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At the same time that Slade spoke, Bentley stepped closer on Xander’s other side.
“Hey. Thanks for going with her. I didn’t realize you were going, too.”
Xander’s heart pounded in his chest.
“When she asked about the plane, I assumed that she was going by herself.” Bentley frowned. “You don’t think she’ll need you, do you? I mean, the whole stalker deal is over.”
Xander glanced over at Tori, but she was still chatting away with the girls. He’d thought that they would tell everyone together, but he wasn’t going to lie to Bentley – not even by omission.
He smiled. “She doesn’t need me for security.”
Bentley gave him a puzzled look. “What then? What’s she up to?”
He had to laugh. “She’s not up to anything. I’m going with her because I want to be with her – because …”
Bentley still looked confused, but Jacob chuckled beside him. “I think what my little brother is trying to say is that he’s sticking close to your little sister for reasons other than her safety.”
Xander scowled at him. He wanted to tell Bentley himself.
It was almost comical to see the moment the penny dropped. Bentley’s expression went from confused to surprised. Then, much to Xander’s relief, it turned into a big grin. “You and Tori?”
Xander nodded. “Yeah.”
“Well … damn! That’s awesome!”
“It is?”
Bentley laughed. “It is! It couldn’t be more perfect if you ask me. I mean, I would never have guessed.” His smile disappeared. “Tell me that this isn’t like Willow and him.” He jerked his chin toward Slade.
“What do you mean?”
Bentley gave Slade a rueful smile. “I suppose I’m asking how long it’s been going on,” he told Xander. “Those two had a whole lot more history than I ever suspected.”
Xander had to laugh. “Ah, right. No. I will admit that I have always had a soft spot for her, but I’ve only managed to get her to see me that way in the last few days.”
“That’s good.” Bentley chuckled. “No offense, but …”
“None taken. I don’t mind telling you that I’ve been working on winning her over for a while, but …”
Bentley laughed. “Let me guess, she didn’t even have a clue that you were interested?”
Xander nodded. That wasn’t exactly the truth, but it was close enough. He was hardly going to explain that he’d kept trying to make her understand, but that she hadn’t believed that he could be interested in her.
Bentley grasped his shoulder. “This is great. I hope it works out.”
“Yeah. Me, too.”
“And nobody knows yet?”
“Slade figured me out, but as far as I know, no one else has.”
Jacob smiled at him. “I’ve been waiting and hoping.”
“Thanks.”
Bentley looked at Xander’s now empty beer bottle. “I feel like this calls for a celebration. I know you’re not big on wine, but how about champagne?”
He laughed. “Not for me, thanks.”
