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When I met Levi, it had been a whirlwind. He’d pursued me hard. Made me feel special. It all happened so fast, but he’d said that was normal when you fell in love. When you met the right person. Now I knew he’d chosen me because I was a sucker.
I needed slow and steady, rules and limits.
“No problem. I’m sure you’re busy with the shop.”
Glancing at the clock over the stove, I should have already been on my way to work. I ate a few more bites and put my plate in the dishwasher. When I turned, Ben was right behind me, crowding me.
He set his plate on the counter behind me. “Why do I get the feeling I’m missing something?”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“You’re with me, but you’re not. I feel like I make some progress, but then you retreat.”
“That’s not true.” He saw me, which was even more dangerous. If he knew what made me tick, he could manipulate me for his own benefit.
“It is, though.” He stepped back, seemingly letting it go for the time being.
I breathed a sigh of relief. I’d take the out. There was no way he’d respect me after he found out. What happened with Levi was so embarrassing. I’d always thought of myself as a strong, intelligent woman, but with him, I’d been blind.
Ben walked me outside to my car.
I stood awkwardly by the driver’s side door. I wasn’t sure what would happen. It wasn’t the typical morning after sex. Would he kiss me?
Ben stood close, but not touching me. “I had a great time last night.”
“Me, too.” The words were out before I could censor them. I was supposed to be putting space between us, not drawing us closer.
He smiled softly before stepping back. “I’ll call you later.”
I opened the door, knowing I should tell him a call wasn’t necessary. But I couldn’t bring myself to do it because I was already looking forward to it.
He waited, his hands in his pockets, until I reversed onto the street and drove away. I liked Ben Monroe. Last night had been amazing, and I felt relaxed and refreshed despite my trepidation about what I was getting myself into.
ChapterEighteen
BEN
Irocked back on my heels as I watched her drive away. Brooke was holding something back. I’d offered the friends with benefits arrangement because she’d freaked out after we’d had sex. If she was worried about her business, I figured it was a way to take the pressure off.
I wouldn’t let our relationship affect our businesses. I couldn’t control everything, but I wanted to.
I was used to knowing everything I could about my rival before engaging, but Brooke wasn’t my opponent anymore. She was the woman I was interested in. The rules of business engagement didn’t apply.
I shook my head, knowing I needed to pick up Cammie. As nice as it had been to let go with Brooke, my dad guilt still crept in. I was worried about her and was surprised that Abby hadn’t called in the middle of the night to tell me she wanted to come home. I’d expected it, though it was a nice surprise to have Brooke in my arms.
Ben: Everything okay?
Abby sent an image of Cammie laughing at Hunter. A stack of pancakes sat between them with whipped cream and strawberries. The tension from my shoulders eased.
Abby: They’re eating breakfast. They want to play baseball.
Ben: I’m getting ready to come get her.
Abby: They’re fine. Come over whenever you want.
It was nice of her to offer, but she was a single mother, and I didn’t want to take advantage of her any more than I already had. Besides, it was Cammie’s first overnight, and I needed to see that she was fine.
Grabbing my keys, I headed to Abby’s. I’d overloaded Brooke last night and wanted to take things easy with her in the morning. I could be patient when it was something I really wanted, and I wanted Brooke, despite her reservations.
