AllFreeNovel
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He tipped his head to the side, and I remembered he was waiting for an answer.
“I feel good.” It was the truth. I felt warm and cozy. Content and safe. It was obviously a false feeling because I couldn’t feel safe with a guy. Not when they could lie to you about their feelings for years.
He patted my knee before standing. “You have time for breakfast? I’ll make my world-famous omelets.”
I smiled despite my misgivings. “World famous?”
He raised a brow. “Cammie says so.”
“Oh, well, then, it must be true.”
He gestured to the bathroom door. “Feel free to hop in the shower. I’ll have food and coffee waiting for you when you come out.”
It felt like he was taking care of me. I wasn’t sure if it was because he was used to the role of caregiver or if he was a sweet guy to all his girlfriends.
Ben walked toward the door, and I said, “Thanks.”
He looked over his shoulder at me and winked. “You’re welcome.”
As I watched him leave, I knew I was in deep. My heart was pitter-pattering, my stomach was flip-flopping, and I felt warm and tingly all over. I let myself enjoy the feeling for a few seconds before moving toward the bathroom.
I reminded myself that nothing was ever as it seemed. We’d set the ground rules last night. Friends with benefits. No feelings. No emotion. No attachment.
He hadn’t said the last few phrases, but it was implied. The arrangement was meant to protect me, and I couldn’t forget that.
In the shower, I let the warm water sluice over me as I reminded myself of my new mantra. Friends with benefits. No attachment.
If I didn’t fall for him, he couldn’t hold any power over me. I wouldn’t fall prey to any lies or deceit. A small part of me thought Ben could be genuine. But how could I ever fall for that again? It was better to be safe than sorry—even if the thought chilled the warm, floaty feeling I’d had since I woke up. The memory of last night lingered in my consciousness.
I got dressed in my clothes from last night and carefully folded the shirt I’d worn, placing it on his dresser. I wouldn’t take one of his shirts home to sleep in it. No space would be made for me in his drawer. I wouldn’t leave a toothbrush for next time.
Satisfied that I’d set appropriate ground rules, I headed downstairs to the smell of onions and eggs. “It smells great,” I said, sliding onto a stool at the island.
“You’re just in time.” Ben turned to me with two plates in his hands. He sat one in front of me and the other next to me.
Moving around to my side of the island and close enough that his thigh rested against mine, I knew I needed to create some space between us, both figuratively and literally. I subtly moved my leg from his. “When do your parents come home?”
“Not until this afternoon.” He cut his omelet and ate a bite.
Turning my attention to my plate, I knew he’d pick up Cammie from Abby’s. He’d be busy. There’d be no more nights alone with him since he lived with his parents and Cammie. I’d be safe from any temptation.
We ate in silence for a few minutes before Ben said, “I was thinking of calling a realtor this afternoon. Maybe going to look at some places.”
“That’s great.” I stiffened until I reminded myself that the process of buying a house could take months.
“Would you want to come with us?”
“Us? You mean Cammie and you?”
“Yeah. I have a feeling she’s going to be so excited. You’d be helping me with her and letting me know the good neighborhoods. I’ve been gone a long time.”
“I don’t think I’m the right person to help you with that. I’ve never bought a place.”
“It was just a thought.”
But friends with benefits didn’t help watch children or give advice on purchasing a house. We could hook up when he had a spare moment.
The more I thought about it, the more I thought there wouldn’t be much time for our arrangement, which was even better.
