Page 185 of Just for the Plot

“Sure,” I answer.

We both finish drying off and then he hangs my towel, leaving me naked as he leads me back to his bed. I pause and ask, “Naked?”

“Going to tell you right now—from here on out, if you’re in my bed, I expect you to be naked.”

I chuckle and lift up on my toes, pressing a kiss to his jaw. “I think I can be okay with that.”

We both slide into bed and face each other as his hand falls on my hip, pulling me in a few inches closer. When his eyes connect with mine, he slightly shakes his head, almost as if he’s in awe.

“What?” I ask.

“I’m just struggling to comprehend that I’m not dreaming. That this is all real and I’m not going to wake up any moment and have it all taken away from me.”

“It’s real. It’s so real that it’s freaking me out.”

“Because of Gabby?” he asks.

“Yeah.” And damn it, I get emotional all over again. Tears spring to my eyes and I swear under my breath from not being able to control my feelings on this. “Sorry.” I wipe at my eyes.

“Don’t apologize. You’re allowed to have these feelings. You and Gabby are practically sisters.”

“We are. We’ve been through so much together that I don’t want this to break us apart, and I know it will.”

“Not if we don’t let it,” he says, so certain that it almost makes me mad.

“She’s not going to talk to me, Bennett. She was adamant about me not getting involved with you. I’mherfriend and I’m supposed to protect you, and God, we have fucked so many times.”

He chuckles and I push at his chest.

“Not funny.”

“It’s kind of funny.”

“It’s not. I can’t stop myself. I’m insatiable. I really think there is something wrong with me. I’ve never been like this with anyone else.”

“Thanks, babe. Makes me feel special.”

“Bennett,” I groan, pushing at him again. “You’re not supposed to make light of this.”

“First of all, if we don’t make light of it, then you’re going to keep crying, and I won’t stand for you crying when it comes to you and me. Second of all…is it my dick? Is that what has you all randy and ready to go?”

“Oh my God, I’m leaving.” I start to turn over, but he laughs some more and pulls me in close, trapping me under his arms so I’m caged in.

“You’re not going anywhere. And in all seriousness, we’ll figure this out, okay? We don’t have to tell her right away. We can keep this quiet and just between us. We can have dates here, in our apartments so no one can spot us together, and we can build up our relationship until you’re ready to tell her.”

“You wouldn’t mind that?”

“Bower, I’ve waited so fucking long to be in this position with you that I don’t care if I have to wait a year to go out in public with you. As long as I know you’re mine, then I’m good.”

I lift my hand to his cheek, rubbing the scruff with my thumb. “I want to tell her. I just have to figure out how.”

“I know.” He turns his head and kisses my palm.

“I’m not trying to hide you or anything. I don’t want you to think I’m ashamed.”

“Trust me, from the way you were screaming my name, I know for a fact you’re not ashamed.”

I’d roll my eyes, but he’s right.