Not unless he screws up, and so far, he’s been a model employee. But you should know that I texted Dawson when I heard it was him standing outside.”
“That’s good. I’m glad you did that. Documenting how much he texts, calls, and shows up will build a potential harassment case.”
“Trust me, unfortunately, I know the drill. Only, Fenton hasn’t hit that number, and he’s never threatened me. He’s not like Charlie. Fenton’s just a cheater and after my dad’s money.”
“And therein lies his obsession with you.” He arched a brow. “I have to ask. I understand why you think a man bringing you flowers represents him asking for forgiveness for things he’s done wrong, but do you have a favorite flower?”
“Definitely not lilies.” She smiled and laughed. “When I used to appreciate them, I always enjoyed more of an arrangement of color. But seriously, why does it matter?”
“Because I was raised that flowers at random times are romantic. My dad always brought flowers home to my mom on weird days and for absolutely no reason. When she’d ask why, he’d say it’s Flower Friday. Or it’s the thirteenth of the month, so you needed thirteen roses.”
“That’s kind of sweet. However, I need to ask adumb question.” She cocked her head. “Had they been fighting?”
“No, and I can say that with the utmost certainty because when my folks did argue, they pretty much always did it in front of us kids. My mom has always said the big fights, the ones about how to parent, were done in private, but when they were mad at each other, we all knew. They believed it important to get those feelings off their chests when they happened. Get it over with, forgive, and move on.” He shrugged. “It worked for them, but sometimes, I will admit, it made it awkward for us kids.”
“My dad tried never to fight in front of me with my mom, but she was a screamer, and she also demanded flowers and gifts after they fought. It was gross.”
“I can promise that I will never buy you a gift or flowers to make up for a fight.” Keaton kissed her temple, took her hand, and strolled to the kitchen. He needed to express his feelings. He’d given Dawson shit for holding out, and with this case looming over their heads, he refused to make the same mistake twice.
But he didn’t want to blurt it out. He did feel the need to make it somewhat special. He wanted both of them to remember the moment.