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The door opened and TJ looked up at him, unsure and hesitant. He obviously still had a long way to go earning this guy’s trust.
“Hey, is your sister home?”
TJ’s mouth split into a knowing and almost relieved grin. “Sure is. Come on in.” TJ walked in, leaving the door open as he went to the array of books at the kitchen table.
“Belle, it’s for you!” he hollered.
Bently shut the door and cleared his throat as Belle came down the stairs with a basket full of laundry in her arms.
Her full pink lips opened into an O. It was the first time he hadn’t seen them coated in that sinful red lipstick. A mouth he’d almost kissed the other night, until good judgment had won out.
“Hey, friend. Feel like having lunch on this fine Sunday with me?”
She bit into that delicious bottom lip and set the basket on the couch, giving him a nice view of her perfect ass in those red high-waisted leggings. She turned around, the tiny half T-shirt showing off the strip of soft stomach. He put his hands into his jean pockets, controlling the itch to touch her.
“Do you take all your friends to lunch?” she asked, her eyes narrowing as if she could see right through his plans.
“Only the best ones.” He smiled.
“You seemed pretty chummy with TJ. Is he invited on this . . . excursion?”
TJ quietly laughed as he watched their exchange.
Ideally, Bently wanted this woman alone, but they were a package deal and he’d come prepared. “Of course.”
Belle’s shoulders relaxed. “It’s kind of last minute.”
“I like to think of it as spontaneous.”
A ghost of a smile turned up the corner of her mouth. This woman was a challenge, and damn if he didn’t like it.
She looked over at her brother before nodding. “Alright, we’ll go.”
“Great. We can take my truck. You’ll want a pair of sneakers.” He glanced at her small naked feet as she wiggled her hot-pink toes. Everything about this woman was tiny compared to his six-foot-three stature.
“Okay. Anything else? Where are you taking us?”
“A warm jacket, and as far as our destination goes, that’s a surprise.” He shrugged innocently.
The corner of her mouth turned up again in an almost smile.
She grabbed a pair of Converse sneakers and tied them before slipping a coat off the rack next to the door. “Come on, TJ.”
“As much fun as spending the afternoon babysitting the two of you sounds, I have plans. Rain check?” TJ smirked, and Bently liked the kid a lot more in that moment.
Belle’s eyes widened, but Bently swept into action, opening the door. “Well, we better get going. Don’t want to miss our reservation.” He winked.
Her brow furrowed as panic flashed in her expression. Bently spoke in his most soothing tone. “We don’t have to go if you’re not feeling up to it, but I would love your company. If we’re gonna be friends, we should get to know each other a little better, right?”
She swallowed, the action drawing his attention to her exposed neck and a small light scar that zigzagged right above her collarbone. “Okay. Let’s go.” She passed him and walked down the porch towards his truck.
He shut the door and ran to catch up to her before opening the car door for her. Belle needed a boost in because it was so high up. As she took the hand he offered, her soft touch sent a zing of energy buzzing around his body. She pulled herself up, as he reached out his hand to the back of her thigh, steadying her. Liquid heat rocketed through him. He bit back a groan. He’d barely touched the woman and his cock was pressed into his zipper so hard he might have a permanent imprint. He cleared his throat and shut the door as she buckled in.
Bently climbed in the driver’s side and started the engine before he pulled out. He drove through town and turned the music on low. The band Grandson played on the radio, filling the silence.
“I had you pegged as a country music fan.” She smiled sheepishly.
He winced. “I mean, I can stand to listen to some, but it’s definitely not my go-to.”
