Your Fierce Love (The Bennett Family 7)

When the waiter brings us another round of drinks, I hold up my glass, and the girls follow suit.

“To hotties who make us suspect we have double personalities,” I exclaim as we’re toasting. Since the conversation hasn’t helped my conundrum in the slightest, I’m eager to change topics, so I ask Kate about her job and her husband. Josh is truly the loveliest man on earth. Kind and gentle, perfect for my friend.

We stay out for so long that by the time I climb the staircase to my apartment, it’s past midnight. I’m nearly at my door when I see Blake unlocking his.

“Fancy meeting you here again,” he remarks with a smile, moving closer.

I shake my head. “This is so inconvenient. The corridor is too small, and you’re far too hot.”

Blake cocks a brow. “Did you drink any cocktails?”

“Nah, just estrogen overdose. I’ve been out with two close friends, Kate and Penny. Outings with the girls give me a high, and I’m usually prone to making rash decisions and bad choices afterward.”

“Excellent news. There’s a festival tomorrow evening. I want to take you to see it.”

“Oh, I don’t know.”

“Just come with me, Clara. You’ll have a great time.”

“It’s not a wine festival, is it?”

“No. Why? Are you afraid of drinking when I’m around?”

“You make me lower my guard even when I’m sober. So yes, I’m afraid.”

“Good. You should be.”

Why, that sounds like a sinful promise, and my cue that I should say no, which of course, I don’t.

Instead I ask, “So what kind of festival is it?”

“Local food and crafts.”

“Oooh, forgot it was so soon. I actually wanted to go.”

“I know. You mentioned it a few times.”

Emotion rushes through me, just as it did when I entered the apartment and found the wall painted and the bookcase in place. He isn’t seducing me. He’s charming me. I don’t know if he’s doing it on purpose, but he’s thoroughly and efficiently attacking my defenses.

“I’m taking you.” He says this with such determination that I have no idea how to counter. As if sensing that I’m scrambling to strengthen my defenses, Blake moves even closer, stepping right in my space, propping a hand on the door behind me. All of this is too much. The determined glint in his eyes, the arm on the wall, his closeness. I can feel the heat radiating off him. “I’ll pick you up at seven, okay?”

Licking my lips, I nod. “Seven.”

His eyes glint with joy and triumph. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

CHAPTER EIGHT

Clara

The next evening, I’m on pins and needles as I’m preparing for the outing. I’m wearing dark jeans and a bright red sweater that molds to my curves nicely, showing just enough cleavage to entice.

Great! I’m telling myself we’re going as friends, but I’m dressing to

entice. I want to kick myself. At seven o’clock on the dot, Blake knocks at my door. I try to ignore the way my heart squeezes and excitement courses through me.

When I open the door and come face-to-face with Blake, I have the distinct impression someone sucked the air out of the room. Damn him! Why isn’t it illegal to be this hot?

He grins. “Careful. It’s too early to undress me, even with just your eyes. But I like a bold woman.”