Page 70 of Just for the Plot

He stands as well and turns his hat backward, looking so incredibly adorable. “My money is on me.” He winks and then takes my hand, leading me to his front door.How did he know I needed to talk about this tonight?

The night with Cougar was okay, but I didn’t get the sense that he truly wanted my opinion on anything. The conversation was light. And that doesn’t surprise me. But with Bennett? He wants to know what I’m actually feeling. He’s so invested in what I’m invested in.Despite growing up without parents.Gabby’s love held this man together. I must acknowledge that with her someday.

If I’m honest, I don’t want to leave. I want to stay.

I want to ask if I can spend another night in his bed, where comfort seems to consume me.

But that would be weird, right?

He has a life, and it doesn’t revolve around me.

“What’s going on in your head?” he asks.

“Huh?”

“I can see it in your expression. You’re thinking about something.”

“Oh, nothing you need to worry about.”

“It’s cute that you think you can get away with that answer.”

I take a step toward his door. “Seriously, don’t worry about it.”

He snags my hand and twirls me back toward him. “I’m worried about it, so tell me.”

Why is he like this? So kind, caring, thoughtful.

Maybe because his sister is, but where did they get such personality traits? They grew up in a horrid foster care system. They fought and clawed their way to get out of it and then supported themselves while achieving their goals together. You would think they would be jaded assholes and against the world, but they’re not. They care about others, especially me. It can be overwhelming to know you have such positivity cheering you on.

“It’s nothing important. I just haven’t set up my apartment yet and I was thinking about how comfortable your place is and how I don’t want to leave—”

“Then don’t,” he says, almost looking hopeful.

“Bennett, you have a life that’s outside of me and you have to get to bed. You have games almost every freaking day and the last thing you need is your sister’s friend crashing at your apartment.”

“Why don’t you let me tell you what I want and you stop telling me what I need?”

Oh…

That…that catches me off guard, because Bennett doesn’t usually use that tone of voice with me, nor does he say harsh things like that.

And yet…why did I like it?

“You’re right. I’m sorry,” I say. “What do you want?”

“I want you to feel comfortable, and if that means staying here tonight, then you’re staying here.”

I tug on the corner of my lip, hating that I’m putting him in this situation.

“It’s fine. My apartment is just full of boxes is all. Seriously, don’t worry about it.”

I head toward his door again and to my surprise, he follows right behind me.

“What are you doing?” I ask, looking over my shoulder.

“Wait right here,” he says and then disappears down the hall of his apartment. Within seconds, he’s back and he’s holding his cell phone charger and a toothbrush.

“What are you doing?” I ask.