Bennett (On the Line Book 2)(27)

Faces lots of temptation from other women



Try as I might, I couldn’t come up with any other cons. There was only my general hesitation about falling in love and ending up like my mother. Sometimes I wondered if she’d started out with a backbone and lost it in the warm, fuzzy haze of being in love.

She’d taken back men who’d cheated on her, put up with one who stole from her, and begged one on her hands and knees for another chance when he said he wanted to move on. Even as a kid, I’d wondered where my mother’s pride was. She hadn’t needed those men. She was working two jobs and raising two kids on her own, which made her a badass in my book.

But some women felt incomplete without a man, and she was one of them. I’d vowed to never be that way. I dated, but never got stupid and overly invested. When I was told I dated like a man, I took it as a compliment.

I heard the sound of the game announcer’s voice, so I turned up the volume on my laptop. He was introducing the Flyers’ first line.

Killian Bosch skated out first, followed by Liam and Bennett. I felt a thrill at seeing Bennett. Something had changed for me after our text convo yesterday. I’d realized it was okay to admit how much I wanted him physically. The glimpse he’d given me of his own vulnerability had opened me up to sharing a little of my own.

Bennett burst out in full force, landing himself in the penalty box for slashing within the first two minutes of the game. As soon as his time was up, he came charging out of the box onto the ice, snow flying up from his skates.

All the muscles and lines of his body were made by this game. He had to be strong to move so fast on the ice. I realized for the first time how hard he must have to work every day to compete at this level, and I felt a new respect for both him and my brother.

After Bennett got his second slashing penalty, his coach yelled at him when his line got back to the bench. I sent him a silent message to stop showboating for my benefit.

The Flyers won the game 4–2. I’d taken a shower after watching it and was getting into bed when my phone dinged on my nightstand. I picked it up, already smiling because I knew it was Bennett.

But it wasn’t.

Liam: I’ve been thinking. I want to meet the father of my niece or nephew.

I cringed and wrote back.

Me: You will, just not right now.

Liam: Is he gone? Something’s up and you need to tell me what it is.

Me: No, he’s not gone.

Liam: Is he married?

Me: No, you *. I wouldn’t sleep with a married man.

Liam: WTF is it, Charlie? Tell me.

Me: There’s nothing to tell.

Liam: Then who is he?

Me: That’s my business.

Liam: Do you not know who the father is?

Me: FUCK YOU.

My brother could get me going like no one else. He expected to get his way and could be a pain in the ass when he didn’t. I was ready for a fight when the next text came in.

Bennett: Did u watch?

Oh. I smiled at my phone, pleasantly surprised.

Me: Yes. Great game.

Bennett: I can’t stop thinking about you.

Liam: Since when do we hide shit from each other? You know all my dirty laundry.

Me: You only want to know so you can kick his ass. Grow up.

Bennett: ??

Me: Sorry, that was for Liam. He’s on me to tell him who the father of the baby is.

Bennett: He’s pissed off and looking for a fight. Don’t let him get to you.

Me: You’re still coming tomorrow night, right?

Bennett: We both are, baby. Several times. ;) Me: I can’t wait.

Bennett: Have to hit the shower. See u tomorrow.

Me: Okay.

I sent Liam the message I’d intended for him. I saw that he read it, but he didn’t respond. That was an accomplishment. Liam usually pushed me until we were at each other’s throats, and he always wanted to get the last word.

But he was my brother, and I loved him dearly. I needed to tell him the truth, but how? I wouldn’t mind him being pissed at me, but it was Bennett who would bear the brunt of Liam’s fury. I wasn’t ready to bring that down on him.

“This is quite the situation we have, kid,” I said softly, rubbing my hand in a slow circle on my belly. “What should I do?”

I took in the silence for a few seconds.

“Nothing?” I said. “I agree. Nothing for now. I’m just going to enjoy my night with your father tomorrow. It could be my last for a while. I mean, I’m hoping not, but if he gets mad, or I get mad, which occasionally happens . . .”

I let my mind wander, picturing Bennett’s crooked smile and his brown eyes that could be heart-meltingly sweet or panty-meltingly wicked, depending on the day.

“It’s just a temporary thing,” I said softly. “I don’t need a man to be my forever. You’re my forever.”





Bennett

The team bus stank like sweaty hockey gear and the egg rolls our goalie Shuck was eating. It was quiet as the end of our road trip approached. Everyone was either asleep or on their phone. For me, it was the latter, because I was too excited about seeing Charlotte to sleep. It didn’t matter that it was after eleven at night and my body was tired. My desire for her was more than just physical.

I was checking sports scores on ESPN when a text from my mom came in. She’d gotten the picture of Charlotte I sent.