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Bennett’s response was pulling her even closer to him as he said, “You’re right, it’s just the beginning.”
I don’t think they teach acting in the Marines, but this man is smooth. If I didn’t know the truth I’d believe what he’s dishing out.
It looked as though Dean was about to say something when Tessa slipped into his arms and said, “Isn’t it lovely to see your sister so happy? She’s actually glowing.”
Zoey knew that was pushing it. If, anything she was burning up inside with anxiety. Of course, she wasn’t going to ignore the fact that she was enjoying the feel of Bennett’s body so close. He makes me feel... safe. It was something she hadn’t experienced before. Leaving his embrace to dine with the others didn’t appeal to her at all.
Dean turned and headed to join the others without saying a word. Zoey took a step to follow, but Bennett stopped her. “What’s the matter?”
“Do you trust me?” Bennett asked as he looked into her eyes.
I don’t think I can ever totally trust anyone. “I’ve done what you’ve asked so far.” It wasn’t an answer, but it was all she could give.
What she didn’t expect was for Bennett to pull her into his arms and claim her lips for a second time. They were alone. No one to witness the exchange. She was so confused yet couldn’t help herself. One minute she wanted to question him, the next she had her arms around his neck pulling him down to her, wanting more.
Her lips parted, and his tongue entered, not taking but playfully teasing. She moaned, arching her back, pressing even closer to him. For the first time, she felt his muscle tense, but it was from his desire. That knowledge only inflamed her own desire.
Bennett sucked in his breath and then pulled away. “Let’s go and enjoy the food you were talking about.”
Zoey could strangle him. Food was the furthest thing from her mind. Her heart was racing, her cheeks flushed, and she knew her nipples were hard and probably showed in her form-fitting dress.
“I can’t go in there like this.”
“If anyone had any doubts a moment ago about us, they won’t any longer. Trust me, Zoey.” He took her hand and led the way. That had been for show? He didn’t feel a modicum of the desire that thrummed through my veins after that kiss. And I’d played right into his ploy. I feel like a fool.
Her heart broke, knowing his kiss was only part of the role they were playing. She knew what she’d been getting into when she agreed to this. Yet, she never expected her own hormones to turn against her. This night had just gotten more complicated than she’d ever imagined.
As they walked into the dining room hand in hand she recalled his request. Trust me. Such simple words to say, but trust was not easy to earn and so easy to lose.
Bennett knew what to expect, but he could tell Zoey wasn’t used to playing such games. Although her acting skills were right up there, he could see it in her eyes. She wanted to be anywhere but at that dining room table.
Sorry, but the night’s not over. I still haven’t accomplished what we came here to do.
Bennett knew Dean was watching everything he did. That was good. It meant setting them up for a chat all at once was going to be so much easier. “Alex, do you like cigars?”
“Hell, yeah.”
“Good, why don’t we head outside and you can join me for one?” Bennett slipped his hand into his breast pocket and pulled out two.
“Hope you brought six,” Dean said as he glared at Bennett.
Bennett reached back into his pocket and pulled out another four. His plan was working perfectly. When he stood up, he stopped and placed a kiss on the top of Zoey’s head. “We won’t be long.”
She smiled up at him, and it was hard not to be mesmerized by her beauty. I won’t think about that kiss either. Fuck. I barely managed to stop. He knew she had no clue why he was asking them out to smoke. It was better if she thought he was only out to play nice with her brothers. But it was a quick, easy method to accomplish his job. He’d collect what remained after they smoked then send them off to Jon after the party. All it was going to take was not getting caught. If I can’t pull this off, I need a new job.
When they got outside, they all lit the cigars except for Dean. He stood with his arms crossed in front of him. “What game are you playing, Bennett?”
“Just enjoying my smoke.”
“Don’t fuck with me. You know damn well I told you to stay the hell away from my sister. You’re no idiot, so I know there was no misunderstanding.”
Bennett took a long puff on his cigar and let it out slowly. He was reading the others’ reactions as well. Alex didn’t seem to care either way. Logan was always cool and in control. He and Shaun had recently worked together closely, so he didn’t expect any problems from him. Brice was always tough to read. Even now he stood quietly, but Bennett could see the wheels turning in his head. Maybe if you voiced your opinion more, like Dean, Zoey might not have felt the need to hire me in the first place.
“She’s a grown woman, Dean. Neither of us need your permission.”
“You’re not the man for her. You’ve got nothing in common,” Dean said flatly.
“You’d be amazed,” Bennett said with a small grin on his face. Honestly, he was trying to push Dean. He had to. Right now they all thought he and Zoey were a couple, but one good way to end a relationship, even a fake one, was for one of the brothers to decide to punch out her boyfriend. Dean was so close to being that brother. He could feel it. And with the others around, it’d look legit when he knocked Dean on his ass afterward. “The things I could tell you.”
