Page 62 of Falling for Him
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, look at me.” I sense his worry. “Bennett, hey.” His attention once again lands on me. “Look at me.”
When I know I have his complete focus I assure him once more. “I’m okay.”
Standing up, he leans over and carefully presses a soft kiss to my lips. Resting his forehead to mine, he remains there, breathing me in.
“I swear to you I think I’ve been holding my breath since Sutton took that phone call.” Bennett looks completely lost, the light in his eyes dimmed as concern and maybe fear cloud them. “Damn it Lex, I was terrified,” he adds and it’s then I feel his turmoil.
“But I’m okay.”
“I’m never letting you out of my sight again.” He shows not even one ounce of humor.
“You are insane,” I tell him with a smile.
“No, I just can’t lose you.” He continues to slowly breathe me in, hugging me a little too tightly. “I can’t lose you,” he repeats and I give him the time he needs.
“I’m right here,” I assure him once more.
“I know,” he whispers, lifting his head to press his lips to mine again. “Tonight, I am staying at your place.” It wasn’t a question. “You, me, and Cam are camping out in the living room, so I can make sure that you both are safe.”
“Bennett, I?—”
“Give me this, Lex,” he interrupts me. “Please, just give me this.”
I don’t argue, instead I give him exactly what he is needing. Because to be honest I think I need it just as much.
CHAPTER FIFTY-TWO
Bennett
“Shh,”I tell Camryn as she climbs up on the air mattress next to me. Pulling a separate cover over her she settles in and instantly we both look up toward the couch. Lexi is still lying comfortably, still breathing evenly and asleep.
The idea that Cam lost her parents and that she was now faced with the fear that she almost lost Lexi, it sits heavy on me.
The truth is, things could have gone a lot worse. I know she is okay, but it doesn’t change the idea that it could have gone differently. I don’t want to think that way. I don’t want to be the person that looks for the bad in anything good, but my heart has been in a vice grip since Sutton took that call.
I feel like I can barely breathe.
“Will she be okay?” Camryn whispers as she leans in closer toward me.
Reaching out for her, I pull her in closer to my side and hug her against my body.
“She’s gonna be alright,” I tell her and I know she will. “She’s a little banged up. But right now she needs a little time to heal. She’s got bruises and her body aches, but she’ll be alright.”
Cam offers me a little nod, then glances at Lexi once more, before shifting her attention back to the television. We both turn our focus on the cartoons playing and try to keep as quiet as we can. Every time Camryn wanted to laugh, she would cover her mouth and snicker quickly.
As we sit there, me smiling at Camryn, and enjoying a quiet morning with my girl, I can’t help but feel like there is a burning hole in my stomach.
I want them with me.
I want these mornings, minus the bruises on Lexi. I want to know they are safe and I want to be the one protecting them.
Lexi: Where are you? - Cam
I walk outof my Tuesday evening class to find a text from Camryn.
It’s late, just after nine and I know normally I’m there or I’ve called by now. I hate lying to them, I hate pretending to be working on my house, when I’m not. But I also am lookingforward to the element of surprise when I ask them to move in with me and show them I’m certified to have Camryn there too.
