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“Did she?” Mia asked.
Belle accepted the paper towel Remy handed her as she cleaned her face and table.
“No. She’s the one that he was talking about. The one who wouldn’t give him the time of day,” Remy clarified.
“Ohhhh,” Jasmine and Mia said in unison.
“I’m sorry, what?” Belle asked, extremely lost.
“Do you want to fuck him?” Jasmine asked.
“I . . . no! I mean—maybe, but no.” She shook her head, getting a hold of herself. “I’m not looking for that kind of relationship.”
The women stared at her blankly.
“I’m lost. Don’t all relationships eventually lead to sex?” Mia asked.
“The good ones do,” Remy added.
“She means she doesn’t do one-night stands. Right?” Jasmine asked for confirmation.
Belle nodded.
“Ahhh.” Mia nodded.
“I’ve never seen my brother interested in anyone long-term before. But from what I hear, you’ve piqued his interest,” Jasmine said.
All the women’s eyes were on her. She pulled the collar of her T-shirt away from her neck, suddenly feeling flushed. “Look, I don’t really know what to tell you. There’s nothing going on between us. So, you have nothing to worry about.”
Remy placed her hand over Belle’s. “Oh, we’re not worried—we were gettin’ excited. Bently is such a good man and he deserves to find happiness after all he’s been through. You seem like a great person from what we can tell.”
“Oh.” It was all she could say.
“He’s taken care of me my whole life, and I would be remiss if I didn’t check out his potential interests. Make sure you won’t break his heart.” Jasmine winked, but Belle got the feeling that the woman meant business.
What did Jasmine mean Bently had taken care of her? Did she have even more in common with Bently and his family than she’d realized? Before she could ask, the door burst open and the men filed in.
“I want a rematch!” Mikel said.
Bently chuckled. “Nope. Not my fault you underestimated my buddy here.” He rose his fist and TJ bumped it.
Belle swallowed. The sight of her brother and Bently getting along so well made her stomach flutter.
Mikel wrapped his arms around Remy. “I got all I need right here. I’m still a winner if I come home to you, baby.” He leaned in and kissed Remy.
Andre splayed his hands over Mia’s cheek. “Me too.” His lips crashed to hers with so much passion that Belle looked away, giving them a bit of privacy.
“Ahhh, come on, ladies. You deserve real men, not these two losers.” Bently chuckled.
Andre pulled back and said, “You’re just jealous I get to go home to this fine woman in my bed every night.”
Bently’s eye’s clouded over before he glanced at Belle.
“You’re just lucky I was there to help you pull your head out of your ass in time,” Bently teased, grabbing another beer from the fridge and walking out to the fire.
Something tugged her out after him. The mix of emotions she’d seen reflected in his eyes was something familiar and recognizable. For the first time, she could see past the jokes and smiles. His mouth said one thing while his eyes told another story. The real question was, what was he hiding underneath the facade?
She walked out into the cool night air towards the crackling fire. She crossed her arms and shivered, having left her jacket in the house.
