“You’re only saying that to make me feel better.”
“Come on,” I tsked. “You know me better than that, Wren.”
I used my thumbs to wipe her tears. She was so gorgeous it made my chest ache. I leaned in, resting my forehead against hers. I wanted to kiss her so badly. I was so close, but she was tired and vulnerable. And my best friend’s sister.
Which was why I released her and said, “There’s a guy out there for you. Someone who will cherish you and love you and River the way you both deserve.”
Her breath was shaky. “I wish I shared your certainty.”
“It’s not like that guy was your only match on LoveBirds. And even if he were, there are other ways of meeting people.”
“You’re right. I know you’re right,” she sighed. “Just the other night, I matched with this guy who seemed really promising.”
“I sense a ‘but’ in there…”
“But he hasn’t even messaged me.”
“You could message him,” I offered.
“I guess.” Her shoulders slumped. “I’ll think about it. Not tonight, though. I’ve faced enough rejection for one evening.”
I clenched my fists, wishing I could pummel the ass she’d gone out with tonight. But what would that accomplish? Wren needed me.
“Everything will look better in the morning,” I said, steering her toward her bedroom. “Come on.”
When we reached the threshold, she turned back to me. “Thank you, Bennett.” Then she pressed up on her toes and kissed my cheek. Her lips were pillowy soft, and I closed my eyes, inhaling her sweet, floral scent.
“Anything for you.” I brushed my nose against hers, so tempted to give in and kiss her.
“You’re the best, Bennett. You make everything better. You always have.”
I inhaled slowly, letting it out even slower. “So do you, Wren. So do you.”
With great restraint, I forced myself to turn and head for my room. I was doing my best here, but I honestly didn’t know how much more I could take.
Chapter Twelve
Iwas waiting for River in the school pickup line when my phone buzzed with a new alert. I glanced at the screen and then tossed my phone back into my purse.
LoveBirds.I rolled my eyes.
I’d waited several days after my last date before even considering going back on the app. After my latest experience, was it any wonder I was gun-shy? The guy had ditched me for his ex mid-date.
But then I’d gone home to Bennett. He’d made me feel beautiful, desired, and for the briefest of moments, I’d been convinced he was going to kiss me. The air had swirled with tension and promise. And my body had yearned for his touch. I’d been so certain it was finally going to happen. Then…nothing.
Ugh.I needed to get over this stupid crush. Especially since Bennett was the one who kept encouraging me to go on dates. Kept telling me he was sure there was someone out there for me. Someone as in…not him.
With a heavy sigh, I pulled out my phone, knowing I just needed to get on with it. Get back on the horse, as Harper suggested. Too bad the horse I wanted to ride was living at my house. He was also off-limits and uninterested.
I opened the app and scrolled through my matches. There was a new message from Ben in the chats.Interesting.
Ben: Hi, Wren. It’s nice to meet you.
Okay. Not earth-shattering, but also not a dick pic either. I’d come back to him.
I scrolled through my new matches, and one caught my eye. I smiled at the guy’s picture—Arlo. He was wearing sunglasses and a big goofy smile that immediately pulled me in. I skimmed his profile. He was originally from Australia—sexy accent was a definite plus. And to top it all off, he was holding a cupcake, though most of the icing had ended up on his face. Fellow baked-good aficionado? That had to be a good omen.
Arlo was twenty-eight years old. Single. Worked for a tech company. And never been married.
