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So far, since we’d been in the Carolina Banks, Stephanie’s signature move had been forcing me to go to the Banks Brew Co. when I was dead set against it. I didn’t care if Bennett had stopped by. He hadn’t left a message with Stephanie, nor had he called or texted me. It was pretty clear he wasn’t eager to see me. But hehadstopped by. Stephanie should have been pushy with him so I’d know what he’d wanted.
“Are you sure?” Her tone was a bit condescending. “Because it seems like you do.”
“No pep talks.” I opened my door and got out to reinforce what I’d said. I was being ridiculous. Bennett had seen me naked—he’d been inside me, for goodness’ sake. There was no need to hide now.
When I was halfway to the front door, Stephanie scrambled to catch up with me. She slapped my ass, and I jumped forward a foot. “Go get ’em,” she said.
I wasn’t there togethim. I was there for dinner. Okay, and maybe to feel him out to see what his deal was.
When I opened the door, he looked up from the bar. His gaze met mine, and his expression remained neutral. Squaring my shoulders, I walked to the bar and sat in my normal spot. Stephanie was close behind.
“What can I get you?” he asked without so much as a greeting.
Fuck… this… shit. What is his problem?He was treating me like a random tourist—a stranger.
I felt Stephanie’s hand on my arm. “Water to start. Thanks.”
When he’d moved down the bar, she said under her breath, “Calm your shit. You’re about to blow.”
She was right. But damn it, he owed me more than this. Before my sister could stop me, I hopped off my stool and walked down the bar. “Can I talk to you for a minute?”
His expression was pained. “Now?”
“Yes.” I gestured to the nearly empty space. “You’re not busy.”
My comment earned a scowl, and I was happy to see it because at least he was showing some kind of emotion.
“My office?” he asked.
“Fine.” I stalked off in that direction, not waiting for him. I could feel Stephanie’s gaze on me, but I didn’t look at her. I didn’t need her reproachful stare or hissed advice.
Bennett only made me wait a minute—a point in his favor.
“What gives?” I asked before he could say anything. “The meeting wasyouridea, but you’ve been acting weird since then.”
“No, I haven’t.”
“Actually, that might be true. I wouldn’t know because you’ve been avoiding me or acting like you don’t even know me.”
His jaw worked. “I stopped by earlier today.”
“I know,” I said stiffly. “Stephanie told me.”
“Congratulations on your new job.” His tone was flat.
I frowned. “What?”
“You were on a phone interview. I assume you got the job.”
My mouth twisted.What the hell does that have to do with anything?“I did.” What I didn’t say was that it was a freelance gig and not a permanent position. I didn’t see how it was relevant.
“Since the vote is tomorrow, I guess your work here is done, and you’ll be leaving soon. Good luck at your new job.”
I gaped at him. It sounded like he was dismissing me, like he was kicking me off his precious islands. Okay, that snarkiness wasn’t fair, because the Carolina Banks was precious. Stephanie was right that I’d been happier than I’d been in a while. In the past few weeks, I’d gotten a taste of everything that was missing in my life—girlfriends, family dinners, and a man who respected and cared for me.
Or perhaps I didn’t have that last one, because the man standing in front of me wasn’t acting like he cared. Stephanie was wrong—there was nothing keeping me in the Carolina Banks. I was a fool to let myself feel anything for this man, for this place. I’d let myself live in a fantasy, and the soul-crushing feeling in my chest was the price I was paying. It was past time I returned to reality and focused on resurrecting my career.
“I’ll stay until after the vote,” I informed him. “I need to be available in case any of the commission members have last-minute questions.”
