Keiran: Cherisse I’m so sorry. I just wanna know you’re ok. I didn’t know you fell until...after

He’d sent a bunch more before that. She scrolled back up, checking the time of the first one. Not too long after Dale had whisked her away. She considered ignoring him, but her fingers flew over the screen.

Cherisse: I’m fine.

She’d said that a lot tonight. Three bouncing dots appeared immediately. He’d clearly been waiting on her response.

Keiran: I...ok uh...I’m outside. You didn’t answer before and I got worried so I came by. And I know you probably don’t wanna see me now but...

Cherisse: WHAT! YOU’RE OUTSIDE?

She hadn’t expected that, especially not with the way the weather was raging out there. Again, this night. Could she get back her balance at all?

Keiran: Please. And it’s cold out here

She considered refusing. Leaving his ass out in the cold rain would serve him right, but she was already moving to the door, replying to his text while she did that, aware of her ratty shorts and equally worn sleep top. The thin straps were so stretched out. Whatever, she didn’t need to impress Keiran.

Ugh. She was going to regret this, but she could hand him his ass to his face, and that would be satisfying, at least.

Chapter 19

Keiran

SHE LOOKED PISSED OFF and ready to run him from her front door, but Keiran was too busy being thankful she was alright. He’d known she wasn’t seriously hurt—only after he’d been forcibly separated from Sean, he’d realized she was gone. He’d been filled in on how she’d tried to part them and the fall, and that didn’t diminish his concern. He’d also obviously embarrassed her, so he had a lot to apologize for.

He shivered as the rain howled at his back. He’d run towards her apartment, caught without an umbrella again, so he was soaked.

She glared at him, eyes settling on his bruised cheek. Sean had gotten in a shot after Keiran’s punch. His hand was still twinging from connecting with Sean’s jaw.

“This is emotional blackmail.”

“What?”

“You show up here in a goddamn storm, looking like a drowned puppy, so of course, I feel sorry for you and let you in. Too guilty to turn you away in this weather.”

Shit. She was right. He hadn’t considered any of that. Obviously, he wasn’t thinking anything through tonight. He was cold and shivering, and it would be hell to see to drive in this, but maybe he could just wait it out in his car.

“I’ll go. I didn’t mean to guilt you into anything. I’m sorry,” he repeated.

“Just get your ass inside, Jesus, fuck.”

For the second time, he stood inside her apartment, dripping water in front of her door.