Your Endless Love (The Bennett Family 9)

“Yeah, you were.”

I touch her bare forearm, and the contact zings me. Her skin is soft, enticing. Damn, I have no business being enticed. I let her go as she snaps her head in my direction, looking a little wary.

"I was taken by surprise," I continue, needing to explain myself. I want her to know I'm not a dick, someone who treats others badly whenever he's in a funk. "I don't usually act like this. The ring was just... unexpected. I’m really sorry for jumping down your throat.”

She sighs. "Fine, you're forgiven."

That makes me smile. "Just like that?"

"It's one of my many faults. I forgive easily. Staying angry takes up too much energy. And well, that was a shitty thing. Anyone would snap. Are you sure you don't want to reschedule?"

"Nah, I don't want to let the kids down. I can entertain people even when I don't feel like it, I promise. Acting's my job."

She narrows her eyes, as if considering something. Then she reaches in her back seat. That's when I see the huge box with a cake as a label, with an identical smaller box on top. She takes the smaller one in her hands, opening the lid, revealing three cupcakes.

"Here, have a cupcake."

"What?"

"It'll lift your mood a bit. The sugar rush sends endorphins in your blood."

"Why do you have a stack of sweets in your car?"

"Well, the large box is for St. Anne's. This one's for me, but your need is greater than mine."

I check her face for any signs that she's pulling my leg, but either she's a stellar actress, or she's serious.

I take one cupcake, wondering how many more ways she can surprise me. Summer Bennett is different from the people usually surrounding me. Different in the best kind of way. Honest, not afraid to call me out on my shit, or to own up to her quirks. She has an inner warmth I haven't encountered in people in years.

"This is really good," I exclaim through the first mouthful.

"I know." Her longing tone is delightful.

"Don't worry, I'm only eating just this one. I’ll leave you the rest."

She shakes her head, smoothly bringing the car into motion. "No, no. They're yours. I eat too many anyway. My scale will be thankful if I skip the cupcakes today."

"Forget that. You're beautiful, Summer."

She peeks at me, quickly returning her attention to the road. The pale skin on her neck turns a delicious shade of pink as she clears her throat.

"Thank you." She shifts in her seat, drumming her fingers on the wheel. Part of my job as an actor is to analyze body language. And right now, Summer's body language tells me she's not used to receiving compliments, which is a shame.

I close the lid on the small box, leaving the two remaining cupcakes untouched, then place the box in the back.

"I insist—” she starts, but I cut her off.

"I won't eat all your cupcakes, Summer."

"You’re bossy.”

"I was actually aiming to be courteous."

She grins. "Some shit actor you are, then. I knew it! They're plastering you on every poster only for your pretty face and to-die-for body."

“To-die-for body? That’s a lot of appreciation from someone who doesn’t want my autograph.” I burst out laughing, feeling more at ease than I've felt in weeks. More alive, too.

Chapter Three