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“So he was shamed into taking abuse?”
“That would be my guess. Remember, we don’t have him or his mother to confirm any of this. I can only go on what I read.”
Bennett knew Doug was the best at what he did. If this was what he thought possible, he’d bet his money it was accurate. “And a person like this would do what to his own children?” He wasn’t sure he wanted to hear that answer.
“He might try to break the pattern, but it’d be difficult without professional help. Remember, this wasn’t a mild case of abuse. There would have been extensive psychological effects that left untreated would manifest in many forms. You see it in how he ran his business. And we see what it’s done to his children.”
“What I don’t understand it why have six children? It obviously wasn’t because he wanted or loved them.”
“It’s not a question easily answered. A part of him may have wanted children but lacked the ability to express or show love. Or he may have wanted them so he could feel control, something he didn’t have when he was a child. To know for sure, I’d have needed to speak to him or see some mental health records. From everything we found, he never sought the help he so desperately needed.”
“You think his kids are going to be the same way he was?” Bennett couldn’t picture Shaun being abusive to Tyler. Dean, on the other hand, was the one with a short fuse. But he still couldn’t picture him being abusive to a child or a woman.
“Each generation could lessen the tendencies. But these people have a lot to overcome. From what I see, some of them were fortunate to find women who complement them. For all their hardness, their women’s softness and nurturing ways have helped to calm the beast.”
“Zoey isn’t like them at all. She’s... different.” She’s warm, gentle, loving.
“Don’t tell me. I want to see for myself. It would be beneficial for me to spend as much time as I can with her so I can piece together my thoughts with what the file says. From what you’ve told me, things aren’t as they were made out to be.”
That’s my best guess. Or maybe it’s just that I hope I’m right. “I can’t have you coming on all our dates.”
“Dates?”
Shit. “You know what I mean.”
“Unfortunately, Bennett, I do. You’re playing with fire. The burn could be extensive. Not just for her.”
“Don’t worry about me,” Bennett barked. He’d been through a hell of a lot more than walking away from a woman he cared about. He was pissed at himself for even allowing Doug to see that much.
“For you to be able to do your job efficiently, it’s my job to make sure you’re in the right frame of mind.” Doug’s voice meant exactly what he was saying. It didn’t make it any easier for Bennett to swallow.
By the time they arrived at Zoey’s, Bennett wished he’d given her a heads-up that he wasn’t coming alone. As she answered the door, the look of surprise and disappointment was visible in her eyes. Yeah, I wanted some quality time alone with you too, Zoey. But it’s better this way. Trust me.
Zoey was glad the dessert place was crowded; they didn’t need to worry about any awkward silence. When she opened the door and found Bennett brought a friend along, she wished she had refused his offer. He hadn’t wanted me. I am just a business transaction for him. At least Doug seemed to be a pleasant person.
As Bennett was driving her back home, she noticed he took a wrong turn. “I live that away.” She pointed to the north, and he was driving south on the highway.
“Going to drop Doug off first. He has some work to complete tonight. Hope you don’t mind being out with me a bit longer?”
Being alone with a man I can’t stop dreaming about doesn’t bother me at all.I just wish he wasn’t sending me mixed messages. “Whatever’s convenient for Doug.”
Within minutes they had dropped Doug off at his hotel. The same hotel Bennett was staying at. Although she didn’t let him know it, it pleased her that he seemed to want time alone with her.
Of course, he could’ve called me before today. They didn’t speak on the way back to her house. Instead, he reached out and held her hand as he drove. She noticed he hadn’t done so until his friend had entered the building. Is he ashamed of me? I get it if he is. He isn’t the first, but it stings a little more coming from him.
He must’ve felt her tense because he asked, “Is something wrong?”
Everything. Nothing. My whole life. “No.”
“I should’ve mentioned I was bringing Doug.”
You think? “I enjoyed his company.”
“And mine?”
Her heartstrings tugged at her. She knew Bennett was flirting with her, but she didn’t want to give in so easily. The man hadn’t called her for three days. There were rules about things like that. Even though she didn’t date and had no such experience, she knew the basics.
“Enjoyable as well.” She turned to look out the passenger’s window as she responded. Zoey knew her eyes gave away exactly how she felt. There was no way she could lie or hide any hurt or joy. I might as well take out a billboard for the world to know how I feel.
