I turn with a raised brow. “Excuse me?”

“I’d like to have a word with Izzy. You three go. I’ll make sure she gets home.”

“Okay, see you in a bit,” Maggie says with a wave. When the three of them are gone, and the door is locked once more, Keegan turns to me with intense green eyes.

“We’re going to talk about whatever it is that’s bothering you, Isabella.”

I raise my chin. “Nothing is bothering me.”

“That’s bullshit if ever I heard it.”

I cross my arms over my chest. “I had a good evening. I feel pretty good. I can’t think of anything at all that’s wrong.”

“I feel you pulling away from me,” he says. “I felt the shift the second you walked into the pub this afternoon. What happened?”

I sigh, resigned to having this conversation, and hoping he doesn’t fire me. Not that I think Keegan is that kind of a boss, but still.

“Look, I just think it’s probably a good idea if we cool things between us. I don’t want any weirdness when it’s over.”

“When it’s over.” He shifts on his feet and tucks his hands into his pockets.

“Yeah, when it’s over. Your sisters told me today that you’re not really the kind of guy who gets serious about someone. And I’m not saying that I want to marry you tomorrow or anything like that—trust me, I’m not ready for that—but I do deserve to be with someone who might entertain the possibility of someday wanting me to be an important part of his life. And I’m not judging you for not being that person. Not at all. I guess I was just made aware that we’re very different people, and I love this job. And you and your family. So, I think it’s a good idea if we go back to being friends.”

I let out a breath and watch as Keegan rolls his tongue over his teeth, then nods his head and rubs his hand over his lips in agitation.

“You’re mad.”

“Frustrated is a better word for what I am,” he says slowly. “First of all, Maeve and Mary Margaret don’t speak for me. They don’t know the inner workings of any of my past relationships, and they aren’t psychic, so they can’t read my bleeding mind. Second of all, I think this is a decision I should be a part of.”

“Well, it’s just—”

“I’m not finished. You had your say, so I’ll have mine, as well.”

I close my mouth and nod.

“Is this what you really want, Isabella? Do you want me to back off and keep my hands to meself?”

His Irish has kicked up big time with his agitation, only adding to the sexiness factor.

“Well, I—”