Page 50 of His White Moonlight
“Some things just aren’t meant to be,” I said softly.
“Like what?”
Bennett’s voice, so close behind me, startled me enough that I lost my grip on the rope and tipped backward.He caught me and swung me up into his arms.His pupils were dilated again as he looked at me.
“I didn’t do that on purpose,” I said.
“I know.What’s not meant to be?”
Was I dumb enough to say, “any type of civil relationship with you” out loud?Hell no.
“Growing another four inches so I don’t need to stand on a stool to reach the pot rack in the kitchen,” I said.
He breathed in.
“I’m curious.Do you think I’m a liar, or do you doubt everything I say all the time?”I asked.
“I’m trying to understand you, Wrenly.You say things that are true, but not what you’re actually thinking.Why?”
“How long are you going to keep holding me like this?That’s what I’m really thinking.But it would have been rude to ignore your question and annoy you more than you already are, especially while you’re holding me.”
“You think I’m annoyed?”
“Aren’t you always annoyed?Are you going to put me down, or are we going to work like this tomorrow?”
His gaze searched mine.
“I get it…a human shield is tempting.But if you really want the girls to leave you alone, you’d find a guy to carry into work.”
He frowned and put me down.Then he had the gall to set his hand on the top of my head and level it out to where I measured up to him on his sternum.
“Ever heard the term small but deadly?Pick on my height, and the gloves come off.”
“I wasn’t picking on you.I was trying to figure out if four inches would be enough to reach the pot rack.Are you hungry?”
“Always.Any chance you want to go for a run first?”
“You want to go for a run?With me?”
His shock was almost comical.
“A horrible suggestion, right?But I think Mom and Dad would be happy if we tried to get along, don’t you?”
The truth was that I wanted to go for a run but wasn’t brave enough to go solo through the neighborhood now that Storm and the others knew I was home, and especially not after her visit this morning.Her veiled threat hadn’t been that veiled.
Bennett studied me, his expression once again unreadable.
“So…”
“Go get changed,” he said.“I’ll meet you at the front door.”
I pivoted and ran inside, not believing he’d actually agreed but excited to do something other than sit around for the rest of the day when it was so beautiful out.
Taking the stairs two at a time, I raced for my room, already pulling my shirt off.Something thumped behind me.I didn’t glance back, not wanting to witness his censuring gaze when I was so happy.
I changed into a pair of shorts I’d purchased just for running and the cute sports bra that matched.School had required shirts, and I’d hated them.When I ran, I ran all out, as if I was being chased, because sometimes I was, and I got hot and sweaty.I looked forward to running the way I wanted.It might still be all out, but this time, it wouldn’t be for my safety, and I wouldn’t have wet material sticking to my lower back.
As soon as I was changed, I pulled my shoulder-length, light brown hair into a ponytail and jogged down the stairs.While I waited for Bennett, I started my active stretches until I heard him.
