Page 109 of Magical Melee

“Trust,” I whispered, nodding.

Oddly, trust was the one thing I had more than anything in these people suddenly encompassing every part of my life.

“I trust Stonewick to know what is best for it, the town, and its people,” he said simply. “And I trust you.”

A flicker of something I didn’t recognize flashed through his gaze.

“I’ve just never been that patient in life.” I shook my head. “I mean, even with my divorce. The moment I found out he was sleeping with everyone but me, I wanted out. I didn’t care what I did or didn’t get from ending the marriage. I just wanted it over. It couldn’t happen fast enough.”

Keegan drew in a slow breath. “I’m sorry you had to go through that, Maeve. I never liked Alex, but I didn’t think he was that much of a dirtbag. I didn’t expect that kind of betrayal.”

His words hung in the air. “You knew Alex?”

“I knew about him.” He studied me. “I knew about you.”

“How?” I shook my head. “Why?”

His words stirred something completely unexpected deep in my soul. His look was so tender and…loving?

“I promised your dad that I’d always look out for you.”

It felt like I’d been punched in the gut. “I don’t understand. You were only a few years older than me.”

“I was old enough to understand the gravity of the situation.” He glanced over my shoulder before bringing his gaze back to mine. “I vowed never to interfere, no matter how difficult it was to abstain. You were physically safe, and that was all that mattered.”

“Keyword there.” I half-smiled. “Emotionally, I’m not sure.”

“You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for.”

“Thanks. And thank you for watching over me. It’s kind of nice thinking that I wasn’t alone.”

“You’ll never be alone, Maeve. Not as long as Stonewick stands.”

“Then I better make sure it continues to be strong.” I let out a wistful sigh and smiled. “I’ll be more patient, and I’lltrust.”

“Good.”

Something was shifting between us, but I knew better than to go down that rabbit hole.

“Ready?” he asked.

I nodded and started toward the tea shop but stopped.

My skin prickled. I turned sharply and scanned the street behind us, but it was empty. The soft glow of streetlamps illuminated the cobblestones.

Many of the shopfronts were closing. The only hint of someone inside was the dim lights in the windows.

“What’s wrong?” Keegan asked, his voice low and gruff.

“I felt…like someone was watching us,” I said, my eyes still searching the empty street. “But there’s no one there.”

Keegan stepped closer, his body tense. “That could explain why the alley isn’t opening. Stonewick reacts to threats. If it thinks there’s an intruder, it’ll shut itself down. It could be something more than the Maniakats.”

Another shiver ran through me. I reluctantly followed him down the sidewalk. The absence of the hidden alley lingered in my chest, but there wasn’t a thing I could do about it.

I needed to be patient and let it remind me of what lay just out of reach.

The tea shop was quiet. The soft glow of the lanterns spread a cozy warmth over the store as I flipped the sign toClosed.