Page 212 of Just for the Plot

“Seriously, Bower, just forget it.”

“No,” I say more sternly, looking him in the eyes. “I want to know how I’m making you feel any less confident than you should be.”

“No, you’re not; you’re perfect.” He cups my cheek. “Fucking perfect. Just ignore me.”

“I don’t want to,” I say, straddling his lap and pressing my forehead to his. “I don’t want you thinking that I care about you any less or that you’re the only one putting in the effort into this relationship. I want you to know that I value you and cherish you.” I softly kiss his lips. “And I’m sorry if I made you feel any other way than that.”

His hands rub along my thighs. “Thanks,” he answers and then lightly kisses my cheek, but a part of me feels like he doesn’t believe me.

Like there is something inside of him that’s doubting my words.

“Bennett, I—”

“Hey, it’s fine. Let’s eat breakfast, okay?”

“Wait.” I stop him from grabbing the food. “Are we okay?”

“Of course,” he says, a pinch between his brows.

“Are you sure? Because it just seems like…like you’re a little off.”

“I just think I’m in a different place than you, and I think I’m figuring that out now, and it’s okay, babe. I’ve been in a different frame of mind where you’re concerned for a long time, and this is all still new to you.”

“Yes, but that doesn’t take away from the way I feel for you.”

“I know,” he says, his hands rubbing over my thighs.

“And…if this is about the girlfriend thing, I was just caught off guard—”

“It’s not.”

“But it is,” I say. “And I’m…I’m honored to be that person for you.”

“Be that person?” he asks. “Can you say it, Bower? Can you say you’re my girlfriend?”

“Of course.”

“Then say it,” he challenges.

Chills spread up my arms as his eyes bore into mine, looking for that validation, and as I feel the words on the tip of my tongue, there is something in the back of my mind telling me to tread carefully, to make sure I know what I’m getting myself into.

And it must be too much of a pause, because Bennett nods and says, “It’s okay, Bower. I get it.” And then he shifts me off him before standing.

He pushes his hand through his hair, looks around, and then says, “Yeah, I think I might just take my stuff to go.”

“Bennett, don’t,” I say as I stand. “You didn’t give me a chance to answer.”

“I did, Bower,” he says, looking defeated. “And you’re just not there. That’s okay. I’m not going to drag you into a situation you’re not ready for.”

“But I am.”

“You’re not.” He shakes his head. “You’re not, Bower. I think you might want to think that you are, but when it comes down to acceptance,you’re not there. But I want you to get there on your own time. I want to show you that I deserve the title of your boyfriend.”

“But you do.” I claw at his chest, but he takes a step back.

“Bower, babe, please don’t say things just to say them. I’m really okay.”

“No, you’re not, you’re leaving and I’m…I’m sorry.”