Page 221 of His White Moonlight
I made a face.“But I really don’t want to spend a night alone with nothing to do.”I held up my arm.“I can’t even go running yet.”
Bennett tipped my chin to look up at him.
“Not just because of the arm, though, right?That smart mind of yours knows there are still people who would like to add to your injuries if you were to run without me, right?”
“Without you or with someone else who can protect me,” I corrected.“What if I spent the night at Miranda’s?”
“You just gave her earrings, a bag, and expensive clothes.She’s not going to want to stay home.”
“Perfect.Neither do I.”
Bennett sighed and set his forehead against mine.
“Independence is important to you.I get that.But is exercising it worth your health?Your life?”He kissed my forehead and stepped back.“Milo will take you wherever you want to go.”
“Thank you.”I got into the car and waved as Milo pulled away.
“You have no idea how hard that was for him,” Milo said.
“I have a pretty good idea.He was shaking again.I hope Konni’s ready for a moody Bennett.”
“Probably.Where to?”
“There’s an ice cream place I’ve been wanting to try.Are you interested in being my wingman for that adventure?”
Milo wasn’t just along for the ride.He was actually fun and didn’t get ruffled by anything.He laughed at my jokes and was so sweet about tasting ice creams with me to bring his mate back something she’d like.Like everyone else in my life, he wouldn’t hear of me carrying the two pints I’d selected to bring home.But we did have a lively debate about the merits of the classic butter pecan, his pick, and outrageous chocolate overload, my pick.
By the time we got home, Sandy had walking tacos waiting for us.They both joined me, and it was one of the best meals I’d had since coming home.No tension.A lot of laughter.Just normal.
Stuffed and content, I went upstairs with only a little bit of guilt poking at me because I’d felt so happywithoutmy family.
It didn’t take me long to change to the T-shirt I’d stolen from Bennett the night before and settle into my bed with my laptop.However, it took me forever to hunt-and-peck my way through an email to my professor regarding my assignment.I didn’t mind the tediousness of the task, though.At least it was something to do.
Once I finished, I sent Sophia a text asking if she wanted to meet for lunch soon.
Sophia: Sure.My week is open.Lunch and after dinner.The club invite is standing.
Me: Lunch on Wednesday?And possibly club next Friday.
Sophia: Really?Does that mean things are better with your family?
Me: They’re getting better.Fingers crossed it stays better.
Sophia: Same.See you at noon on Wednesday.I’ll text the location.
* * *
I wokeup with a stretch that pulled at my stitches and made me wince.The sound of my shower running registered a second later.
Reaching out, I touched the spot next to me.It was cold.Had Bennett not come home, or had he come home late and just gone to get ready for work right away?But if it was the latter, why did he use my bathroom when he had his own?It didn’t make sense.But who else would be in my bathroom except him?
My thoughts spiraled to all the shit Lindi and her crew had pulled over the years.
Unsure what to think, I slipped out of bed and crept toward the bathroom, wishing I had a baseball bat or something.The water didn’t shut off at my approach or when I carefully turned the doorknob.
Thankfully, the glass shower partition didn’t leave the identity of my bathroom guest a mystery.It didn’t leaveanythinga mystery when Bennett turned to look at me.
I spun around toward the door and made it one step before a wet body suctioned to my back.
