Your Fierce Love (The Bennett Family 7)

“Yes!” Summer exclaims, straightening up, peeling away a leaf that caught in her hair, and grinning at Daniel from ear to ear.

It’s official. Daniel’s even more clueless than I am. He just dug his own grave.

“I made him up. To...err… check your level of interest.”

Once again, I marvel at my sisters’ talent to get what they want. The tactic is deceptively simple: subtract a helpful brother—me—add a seemingly innocent remark that’s sure to bring out a reaction. Simple and brilliant, but no one except Pippa and Summer can pull it off.

My brother groans. Summer perks up, rubbing her hands in excitement. She’ll be plotting Daniel’s downfall instead of drowning in self-doubt because of her dating disaster. My job here is done.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Clara

The week on set is riddled with mishaps, yet we still somehow managed to finish two hours before the deadline—Thursday at midnight. I briefly consider driving back to San Francisco the same night. I miss my bed, and a certain hot and handsome neighbor who has become so much more than a neighbor. In the end, I decide to stay the night and drive back in the morning. It’s too dangerous. I’m tired, and even with Blake’s anti-sleep alarm, I won’t risk it.

I drive off early the next morning and wait until it’s eight o’clock to call Blake. I’m just about to dial his number when my phone lights up with an incoming call from him.

“Hey! I was just about to call you.”

“When will you be in town?”

Sighing, I tighten my grip on the wheel. His voice is a little rough, like he just woke up, and my insides squeeze at the sound of it. How can his voice alone affect me so much? I mean, the man’s voice is sexy as all get-out, but it’s still a little ridiculous.

“Lunch, but I still have to go by the studio, drop some things off, and send some e-mails. I’ll probably be there the entire afternoon.”

“Can you be ready at six?”

“Why?”

“We’re going on a date.”

I do a little happy dance in my seat, which probably looks crazy to anyone passing by, but I couldn’t care less. A date with Blake Bennett. A date!

Since I am not well versed in the art of “no labels,” I wasn’t really sure how this would play out.

I clear my throat, trying to sound like this is no big deal. “When and where? Why didn’t I know about this?”

“I was going to surprise you.”

“No, no, no. I need a proper heads-up, so I can get ready.”

“Let me get this straight. I can attack and seduce you in the middle of the night, but I have to give you a heads-up for a date?”

“Um...yes.”

“That makes no sense.”

I smile, imagining his expression. “So, where are we going?”

“Surprise.”

“Blake, come on, I need clues so I know what to wear. Help a girl out. I don’t want to stick out like a sore thumb.”

“You’re beautiful no matter what you wear, Clara.”

Well dang. This man has a dangerous way with words. “We’re going to have dinner. Nothing fancy. I’ll make reservations at eight.”

“No way. The earliest I can be ready is nine.”