Page 67 of Feels Like Love
“It’s not like anything’s going to happen with Bennett living here. It’s hard enough to contemplate bringing a guy home with River down the hall.”
He smirked. “Good.”
Seriously?
I slammed the sponge against the counter, blood boiling with rage. “Why do you get to have sex, and I don’t?”
“Because when I have sex, it’s just that. There are no feelings involved. And there are no children to consider.”
I scoffed. “You have such a double standard. I’m not going to remain celibate the rest of my life.”
“Ugh.” He cringed, turning away and popping a strawberry into his mouth. “I don’t want to talk about this.”
“Oh, but it’s okay for you to ask if I’m sleeping with your best friend?” When he remained silent, I said, “You’re the one who brought it up. You’re the one who’s always butting into my love life, or lack thereof. And I’m sick of it. You need to stop.”
“Wren, come on. Can you blame me after what happened with Kade?”
I pressed my palms to the counter but tried to remain calm. I’d made one mistake. One mistake that still haunted me, mostly because my brother wouldn’t let me forget it. Kade was an emotionally abusive asshole. Bennett and the few men I’d dated since were nothing like Kade.
“Give me a little credit. That was over seven years ago. I’ve grown up a lot since then.”
He rubbed the back of his neck. “Okay. So, maybe I’ve been an ass, but I remember what it was like after Kade left. He really did a number on you. And I don’t want you to get hurt again.”
“Thank you.” I straightened. “And I appreciate everything you’ve done, but I’m a big girl. I can handle myself.”
The back door opened, and River bounced through. Bennett glanced between Liam and me, his eyes landing on my face, silently questioning if I was okay. I nodded, and he seemed to relax.
After that, we filled our plates and sat down at the table. Liam and Bennett told River stories about all of us growing up, and River delighted in them. As I glanced between three of the most important men in my life, I was reminded of the value of friendship. Of the place that Bennett had always occupied in our family. And I worried that my brother was right. That I couldn’t separate my feelings from sex.
Bennett and I may not have slept together, but we’d definitely crossed a line. And I feared if we continued on this path, we wouldn’t be able to come back from it. That we’d ruin everything.
After breakfast, Liam, Bennett, and River left for the park, and I cleaned the dishes. I wondered if Liam would ask Bennett about me, but I hoped he’d drop it. I’d answered his question honestly, even if I felt icky about it. It hadn’t been an outright lie, but it hadn’t been the full truth either.
As I edited photos on my couch and reread the post onThe Vinefor the millionth time, I thought about what Liam had said. About not wanting me to get hurt. Was it any wonder I doubted my choices in men? Even so, if I was willing to put myself out there, he could at least be supportive.
I sighed and set my computer aside when a text message came in from Harper.
Harper: Is everyone still alive?
Me: Ha-ha. And yes.
Harper: Want to come over and wine about it?
I laughed, knowing that Enzo and Aiden were out watching a soccer game.
Me: Yeah. That sounds perfect.
When I arrived at Harper’s, she ushered me inside and poured us both drinks before we dove into the charcuterie board. It was beautifully done and worthy of a magazine spread.
“Did you make this?” I asked, biting into a piece of cheese.
“Yeah.”
I grinned, admiring her handiwork. “Wow. I love the prosciutto roses. Very impressive.”
“Thanks. Juliana’s influence.” She grinned. “So…”
“So, Liam straight up asked me if Bennett and I were sleeping together.”
