Bennett (On the Line 2)

I was frozen. I wanted to say something sweet and right, but all I could think about was Kelly saying something similar to me five years ago.

“You’re the calm in my storm, Bennett.”

But I hadn’t been. When she needed a steady presence most, I’d failed her.

“You okay?” Charlotte asked, her brow furrowed with concern. “Did I just freak you out?”

I cleared my throat. “No. Let’s get going to another store.”

“Sure.”

We found the peanut clusters at the next store and I drove Charlotte back to her car. I gave her a quick kiss, still shaken from thinking about Kelly. Then I followed her home, and once I made sure she got there okay, went home and lost myself in a video game with Liam. Some things were best left buried.

Charlotte

“Why hasn’t Christopher been back?” my mom asked. “You two didn’t have a fight, did you?”

“No. He’s just been busy.”

“Why don’t you invite him over for dinner tonight? I’ll help you make chicken marsala. It’s true what they say about the way to a man’s heart being through his stomach, you know.”

I glanced up at her from the magazine I was reading in my recliner. It was Saturday, and my hopes of a relaxing day had been short-lived.

“I don’t cook,” I said. “No reason to make him think I’m someone I’m not.”

She waved a hand dismissively. “That’s not what I’m suggesting. Just show him your best side until you’ve got a ring on your finger. Then you can ease away from cooking a bit.”

“A ring?”

“He’s a catch, Charlotte.”

I cocked my head at her in surprise. “How do you know? You met him once for like ten minutes.”

She held up five fingers, folding them down as she went through her list. “Good job. Very attractive. Clearly likes you. Intelligent. Has all his hair.”

“What?” I set the magazine down in my lap. “The fact that he likes me is not a redeeming quality. You act like no man would want to be with me.”

“I’m just saying, if a man like him is interested, sink those claws in, honey.”

Ugh. I needed a break from her before I said something I’d regret.

“Actually, I’m staying over at his place tonight,” I said.

“Oh, really?” She smiled broadly. “That’s wonderful.”

“Yeah. I should get my stuff ready and go.”

“Well, I’ll hold the fort down here. Maybe James and I can play Monopoly.”

I took out my phone and texted Bennett.

Me: Is there any way you can get rid of Liam tonight? I’d really like to spend the night with you.

Bennett: Done. I’ll have him taken hostage if I have to.

Me: You’re the best. See you at 6?

Bennett: See you then.