Shine With Me (With Me in Seattle 15.5)

I blink at him. “That wasn’t my intention. I just wanted to feed you, I didn’t mean to imply that—”

“You didn’t imply anything. I’m just asking because I’m tired and I don’t have it in me to beat around the bush.”

“I want to hang out for a few, and then I’m going home because you need a good night’s sleep.”

He sighs and rubs his hand down his face. “One of these days, I’m going to get my hands on you for more than five minutes, Rina.”

“I hope so,” I say bluntly. “But I’m a patient woman.” I look around. “I like your place.”

He follows my gaze. “Thanks. It works for now. It’s close to the gym and all of the things I like in Seattle. What kind of place do you have in Bend?”

“It’s a two-story near a golf course,” I reply. “I don’t golf, but I like grass. And I don’t have to mow it.”

He stares at me and then busts up laughing. “That’s the funniest thing I’ve heard all day.”

I grin, enjoying the sound of his laughter. “I like it when you smile, Ben. You have a great one.”

He watches me from across the table. The chemistry between us is ridiculous. It sparks whenever we’re within fifty yards of each other. “Are you sure you don’t want to stay?”

“No. But you really do need to rest, and I’ll see you in about eight hours.”

“Too damn long.”* * * *“How’s everything going up there?” Zane asks two days later. We’re chatting on our weekly call, and I’m organizing some of the donations in the upstairs guest bedroom.

“Pretty well, actually. I’m feeling stronger every day. Still sore as fuck, but my clothes are fitting differently. I’m even getting used to eating a lot of kale.”

“I hate kale,” he says.

“Me, too. I haven’t seen a lot of Ben, though. I mean, I see him a couple times a day for training, but not much else.”

“And?”

“And I got used to seeing him more often, that’s all.”

“No, that’s not all. Spill it, sugar.”

“There’s nothing to spill. We’ve kissed a few times, but that’s it.”

He’s quiet, so I keep talking.

“There would probably be more, but he had a trainer quit on him, so he’s been working long hours at the gym. He’s got a lot on his plate. But Lisa, his assistant, told me yesterday that he finally hired someone new. They start tomorrow, so that should help lighten Ben’s load a bit.”

“Yes, by all means, let’s lighten Ben’s load.”

I scowl at the phone sitting next to me. “You’re gross.”

“So, what’s the deal here?”

“There’s no deal. I’m attracted to him. Okay, that’s an understatement. He’s sexy, Zane. Like, sexier than any movie star I’ve ever seen.”

“Thanks.”

“And he’s kind and supportive. If I can’t push a certain weight, he walks me through it, encouraging me until I can. And let’s be honest—”

“Yes, let’s.”

“When we’re together, the sparks are off the charts.”

“So sleep with him, then. What’s the problem?”

“He’s busy. I told you, I’ve hardly seen him. And I have to say, I miss him. Is that weird?”

“Probably. But he hired someone, and now he’ll have some time on his hands. Fill it with a little fun. Just don’t get too attached, because your life isn’t in Seattle.”

I stare at the donations around me. “Yeah.”

“Rina.”

“I know, my life’s in Bend.”

“Then why do you sound like that?”

I blow out a breath and then tell him about my new donation venture here in the Emerald City.

“So maybe your life isn’t in Bend anymore,” he says in surprise.

“Yes, it is. My house is there, I have friends there, and a nonprofit to run.”

“Let’s continue the honesty here, Mel has the nonprofit covered.”

I bite my lip. I’d been thinking the same thing.

“Yeah, I could look in on them every few months, and it would most likely be fine without me.” But moving is huge, and I’m not quite ready to think that way yet.

“Looks like it’s a good thing that I’ll be there in a little over a week for Christmas. I need to check out this Ben guy.”

“Be nice,” I warn him. “I’m serious, Zane, he’s a good person.”

“I’m always nice.”

I snort-laugh. “Right. That’s why the tabloids have stories of you making people cry on set.”

“Why are you reading the rags, Rina?”

I shrug, even though he can’t see me. “Why are you making people cry?”

“I didn’t. It was an exaggeration.”

“Sure, it was. Well, I’m excited to see you late next week, but you have to promise me you’ll behave when you’re here.”

“No. I’ll see you soon. Love you.”

He clicks off.

I roll my eyes.

This should be fun.* * * *“Isn’t this the cutest thing you’ve ever seen?” Brynna asks as she shows us a baby onesie with pink bunnies all over it. “I miss my girls being this little.”

“You could have more babies,” Natalie reminds her.