Page 13 of Bennett

“No?” Matthew’s grin widened. “You sure about that? Because from where I was sitting, she had you two seconds away from admitting defeat.”

“I don’t lose,” he said, quietly, knowing better than to show emotion.

Cooper leaned back, crossing his arms. “And yet, she wiped the floor with you.”

Mac, amused but clearly done with the topic, tossed a few bills onto the table and stood. “All right, ladies, let’s move before you start making bets on who can out-snark who.”

Cooper set money near his empty dishes and smirked. “Oh, that bet’s already made.”

“Yeah, and my money’s on you, Vaughn, so don’t let me down,” Matthew said, leaving cash by his cup.

Bennett ignored him, adding his money to the table before heading for the door. Annie was refilling the pastry display with her good hand, watching him like she had something to say.

He wasn’t sure why, but he felt it would be rude to just leave without conversing.

Stepping closer, he gave her a nod. “Food was good.”

Straightening, she smirked. “I know.” Then she leaned slightly on the counter, fixing him with the kind of look that felt a little too knowing. “Bennett,” she said casually, “I appreciate you boys keeping an eye on things around the remodeling site and all.”

He nodded. “Just doing the job.”

Mischief twinkled in her eyes. “Mmhmm. And if keeping an eye on things happens to include my niece, well…I ain’t about to stop you.”

His heart stopped for an infinitesimal moment, the only sign he’d registered what she said.

Slowly, he shifted his gaze to the back of the diner, where Laurel was busy clearing off their table, completely unaware of their conversation. The ponytail she’d thrown her hair into had loosened, a few strands escaping to brush against her cheek as she stacked plates.

She was all ease and efficiency, moving through the task like she’d been doing it forever, despite only being here a short time.

And that should have been the end of it.

Except Bennett caught himself watching a second too long.

Damn it.

He turned back to Annie, keeping his expression unreadable. “I think your niece can handle herself just fine.”

Annie chuckled. “Oh, of that I have no doubt.” She winked. “You have a good day now, Bennett.”

With a nod, he headed for the door, forcing himself not to glance back.

Because he already knew if he did, Annie would notice.

And that was the last thing he needed.

Damn woman.

He wasn’t supposed to be interested.

But something told him that avoiding Laurel was going to be a lot harder than he planned.

Bennett stepped outside, the warm breeze carrying the scent of salt and fried bacon as the door swung shut behind him. A few steps ahead, Matthew was waiting near the sidewalk at the edge of the parking lot, hands in his pockets, wearing the kind of smirk that meant trouble.

“Have a nice chat with Annie?” Matthew asked, falling into step beside him as they started toward the renovation site.

Bennett kept his gaze forward. “You got a problem with small talk?”

Matthew snorted. “Not when it’s me doing it. But when it’s you? Yeah, I take notice.”

---