Page 148 of Redemption Ridge Vol II

“Take it down a notch, Dateline,” Keegan said.

“Dude,” Kerry scoffed. “You’re winded just from hustling down a small hallway. You think you’re going to sprint out to the parking lot and catch him before he drives off?”

“To avenge Keegan’s honor? Hell yeah, I could.”

The brothers bumped fists, united once again. Keegan got so caught up in the sweetness that it took him a few seconds to realize they were both watching him with concerned expressions.

“I’m fine, guys.” The date had been a disaster from the jump, but the aftermath was…beautiful.

Kerry held out his hand, and Keegan took it. “Let’s get out of here.”

Sven flapped his hand in front of his face like he got a whiff of something horrible. “No doubt. Drinks are on me.” He opened the door and stepped into the hallway. But when Keegan moved to follow, Kerry tugged on their joined hands to stop him.

“I meant let’s leave the bar,” Kerry said.

“And go where?”

“Anywhere you want, but I was thinking my place.”

Keegan could only blink for a few seconds. “Together?”

Kerry laughed and cupped Keegan’s face with his free hand. “Yes, together. We need to talk.”

“Talk?” He tried not to sound disappointed.

Kerry swallowed hard. “And I really want to hold you and kiss you, if that’s okay—”

Keegan darted toward the door, hauling Kerry behind him. Delicious chuckles met his enthusiasm. “I met Danny here, so my truck is outside. That’s one smart thing I did tonight.” Time would tell if going home with Kerry would fall into the same category.

“This way,” Kerry said once they stepped into the hall. He nodded his head toward the door at the end of the corridor marked as an exit.

Keegan wondered how often Kerry had left through that door with his hookups, but he didn’t let the thought ruin his good mood. “Should we tell Sven we’re leaving?”

“He’ll figure it out.” Kerry squeezed his hand, then added, “I’ll text him right before we pull out.”

Keegan would’ve preferred to ride with Kerry, but he didn’t want to leave the ranch truck behind. The ordeal with Salvation Anew was finally behind them, but why risk drawing attention or retaliation from bitter followers? Kerry didn’t release his hand until they reached Keegan’s truck. He fished out the key fob and unlocked the door.

“I’ll be right behind you,” Kerry said.

Keegan didn’t need to ask where Kerry lived. He’d passed his gorgeous log cabin every time he visited Seth and Rueben. This would be the first time Keegan stepped inside Kerry’s house, and the thrill of that blocked out any of the nerves he’d normally experience. Keegan moved to open the door, but Kerry stood in his way.

“Are you sure about this?” Kerry asked. “I don’t want to pressure you.”

Keegan cupped his neck and pressed his lips to Kerry’s. “I’m not going home with you because you saved the day and I owe you. Talking is the last thing I want to do with you right now, though I understand it’s necessary.”

Kerry’s cheeks flushed with warmth, and his eyes darkened. “Sounds like you have big plans for me.”

“I’ve had big plans for you since the day we met.” The moment called for complete honesty, so he added, “But tonight proved that I may not be as ready for intimacy again as I’d thought.”

Kerry brushed his thumb over Keegan’s cheek. “I will happily wait for as long as you need me to.”

A rush of euphoria made Keegan light-headed, and he swayed for a minute.

“Are you okay to drive? I can call Seth and Rueben to come over and pick up your truck.”

Keegan shook his head. “I’m fine. I think maybe your words gave me a mini orgasm or something.”

Kerry’s lips curved into a wicked smile, and he shook his head. “Little lamb, there will be no thinking involved. You’ll know when I give you an orgasm, and there won’t be anything miniature about it.”