Page 85 of Feels Like Love
She rolled off me, and I watched as she walked into the bathroom. When she disappeared into the shower, I threw my arm over my forehead.I am so fucked.
Chapter Twenty
Iperused the cheese stall at the farmers market. I was hoping to make a special dish for Bennett and River inspired by something I’d seen onTheGreat British Bake Off. I picked up the Camembert, then set it down. Same with the Brie. I couldn’t seem to make up my mind, just like I was still trying to sort out my feelings about Bennett and the other night.
He’d made me dinner. Admitted to wooing me. But then he’d reverted to talking about coaching—giving me pointers, asking me about my dates. I was so confused.
Did Bennett have feelings for me that went beyond friendship? Lately, it certainly felt like more than friendship. And not just because we’d been building up to it for…what felt like forever.
Our relationship went deeper than physical. I was usually so hesitant and reserved when it came to men. But with Bennett, I never felt the need to hold back. He made me feel accepted and seen. And when we had sex—there was…a connection. Arecognition. Like our souls were two puzzle pieces finally fitting together.
Despite all that, I hesitated to tell him how I really felt. Encountering rejection from random men I met on the internet was one thing. Facing it from Bennett was another entirely. And after what had happened with Kade—after the trust I’d placed in him, the love I’d given him—the idea of making myself that vulnerable again was terrifying.
Even so, I’d survived Kade leaving. I’d survived the betrayal, the hurt, the humiliation. But Bennett was different. He wasn’t just my friend; he was Liam’sbestfriend. And he was important to River.
If I weren’t careful, I’d ruin more than just Bennett’s friendship with Liam. I couldn’t stomach the idea of Bennett not being part of my life. Or River’s. I squeezed my eyes shut.
“Wren?” a familiar voice asked. I turned to see Arlo smiling at me from a few stalls away. He set down the jar of honey he’d been holding and thanked the merchant before heading my way, a beautiful dog at his side.
“Arlo, hey!” My voice sounded odd—high-pitched and cheery. Luckily, he didn’t notice or didn’t seem to care.
I felt everyone’s eyes on us, from the owner of Pore Over to the cheesemonger.God, this is going to end up onThe Vine, isn’t it?
“And this must be Fern.” I smiled and crouched down to pet the black lab, who sniffed me and wagged her tail.
When I stood, Arlo pulled me into a hug. “It’s good to see you.”
“Yeah,” I said, trying to force myself to sound enthusiastic.
What is wrong with me?
He was handsome, sweet, and interested in me. Interested in a future with me. There were no mixed signals; he was full steam ahead in dating mode.
“I’ve missed you.” His lips were right by my ear.
God, he was so sweet. And here I was, sleeping with Bennett.
Bennett. Oh god.
“Sorry,” I whispered, pulling back as Arlo’s dog sniffed me. “River’s here.”
“He is?” Arlo brightened.
He hadn’t met my son yet, but he’d been subtly hinting at it for a while. We both knew it was a big deal, but he was more excited about the prospect than I was.
“Mom!” River yelled as if on cue. I took a few steps back from Arlo just in time.
“Riv, hey, wait up,” Bennett’s deep voice called.
“Oh, sorry.” He shot Bennett a sheepish grin as Bennett ruffled his hair. It was all so natural. And I was struck by the rightness of it.
“Is that your brother?” Arlo asked as River and Bennett approached.
River was wearing a blue maxi dress, and Arlo didn’t even seem to notice. Didn’t blink or cringe. Nothing.
“No, um, that’s Bennett. He’s my brother’s best friend.”
“Bennett?” Arlo’s eyes nearly bugged out of his head. “He’syour roommate?”
