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Benton did his best not to seek Opal out when he made his way through the poker room. He had gotten his table number and went to sit. Only a few players were at the table, and he ordered a club soda with lime to drink.
When the tournament began, his gaze met Opal’s. She gave him a shy wave. But her tiger leapt out at him and sent his skin buzzing with excitement.
He lost a big bet when she walked through the room a little while later and broke his focus on a bluff when she came through another time.
Benton knew she had a job, but so did he. Even though the money was for charity, he still had a reputation to keep up. If that reputation were ruined because he couldn’t concentrate, it wouldn’t be very good.
During a table change and break, he found Opal.
She had a big smile on her face for him when she saw him that slowly faded when she saw the seriousness of his.
“Uh, oh. This doesn’t look good,” Opal greeted him with a small peck.
“It’s not bad,” Benton started. He hated asking her the question. “Do you have an assistant who can do things for you?”
“Why?” Opal’s expression turned confused.
Benton cleared his throat and took Opal’s hands into his. “I know you have a job to do. But so do I. Every time you walk into the room, I lose.” He squeezed her hand. “I don’t think it will be like this forever, but I don’t want to lose. Each game I play, I focus all my attention on it.
“I hate asking this, but if you don’t need to come to my area, could you avoid it? Or send someone else in? Just until we get this fated mate hazy stuff under control.”
Benton could see hurt run through her eyes. Guilt in his chest began to eat away at his resolve.
He swallowed it down. “I’m sorry. I know how important this charity is to you. I want to ensure that I do my best for both of us.”
“Okay.” Opal nodded. “I’ll find a way to keep clear of you for a little while.” She blinked, and the pain was gone.
Benton didn’t know if that was for his sake or if she understood the distraction. He didn’t question it, though. He would talk to Opal later to make sure she was okay.
He pulled her close and kissed her lightly. “Thank you. I would like to take you out for some fun later. Does that sound okay?”
“That sounds wonderful,” Opal said. She squeezed his hand and walked away from him.
Benton couldn’t help but feel relieved and ashamed at the same time.
NINE
OPAL
She chewed on her cheek as she looked over another room that was playing. Everything was going smoothly. Which allowed her mind to wander.
She was a little shocked at how Benton didn't want her in his room. She was hurt because she thought he felt the pull to be closer to her as well. She certainly was feeling the need to be around him. Even now, she did.
But she understood his reasoning. While she was in the room, it made it hard for him to focus, and she didn't want to be that person. So, she left. She had a mind outside of her tiger’s, and she would put it to work. Or at least, that was her plan.
Everything was running smoothly. She didn't even need to watch over it. She had nothing to get her mind off Benton.
She smiled to herself, knowing that she did catch Benton's attention. It made her insides stir with excitement.
"What are you smirking for?" Benton whispered into her ear, which made her jump. She turned, and he held a wicked grin on his face.
She felt her face grow hot, and she quickly tried to calm herself. "Nothing. I was thinking about food."
He raised an eyebrow at her, and she took a steady breath in. She felt that pull to be in his arms, so she planted her feet. "How was your game?"
She already knew the answer. The smile on his face told her he did just fine. But she wanted him to say it. She wanted to make conversation and be open to talking about anything.
"I advanced to tomorrow."
