Heartthrob (The Bennett Brothers 3)

“I programmed my number into your phone last night,” he reminds me.

“I know, I was there.” I crack a smile.

“Use it. Call me anytime. Let me know how you’re doing.”

“I thought you said you’d call me next week?”

“We aren’t going to do that, Claire. Playing games isn’t us. You want to talk, you call me.”

I nod, smiling wider. “No games.”

He chuckles, his eyes staying locked on mine.

“I’ll walk you out.” I swing my legs to the edge of the bed, and he’s at my side in a second.

“No, stay. I want to remember this. You, naked in bed, looking unbelievably beautiful.”

God! If he keeps this up, I’ll be tempted to just tattoo his name across my heart.

He kisses me quickly once more and leaves without another word. I listen to the front door open and close. A few seconds later, I hear the sound of his car starting, and I run to my window in time to see him driving away. When I know he’s really gone and not coming back, I flop face down on my bed and finally let out a sob.

A few tears fall, but they aren’t tears of devastation. They’re tears of wonder. Since I discovered boys at the age of twelve, I never imagined a man like him existed.

Up until two days ago, I’d only heard about him from my friend Bizzy. She frequently talks about all of the Bennetts to the point that I could recite her stories.

I’ve known about the legendary Bennett brothers for years. Nick is Bizzy’s best friend in the world, and through her, the three of us are tight. The oldest Bennett brother, Shaw, is a lawyer currently living in New York. He’s incredibly sexy with eyes that stunned me speechless. Within seconds of being in the room with him, it was obvious Bizzy was in love. She tried to hide her feelings, but it was pointless. Nicky seemed oblivious, but a girl knows when her best friend is in deep.

I was excited to finally meet the elusive Mathis. Even pictures couldn’t prepare me for the man who waltzed into our apartment, lifted her into his arms, and swung her around as she squealed. My mouth hung open at the sight of him—at least six-foot-three, muscular build, dark hair, and striking blue eyes. Simply put, he’s gorgeous.

I don’t know how long I lie in my bed, face down, alternating between smiles and sadness as I daydream about him. But when I hear the front door open again, I bolt up and run to the bathroom, snatching my nightgown. As quietly as possible, I sneak back to bed, careful not to let Bizzy know I’m awake.

Maybe, one day, I’ll tell Bizzy about last night, but for now, it’s all mine.

Mathis

What was I thinking? I ask myself for the hundredth time as I pack my bag. A soft pink splotch catches my eye, and I inspect the shirt closer. Claire’s lip gloss is smudged on the collar of my shirt, and the memories come flooding back.

Her lips, her taste, the feel of sliding inside as she whispered my name.

I know what I was thinking. For the first time in forever, I let myself enjoy the fuck out of life. It was impossible not to in her presence. Claire is opposite of me in every way, but everything about being around her felt right.

Free-spirited, wild, hilarious, witty—not to mention drop dead gorgeous. She laughed until it was contagious, reminding me how fun it can be to let loose. No rules, no inhibitions, no ingenuity. What you see is what you get, and I liked what I saw a hell of a lot.

Leave it to me to find a woman I’m finally interested in at the worst possible time.

I’m headed into years of residency followed by a possible fellowship. Who knows where I’ll end up? She has another year of school and clinicals before she’s done. The path I’ve chosen will take a while before I’m truly established. We’re in two entirely different stages of our lives, and the difference is too much to overcome. I’m not in a position to ask her to give a long distance relationship a chance.

Shit, did I just think that? Am I interested in a long distance relationship with a woman I met two days ago? Selfish bastard, the answer is yes. But it’s not fair to her.

I’m known as the level-headed, subdued Bennett brother, always have been. And, right now, my subconscious is telling me that Claire is too wild to be tamed. She needs liveliness, excitement, and freedom to be herself. I know in my head and in my heart, I can’t do what I need to do and give her what she deserves.

She’s not going away; she’s tight with Bizzy and Nick. No doubt, she’ll be a fixture in all our lives forever. For the time being, that has to be enough.

The scent of her perfume fills my nose, and I carefully fold the shirt in my hands and lay it on top of the other clothes tossed carelessly in the bag.

“You want to tell me about last night?” Nick appears in the doorway to his room, eyeing me suspiciously. I knew this conversation was unavoidable, but I’d been dodging it for the last few hours.

“What do you want to know?”