Page 241 of Just for the Plot

“Oh my God, my nipples are hard and your sister is here.”

“They are?” He looks down at my breasts. “Shit, that’s hot.” Then he tugs on my shirt and I slap his hand away.

“What do you think you’re doing?” I whisper.

“Playing with them.”

“Bennett Brinkman,” I hiss, causing him to laugh.

“Chill, baby, it will be good. Promise.”

Then he kisses me on the lips and walks over to the door while I adjust my clothes and hair and will my nipples to calm down.

The door opens and I hear Bennett greet Gabby and Ryland before they walk into the apartment. When Gabby’s eyes meet mine, I feel my stomach twist in knots, with a bout of nausea for fun too.

She pauses for a moment, taking a deep breath, and then to my utter freaking surprise, she walks up to me and pulls me into a hug.

Relief floods through me, tugging on my emotions and turning me into a sobbing wreck as I cling to my best friend.

In between sobs, I say, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to. I didn’t want to, but it just happened. I meant what I said, that I would always protect him. I just, I couldn’t stop it. I…I love him, Gabby, and I need him.”

“Shhh.” She rubs my back. “I know,” she says softly. “I know.”

I bury my head into her shoulder, crying as I hold on to her, not wanting to let go. “I’m not going to hurt him, I promise. This isn’t a fling.”

“I know you won’t.” She cups the back of my head. “I know you will protect him. You already have by standing up to me. By standing up for him.”

“Because I love him.”

I feel her nod and then after a few seconds, she grips my shoulders, looking me in the eyes.

“I’m sorry,” I say again. “I didn’t want you to find out like that. I wanted to tell you, I was just trying to figure out the best way so I didn’t hurt you either.”

“I appreciate it,” she says, her voice full of understanding. “And I’m sorry I freaked out. I should have trusted that you would have Bennett’s best interest at heart. You always have.”

“And I always will,” I say. “It’s just…it’s just a little different now.”

“Just a little.” She smirks and then hugs me again before letting go.

Bennett comes up to my side and wraps his arm around me before kissing the top of my head. Gabby watches us, curious but also confused, which is quite funny, watching her try to process it all.

“So you two are really together?” she asks as Ryland goes to her side.

I look up at Bennett and say, “Yeah, we are.”

Gabby slowly nods, still processing. “How did it happen?”

Bennett’s hand curls around my waist, holding me tighter. “A lot of fucking patience and pursuing.”

“But…didn’t you set her up with Cougar?” Gabby asks.

Bennett drags his hand over his face. “Please, don’t fucking remind me. That was a huge mistake that caused me far too much anguish.”

“Why did you do it?” Gabby asks, utterly confused.

“Because Nolan Hart told me to set her up with someone douchey so I could swoop in when she got disappointed.”

“Jesus.” Ryland shakes his head. “I wouldn’t take advice from a guy who wears crop tops during warm-ups and humps the water cooler for good luck.”