Chapter 1660
“I’m asking you,” Tarquin deflected.
Keaton stared at him in silence for a few seconds before answering seriously, “She’s great. She has a good head on her shoulders, a great personality, she’s smart, easy-going, not dramatic at all. Our hobbies line up, she’s stunning, carries herself with such grace, and has this magnetic presence… she’s exactly my type p>
He paused. “But… I just want to be a real friend to her, someone she can confide in. I never thought about dating her p>
Tarquin’s lips thinned. “You slept together. How can you just be friends after that p>
Keaton sighed. “I really regret sleeping with her p>
“Regret is useless. You can’t turn back time,” Tarquin said.
Keaton’s brow was heavy with worry. “I know. That’s why it’s so frustrating. It feels like such a loss. A true friend is hard to find, you know? I really loved the way it felt to just be around her. With her, I could relax. I didn’t have to rack my brain trying to figure out how to get her into bed, and I didn’t have to be on guard about anything. We have the same interests, the same circle of friends, we could talk for hours. Plus, we’ve both been seriously burned by love before, so we get each other’s pain points p>
He let out another long sigh, full of regret. “I should have controlled myself that night. I never should have slept with her! It’s such a damn shame p>
“The problem between you two isn’t completely unsolvable,” Tarquin offered. “Since you feel so good about her, why not try pursuing her? If you become a couple, you can still be each other’s confidant. Then you wouldn’t have any regrets p>
Tarquin believed the baby inside Winona should be born. It would be a terrible waste to lose it. This was likely Keaton’s one and only chance to be a father. If he missed this opportunity, the odds of him ever having a child were practically zero. Living in his own bubble of happiness, he felt that a child would make Keaton happy, too. It wasn’t that you couldn’t be happy without a child, but… from his personal perspective, Tarquin believed this child could make Keaton’s life much more fulfilling.
Of course, the decision wasn’t Keaton’s to make; it was up to Winona. But… if Keaton started pursuing her now, the chances of her keeping the baby would be higher. At least she would see where he stood. That’s why he hoped Keaton would go after her.
Tarquin added, “Just imagine a life with Winona. You two get along so well, you’d have a strong, loving marriage. And she and your parents already adore each other, so your. family life would be peacefulThen you have a kid, everyone is overjoyed… the whole Huber line would be smiling down on you p>
Keaton looked at Tarquin suspiciously. “Are you here to play matchmaker? Did… did Winona tell you she likes me p>
Tarquin shot him a look. “No! She
hasn’t said a thing, so don’t get
ahead of yourself. This
S me talking
to you, because I think you two
would be good together p>
Keaton sighed again. He had no idea Winona was pregnant. He took a drag from
his cigarette. “I don’t want a relationship p>
He meant a real, serious relationship.
“Is this still about Clementine?” Tarquin asked.
Keaton shook his head. “No, Clementine is in the past. I can talk about her now without feeling sad or angry. I’m completely over that hurdle p>
“Then is it because of Beatrix?” Tarquin tried again.
Keaton paused. “Of course not! What happened between me and Beatrix had nothing to do with love p>
“So your not wanting to get married and have kids has nothing to do with any woman?” Tarquin pressed.
Keaton nodded. “Yeah. It used to be
because Clementine hurt me so
ine
badly Now… I think I’ve just gotten used to my freedom. I don’t really want to touch love again p>