Was it possible for a brain to be so full, it became smooth? If so, I was there.
He laughed. “Why don’t I text you tomorrow and ask when you’re not so tired?”
I sighed, relieved I didn’t have to decide on the spot. “That sounds like a plan.”
Fortunately, the fresh air revived me somewhat. By the time I was inside my apartment, I could think a little more clearly, and I was looking forward to lunch.
Yes, this would be great. I needed to rebuild my circle. Hopefully, meeting up with Garrett would lead to that.
I fell back against the door, my head clunking on it.
Ben shot upright. “Did something happen? Are you okay?”
Even though he was here all the time, I still hadn’t gotten used to him. My pulse kicked up a notch seeing him on the couch he’d insisted on buying to replace mine, which he’d declared far too small for him. He took up so much space, not just with his big body, but his presence. I hadn’t felt unsafe before him, but I’d never felt more secure than when he was here, and I always dreaded when he left.
This was going to be a problem. The longer we went on this way, the more attached I’d become—which was exactly why going out to lunch with Garrett was a good idea. I needed tohave a life and friend group separate from Ben, so when things changed, I wouldn’t be alone.
“No, I’m fine.” I smoothed my hand over my hair. “Just thinking.”
He climbed to his feet, a frown tugging at the corners of his mouth. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing at all. Garrett asked me to lunch this week, and I’m trying to remember what days I have free.”
He whipped around to glare out the window. “That guy? What did he say? What did hedo?”
“What?” I laughed at his strange reaction. “He asked me to lunch. His new office is near mine, and we both thought it would be nice for me to meet—”
Ben’s frown deepened. “So you’re going to lunch with him?”
My brow scrunched as I tried to decipher his reaction. “I don’t see why not.”
Under his breath, he muttered, “She doesn’t see why not,” as he paced the short length of the living room.
Not for the first time, I felt like I was missing something. Ben seemed…unhappy. Annoyed, actually. I hadn’t ever seen him in a bad mood. The only time he’d come close was when he’d walked up to me talking to his teammate, Murphy—
Oh.
Oh.
Was he…?
Did he think Garrett and I…?
“Ben?” He continued pacing and muttering. “Ben, talk to me.”
He finally stopped on the far side of the living room—which, to be fair, wasn’t very far since the room was the size of a postage stamp.
“I don’t like that guy.” He grabbed the side of his hair and gave it a tug. “There’s something about him…”
I let out a surprised laugh. “You’ve never even spoken to him.”
“I can tell.” He shook his head. “I don’t think he should be around Kat.”
“Okay. I have no plans of bringing him around her.”
“But you will.” His throat bobbed as he swallowed. “You’ll go out to lunch with him, and that’ll turn into dinner, and before you know it, you’ll be on his yacht, and he’ll be your boyfriend. And I know you. You’re not going to miss time with Kat to spend time withhim, so, sooner or later, she’ll be out on the yacht too.”
The picture he was painting was so absurd, I had to laugh. “I don’t think he has a yacht.”
