Page 52 of Fighting for the Forbidden
He must be able to feel my stare because he looks over. Something crackles between us and my temperature rises.
Nic waits until he’s turned away and joined back in with the guys’ conversation before she speaks. “We’ve never seen BJ like he is with you. It’s something we really never thought we’d see.” I look between the two of them, urging them to continue. I’m desperate to know more about the Ben they know. “He was…” Nic pauses as she thinks. “A little…free and easy—”
“Manwhore,” Liv chips in helpfully. “What?” she asks when Nic gives her a hard stare. “Lauren knows the basics, and I don’t think she wants us sugar coating. Right?” she asks, turning to me.
“Right,” I agree, even if the idea of discussing Ben with other women makes me want to throw up.
“I really didn’t ever think I’d see him hung up on one woman. I think it looks good on him.” I don’t need to turn around to know that he’s looking at me once again. My skin burns with his attention. “He really loves you, Lauren.”
A giant lump forms in my throat. I nod because that’s all I’m capable of before swiping my wine from the counter and swallowing a huge mouthful. I know how Ben feels. I can see it every time I look into his eyes. I just wish I wasn’t so afraid to have my heart broken again.
“I know you both probably think I’m stringing him along but—” I let out a sigh as I try to find the right words.
“You don’t have to explain anything to us. We know all too well how complicated these things can be,” Liv says, placing a comforting hand on my arm.
I smile sadly at her. “He shattered my heart when he left. I know I won’t survive if it happens again.”
“None of us can predict the future, Lauren, but we can regret the past. Don’t waste time if you think it’s something you’ll look back on later and regret.”
Her words hit with the punch I think she intended.
“Are they playing nice?” Ben asks when the girls get distracted by their boyfriends and I find myself accompanied by him at the bar.
“Yeah, they’re lovely. They were dishing the dirt on you. I’ve been learning what a dog you were.” He swallows nervously. “I’m kidding, but I’m assuming from your reaction that it’s not far from the truth.”
“The less we discuss my antics here the better.” The image of him touching faceless women once again pops into my head. “You want to get out of here?”
“Only if you’re ready.”
“I am. I don’t want to share you anymore.”
“Is that right?” Butterflies erupt in my stomach at the prospect of it just being the two of us. I try my best to put the little bit of lingering doubt I have aside.
After saying our goodbyes, Ben links his fingers with mine and we head out into the night.
“Isn’t the house that way?” I ask when he tugs me in the opposite direction and then down onto the sand.
“I thought we could just walk for a bit.”
“Okay, hang on.” Coming to a stop, I lean against the wall and slip my shoes from my feet. The cool sand seeps between my toes as I gather my sandals and reach for Ben’s hand.
It’s the perfect night. The sky’s filled with twinkling stars and the sea gently crashes against the sand.
“Are you warm enough?” Ben asks, pulling me into his side and wrapping his good arm around me.
“Uh huh,” I mumble, too content right now to ruin it with words. It was a lovely late summer’s day, and although it’s getting cold fast, with him beside me I’m fine.
We seem to walk for the longest time in silence, enjoying each other’s company. It feels so good to just be after all the arguments and bullshit.
“It’s really beautiful here,” I eventually say, breaking the quiet night. “Are you sure you’re ready to leave?”
“I’m going to miss it, that’s for sure. The beach, the peace and quiet, the sea air.”
“You know you don’t have to, right? Just because everything’s been left to you, it doesn’t mean you have to deal with it. If this is your home then…” I trail off, not really wanting to voice the rest of that sentence.
Ben slows to a stop and pulls me in front of him. Tucking a lock of hair behind my ear, he stares into my eyes. It’s like he can see right inside me and read all my fears.
“My home is wherever you are, baby.”
