Page 69 of Bennett

“All right,” Matthew said, downing the last of his root beer. “Break’s over. Back to crawling through insulation and pretending I remember which wires are which.”

“Let me know if you find another haunted outlet,” Tyler added, following him out.

Laurel waited until their footsteps faded down the hall before glancing back at Bennett.

He hadn’t moved.

Still close.

Still watching her.

“You were about to say something earlier,” she said, stepping closer. “Before the comedy duo showed up.”

Bennett’s jaw flexed. “Yeah.”

A beat passed. He didn’t elaborate.

She tilted her head. “You gonna keep me in suspense, or…”

His gaze dropped to her mouth for half a second before flicking back up. “Let’s just say I’m glad you’re still here. And not just because it makes my job easier.”

Her breath hitched as her heart gave a traitorous thump. “Well, don’t get used to me being easy.”

A soft huff escaped him, almost a laugh. “Didn’t plan on it.”

Their gazes held for one long, weighted moment.

And then footsteps again. Brandi’s voice filtered in from the hallway, calling out something about needing help unboxing lamps in one of the other units.

Laurel stepped back, pulse still hammering in her chest as another knock sounded, and the door cracked open once more.

“It’s just me again,” Matthew called out as he entered, his easy smirk firmly in place. “Realized I forgot to do something before I left.”

She frowned. “Oh? What?”

“Yeah, what?” Bennett echoed, his voice flat and stern, clearly not thrilled by the interruption.

Matthew grinned like he knew exactly what he’d walked in on, or nearly walked in on. “Won’t take but a second. I just need the tablet.”

He crossed the room, grabbed the device from where it rested on the counter next to Bennett, and started tapping with practiced ease.

Laurel folded her arms, waiting patiently for her guest to leave.

“There,” Matthew said, setting the tablet back down. “With Bennett staying here, there’s no need for cameras or audio running inside this unit anymore.”

Her stomach dropped about the same time heat infused her face.

Matthew had seen something. Or at the very least, suspected.

Super.

Before the interruptions, there had been a better-than-great chance she’d end up starring in another episode of Kissing Bennett, but this time with a full surveillance audience.

“You can thank me later,” Matthew tossed over his shoulder, already heading for the door. “Oh, and don’t worry, I’m locking this behind me. For privacy. You’re welcome.”

The door clicked shut and with it, came an almost deafening silence.

Laurel turned slowly to find Bennett watching her with a slow-burn gaze.

---