Your One True Love (The Bennett Family 8)

“Right. Wensworth is one of those connections. You have one hour to clean out your desk and hand in your resignation.”

“No, no. I won’t make this easy for you. You want me out, you do the work.”

“Don’t think I won’t.”

Words I never thought I’d tell someone I considered my mentor. I looked up to him despite his faults. How did I let this get here?

“Your star will fade eventually, boy. Mark my words. Yours and your family’s.”

“Leave my family out of this,” I warn, curling my palms to fists.

“I kept hoping to have something on them. Almost had my chance when your little sister was all over that drummer at the beginning of the year. Summer Bennett flashing—”

“You talk like that about my family, you won’t be able to walk tomorrow, forget coming to the office. Out. Now.”

I curl my fists tighter, fighting to keep my anger under control. He’s deliberately provoking me. If I hit him, I’ll have a lawsuit on my hands. I only unclench my fists when he leaves my sight.

I remember the drummer he’s talking about. We planned a New Year’s event for a local rock band, and my sister joined us. She and their drummer hit it off right away. I kept an eye on them the entire night, ready to play the big brother card if it came to it—read: if he’d tried to rope her into a one-night stand. Would’ve pissed off my sister, but the guy was an asshole. Nothing came out of that night, but the thought of Summer’s life splashed in the tabloids because of this idiot—and because of me—is enough to make my blood boil.

***

Caroline

By the time five o’clock in the afternoon rolls around, I’m so ready to call this a day. Most days I love my job, but today isn’t one of those. Taking the kids to the circus turned into a circus all on its own.

“Thank God that was the last one,” Karla says, sounding as exhausted as I feel. We’re in the park facing the circus, and the last kid was just picked up.

“My feelings exactly.”

“I’m out of here too.”

“Have a nice evening, Karla. Any plans?”

“Does collapsing on my couch with a glass of wine count as a plan?”

“Absolutely.”

“There’s my plan, then. How about you? Are you dating Daniel Bennett? When he picked you up last week, you looked cozy.”

I will kill Daniel. Yes, I will. By cozy, she probably means she saw Daniel pulling me behind his car and kissing the living daylights out of me.

“No one will see,” he said.

“We’re well hidden here,” he said.

“We’re dating, yes.”

She beams as she motions to a cabbie to stop. “Well, if he picks you up again, by all means, tell him to come inside. He’s a sight for sore eyes.”

I decide on the spot that shall not happen. Daniel’s six feet of deliciousness are for me and me alone. Yeah, I’m possessive.

“See you tomorrow, Karla.”

After she slides into the cab, I head to my car, already excited about my trip to the thrift store near my building. The owner emailed the pic of a gorgeous scarf she received today and said she’s putting it aside for me until this evening. I can’t wait to put my hands on the pretty thing.

While driving, I thumb off a message to Daniel. We made no plans to meet, but lately we’ve been playing a game I love. He asks me to come over to his place, and I pretend I don’t want to, just so he can make full use of his extensive—and delicious—persuasion skills. As if I really need to be persuaded. I love being in his home and walking around N

ob Hill. Between the vintage barbershops, the cable cars, and the old-luxury vibes coming from buildings such as the famous Fairmont Hotel, it’s a pleasure to be there.