Page 171 of Just for the Plot

“Yeah, we’ve been taking it slow, but it’s been nice, because I’ve been able to get to know him, and that feels important.”

“Very important. I got to know Ryland while his dick was in me, but it seemed to work out.” She winks, causing me to laugh. “Oh look, you do know how to laugh.”

“What do you mean by that?” I ask.

“I don’t know. You just seem off.”

Because I think I like your brother and I don’t know how to handle that.

I’m trying to push him away, but I don’t want to.

“Bennett feels off too.”

My skin crawls to attention as the back of my neck heats up. “Really?” I ask, the lump in my throat growing, my emotions starting to tug on my resilience. “What, uh, what makes you think that?”

“Just hasn’t been as talkative. I called him the other night after his game and he was really rushed with me. Seemed like he had somewhereelse to be.” She gasps and then says, “Oh God, do you think I called him while he had a girl in his hotel room?”

And just like that, I feel like I’m going to throw up.

The thought of Bennett with someone else actually causes me physical pain. His lips on someone else, his hands…his cock.

Him panting, sweating, writhing with another woman, I can’t…God, I can’t even think about it.

“That would make him get off the phone quickly. Don’t blame him, though, talking to his sister would probably dampen the mood. But I’m glad he’s getting out there. I mean, I’d prefer him not randomly sleeping with women, because I don’t want him getting caught up in something he can’t handle, but I do think he needs to let loose.”

“Yeah, that, uh, that’s probably good for him.”

“How is he doing?” she asks, laying her arm on the table and leaning slightly more forward. “I worry about him a lot. I know he’s doing well with baseball, but sometimes I wonder if he’s having a real life outside of baseball. He’s been grinding for so long. I want him to let loose.”

“I get that. He, uh, he seems like he’s doing fine,” I answer, keeping my mouth shut about the dinner I took him to, the dry-humping, the fingering, him going down on me only for me to reverse it and go down on him. Not to mention the phone sex.

Fuck, I’m the worst friend in the world. She’d hate me if she knew.

“I’m just glad you’re here to watch over him and make sure he’s okay. Being so far away, I worry, you know? I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“Yup.” I wet my lips and stare down at my soup.

“Hey.” She touches my arm. “Everything okay?”

Don’t cry.

Don’t fucking cry.

Instead, I plaster on a smile and look up at her. “Everything is great. Sorry, my mind is just getting lost in thoughts.”

“In Cougar thoughts.” She chuckles and then winks before taking a sip of her drink.

Yup…in Cougar thoughts.

Be casual, but get in and get out. Don’t say anything you’ll regret. Gabby is counting on you.

Bower:Thank you for the cookies. I’m trying to control myself. I’ve only had one and I put the others in the freezer.

Bennett:You’re welcome. Maybe when I get back, we can defrost two and have them together.

Bower:Maybe.

Bennett:Why doesn’t that sound very promising?