Page 87 of Resisting the Temptation
That conversation was almost a month ago. I didn’t even know Ben was paying attention when he came into the breakroom because he was on his phone.
My mind swirls with so many questions I feel a little dizzy. I want to ask him what else he’s overheard. I want to knowwhyhe’s retained the information. What it means that he remembers something so inconsequential.
The hopeless romantic in me is trying to convince me he cares on a deeper level than just sex or friendship. But I can’t let myself get my hopes up.
“We have a long drive ahead of us tomorrow,Dulzura.Let’s get to bed.” I take Ben’s outstretched hand, and he leads me out of the bathroom. He helps me slip on my sleep shorts and cropped tank top before exchanging the hotel pillow for my own and tucking me under the covers.
My eyes are already closing by the time Ben rounds the bed to turn off the lamp and slips under the sheets.
“Goodnight, Ben,” I whisper.
“Goodnight. Sweet dreams,Dulzura.”
Chapter 42
Ben
When I wake up, I’m expecting to be cuddled to death by Emma, but she’s barely moved throughout the night.
She’s facing me, her brows pinched in a scowl and lips in a downward tilt, like she’s having a bad dream.
I check the time and see it’s almost eight o’clock in the morning—time to get on the road soon.
I use my thumb to smooth out the furrow between her eyebrows, gently tracing the curve of her lip and her perfect cupid’s bow.
I’m immediately brought back to last night when she begged me to kiss her. I can’t believe I had the strength to deny her. But we have to talk first. I have to be sure it wasn’t only a lust-induced haze that made her want it.
And if shedoeswant it, I’m not just going to kiss her immediately. Her first kiss after four years needs to be at the right moment.Ourfirst kiss together is the step towards forever I’ve been wanting.
At least, I hope it will be.
As I continue to lightly trace the face of the angel who’s stolen my heart, her blonde lashes flutter open, and she blinks her baby blue eyes at me. A soft smile graces her face before she quickly sits up.
“Shit.What time is it?” She turns to grab her phone and checks the time, then her shoulder slump in relief. “Oh good. I thought it was much later.”
“We have time for breakfast before we hit the road. Then we should probably get gas. I don’t know how many gas stations are between here and Utah.”
“We’d be fine, but gas is probably a good idea. I was going to ask you yesterday, but would it be possible to make a pitstop when we cross into Utah?”
I shrug. “Sure. Where?”
“A little town called Gunlock. I try to make a point to stop and visit my grandparents’ graves when I come. It’s been a minute since I’ve visited.”
Jesus. How many people has this girl lost?
“Of course. Just tell me where to go.”
“Thank you, Ben. I really appreciate it.”
“No thanks needed. I’m happy to do it.”
After breakfast and getting gas, Emma puts on another playlist, and we’ve had a pretty quiet car ride. I think she’s back in her head about seeing her family and attending her grandpa’s funeral. I wish I could do somethingmore to take her mind off of it.
When we pass over the border and get closer to St. George, my breath is taken away by all the red rock.
“Wow, Utah is stunning.”
“Yeah.” Emma sighs. “Too bad the state is run by a corrupt religion.”
