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She shot him a look. “Really? A truck stop?”
“Do you want fancy or good food?” Bennett asked before closing the door.
Zoey shook her head. Somehow she’d been under the impression it was possible to have both. But she didn’t care where he took her, as long as she was with him, which surprised her as she’d never desired a man like she desired Bennett. Coffee is coffee no matter where you go.
Unlike yesterday when they didn’t speak, Bennett seemed to want to chat the entire time. She only wished the topic was different. He continued to talk about her father and extended family.
“I only know of a grandmother. My father never mentioned anyone else. If there was any, I’m sure they would’ve crawled out of the woodwork when he died. You know, to claim some inheritance or something.”
“I can’t picture how holidays were without family.”
We didn’t celebrate, so it didn’t matter. “What was it like for you? Tell me about your family.”
“I have three younger brothers. Actually, much younger. I was twelve when my parents decided to add to the family again.”
“That is a big age difference.”
“We’re close because we’re family, but growing up I was more like an only child. Until the little brats came along and stole the attention.” Bennett laughed.
“Oh, I can’t see that ever happening to you.”
“And why is that?”
“Because you have my full attention.” Once the words left her lips, she blushed at her honesty.
Bennett reached over, took her hand in his, brought it to his mouth, and placed a kiss on her fingers. “I’m glad you texted me this morning. I was awake, thinking of you.”
“I thought you... when you left I thought you were upset with me.”
He shot her a quick look before turning his eyes back on the highway. “I wasn’t angry with you. I was angry with myself.”
“Why?”
“Because you hired me to do a job, not to make a move on you like I did.”
“I could fire you if that would help.” She forced a laugh, so it appeared to be a joke, but it didn’t sound real at all.
“That might be a bit drastic. We’re adults. I don’t see why we can’t enjoy each other’s company and still maintain a business relationship.”
Enjoy each other. Can he be any more vague? “Look at us, on our way to enjoy breakfast.” At a truck stop.
“Exactly. No harm done.”
This wasn’t how she envisioned their morning, but she was enjoying herself. Maybe it was better that they weren’t intimate. It’d only make her miss him more when he left. And if there was one thing she knew, he’d leave. I won’t miss what I never know. So it’s better this way.
Bennett didn’t let go of her hand, and she closed her eyes, enjoying the warmth of his fingers entwined with hers. It was such a simple gesture. However, it pulled at her heartstrings. For now, she’d be happy with the small things. Maybe once he found her mother things could be different. Or maybe this is all there will ever be for me.
Resisting her was becoming challenging. When Zoey had sent him the text, he hadn’t lied. He’d been wide awake thinking of her. Bennett wasn’t thinking of a friendly breakfast either. He wanted her, and his body wasn’t about to let him forget that. If he had entered her house when he arrived, he wouldn’t have been able to stop himself from pulling her into his arms and continuing where they’d left off.
Bennett knew he needed to keep a professional distance, but that was going to be impossible. Doug’s warning about hurting her was the only thing stopping him. So he’d do what he could. Spend time with her. Get to know her. When the search for her mother was over, maybe they could enjoy each other more intimately.
Who the hell am I kidding? I’m never going to be able to hold back. If she keeps looking at me with those sweet doe-eyes of hers, I won’t make it through breakfast.
He pulled off the highway at the truck stop. It was open twenty-four hours a day, but the crowd inside was a bit rough. If it weren’t winter, it would be filled with bikers as well as truckers. “This is it.”
He watched her expression closely. There was no doubt she was concerned about going inside. If she’d been alone, he’d highly advise against it, but no one would hurt her as long as he was around. Besides, he knew the guys who ran the diner. They’d served in the Marines together. They were hard asses but good people. If anyone got out of hand, they handled it.
“I need coffee so let’s get inside,” Zoey said, but she never let go of his hand.
