Your Captivating Love (The Bennett Family 2)

“Nadine still has a lot to unpack, and I offered to help her,” Ava says. “You four have fun.”

As the two of them leave, I can’t help myself from glancing appreciatively at Nadine’s backside. I can proudly say I’m an ass man. I appreciate it in every shape, but Nadine’s is perfect. Every part of her is, and I’ve studied her plenty tonight. Her long, brown hair and tan complexion contrast starkly but beautifully with her blue eyes.

Her full breasts and the swell of her hips are mouth-watering. I was hoping she’d be hot or funny, and I got both. In fact, she’s so much more than that, I can’t even describe it. She was so full of energy and passion when she spoke about her store that I nearly kissed her... to check if she’d do that with as much passion too.

No sooner are Nadine and Ava out the door than Pippa’s stance changes. She gazes at me expectantly, her eyes wide and full of excitement. Sebastian is reading something on his phone, so at least my brother isn’t in on the charade. Alice scans the menu, so I’m clear on that front too.

Wait a minute.

Alice is throwing me curious glances every few seconds. Ah, man, Pippa’s dragged Alice into this matchmaking thing, hasn’t she? I’m a dead man. The problem with loving my sisters is that they’re very much aware that I do, and they take advantage of it. The women in our family have us men wrapped around their little fingers. Me, especially. Individually, I might stand a chance of fighting off their plan. When they join forces? No chance in hell.

I was hoping to have Alice on my side tonight. Apparently not. . .

Welcome to the Bennett clan, where alliances change faster than the wind and every sibling thinks they know what’s better for every other sibling. There are nine of us, three sisters, six brothers. I’m guilty of plenty of meddling myself. My only hope is that Summer, our youngest sister, isn’t in on this too.

When we were kids, the alliances were straightforward. Pippa, Sebastian and I—the oldest trio—versus the younger ones. Things are more complex now.

Pippa breaks the silence. “What did you think about Nadine?”

“I know what you’re up to,” I reply. “Drop it. I can get myself a woman, thank you very much.” I avoid looking at her. I like Nadine a lot, but that doesn’t mean I’m right for her.

“We disagree,” Pippa says.

“Strongly,” Alice adds helpfully.

“You haven’t brought anyone for us to meet since you broke up with Sylvia. That was two years ago,” Pippa continues. Sebastian remains suspiciously silent. The bastard won’t back me up on this.

“That doesn’t mean I don’t date,” I tell them calmly. Pippa’s the only Bennett sibling who married, but I came damn close. Sylvia was my fiancée. “I keep my love life separate from my family.”

If there’s anything the failed relationship with Sylvia taught me, it’s that women prefer it this way. I’m honest and upfront with my dates, telling them I’m not up for the long haul, just to have a pleasant time together. We spend a few months together, and I always treat them well, because I believe every woman deserves it.

I was in high school when I decided I wouldn’t be an asshole. I made the decision after I overheard a moron saying he wanted to “tap that.” He meant Pippa. That’s when I realized every girl was someone’s sister or daughter, and it wasn’t fair to treat them in ways I’d hate anyone to treat my sisters.

I might be an ass man, but I’m no asshole.

So, yeah, I treat my dates right. I take them out, but I don’t let them in. It’s easier that way. Do I want to keep it up forever? It’s tempting. Without too much emotional involvement, no one can rip my goddamn heart out the way Sylvia did. Do I want to be in my sixties and still date around? No fucking way.

I want to build a family, the way my parents did... eventually. And here lies the problem. If I want a family, I need to let a woman in, which I’m not ready to do. That’s a conundrum I can’t solve. As the CFO of Bennett Enterprises, I pride myself on being able to solve any problem by use of logic. When it comes to my love life, logic hasn’t helped one bit.

Pippa’s voice snaps me from my thoughts. “You haven’t had a serious relationship in a while. It’d be good for you.”

“Oh, and you’re an expert on that?”

Pippa flinches, her chin trembling. Sebastian glares at me. Damn me and my impulsivity.

“Sorry, that was a dick thing to say.” I shake my head. “What happened with Terence wasn’t your fault. I’m not implying that.”

“I forgive you,” Pippa says. “You always put your foot in your mouth.”

“Ah, nothing like my sister handing out compliments,” I mutter to myself. “Though I do deserve this one. Alice, please don’t join Pippa’s matchmaking game.”

“I have no idea what you mean. I met Nadine a few times, and I like her,” Alice says simply. I know on the spot she is honest, and I can see why she likes Nadine. From my brief conversation with her, I could tell she’s fiercely determined, competitive, and hardworking. She shares many traits with Alice.

“So there’s no chance you’ll want to date Nadine?” Pippa insists. “Ever?”

“No.” I’m lying through my teeth, and Pippa sees right through me. I’d be more convincing if that woman weren't so damn sexy, and meeting her hadn’t been such a shock. Her energy is infectious, her courage to pursue what she wants endearing.

Touching her back sent a jolt straight to my groin. Stepping closer to her, her womanly scent aroused me further still. She smelled like oranges. Nadine has an innate sensuality, unlike anyone I’ve encountered before.