Page 144 of Taken Away

“And I sure as hell didn’t sleep with you because I was lonely.”

His voice was low. Steady.

“I slept with you because I wanted you.”

Silence.

“I’ve been trying not to think about you since the night we met.”

A faint smile touched his mouth.

“That worked out about as well as you’d expect.”

Despite herself, a tiny laugh escaped.

Bennett stepped closer.

“You should’ve told me,” she said quietly.

“You’re right.”

No argument. No excuses. Acceptance.

“I should have.”

Aubrey looked away.

“I...” She laughed once. Embarrassed now. “I saw the two of you together and⁠—“

“And what?”

She rolled her eyes.

“Don’t make me say it.”

A slow smile touched his mouth.

“Aubrey.”

She groaned.

“I hated how comfortable she looked.”

The admission hung there. Mortifying. Honest.

Something warm replaced the teasing in his eyes.

“Baby.”

She looked up.

“You don’t understand.”

“I think I do.”

“No.” Her voice dropped. “I saw her standing there and I thought...”

She stopped. The words suddenly feeling ridiculous.