Page 41 of Feels Like Love
After dinner, I cleaned up, while River did his homework at the table. Bennett sat with him, patiently asking about each prompt. Was three greater or less than four? Was nine greater or less than seven?
I smiled, watching them interact. Wishing so badly that River could have someone like Bennett as a father figure, not just a pseudo-uncle or friend. I knew how much he wanted that, and I wanted it too—for both of us. We were a family—perfect just as we were. But sometimes, especially lately, I realized how much we’d been missing out on. How badly I wanted a partner for me, and a dad for River.
Which was exactly why I was dating.
I returned my attention to the pot, rinsing, then drying it off. “Right, kiddo. Time to get ready for bed.”
“But,Mooom.” River pouted.
Bennett leaned over and whispered something in his ear. River nodded, and then he walked down the hall to his room. I could hear the water running in the bathroom, letting me know he was brushing his teeth.
I furrowed my brow. “What on earth did you say to him? And have you brainwashed my son? First, broccoli, and now…this?” I teased.
“I told him I’d read stories tonight if he went to get ready for bed.”
“Are you sure?” I asked. He’d read to River almost every night since moving in. I’d begun to wonder who enjoyed it more—River or Bennett. I’d often hear them giggling from down the hall. Well, River’s giggle. Bennett’s deep, sexy chuckle.
“Absolutely. Go put on your pajamas.” When I hesitated, he said, “You know you want to.”
I laughed, folding the dish towel before tucking it into the oven handle. “You’re right. Ugh. Whoever invented bras wanted to torture women.”
“If they’re so awful, why even wear them?”
I laughed.Oh, men. Sometimes they could be so clueless.“Um, have you seen my boobs?” I cupped them lightly. “If I didn’t wear a bra, I’d be spilling out all over the place.” Someone like Harper—petite and with a smaller cup—could get away with it. But not me.
River called out for Bennett, and I’d never seen him dart down the hall so fast. I wondered if I’d said something wrong because there was no way Bennett had just been staring at my boobs. I shrugged it off and went to change. I pulled on a silk set—dark blue shorts with a short-sleeved button-down to match. The material felt cool against my skin, and it was nice to finally be free of my bra.
As I crept back down the hall, I could hear the two of them talking in River’s room. I peeked around the corner, and my heart melted. River was lying next to the wall, and Bennett was beside him, his feet hanging off the edge of the bed. Bennett held a book over them, and they both stared up at it with smiles on their faces.
“You’re really good at reading stories,” River said.
“Thanks. I like hanging out with you.”
“Me too.”
They were quiet a minute, or at least I thought they were. I strained to listen. “Do youhaveto move out?” River asked.
The last time we’d talked about Bennett’s house, construction was moving along. Or at least, it had been. Now they were stuck while waiting on some permits.
“Yeah, buddy. I do. This is your home with your mom. I’m just staying here until my house is fixed.”
“But why?” River asked. “Why can’t you stay here—with us—forever?”
“Because…because it just doesn’t work that way, unfortunately.” He sounded reluctant, almost sad. Did Bennett want to stay?
I certainly loved having him around. And while I appreciated all his help around the house, the best part was spending time with him. Eating dinner as a family. Watching TV together at night after River had gone to bed. I hadn’t realized just how lonely I’d been until he’d come along.
I missed whatever they said next, but then I heard River say, “I love you, Butter Butter,” loud and clear. I wanted to laugh at the nickname he’d given Bennett, but then Bennett said, “I love you too, Butter Bean.” I held a hand to my heart, eyes pricking with tears.Allthe feels. All the freaking feels.
There was shuffling, so I tiptoed the rest of the way down the hall toward the living room. It wasn’t long before Bennett joined me on the couch.
“God, I’m beat.” He sank down next to me, scrubbing a hand over his face.
“Long day?” I asked.
“The longest. I’m really looking forward to the weekend.”
I nodded. “Any big plans?”
