Page 24 of Thea's Hero

“Yes.” Not really. “Why?”

He slips his arm around my waist and guides me to a little grassy area next to the sidewalk. “Because you’ve been quiet since we left the restaurant. And the way you’re holding my hand… It seems like you’re scared. Or worried about something.”

Wow. Most guys are completely unaware of women’s emotions but Ben never misses anything. But now I have to make a decision—I can pretend I’m worried about something at work and push this conversation off, or I can stop being such a wuss and just ask him.

Stop being a wuss, I tell myself sternly. I’ve been an independent woman for over a decade. I’ve been through harder things than this.

I’ll ask him.

Just. Maybe not here.

Here being downtown Sleepy Hollow, which isn’t exactly a booming metropolis, but has a good amount of foot traffic on a Saturday afternoon in August. And I’m not too crazy about getting into a personal conversation when any number of people I know could walk by at any moment.

“Can we talk about it at the car?” Ben’s brows pull into a worried V, and I reassure him, “It’s not bad. Just… I want to ask you something, and I’d rather have a little privacy.”

“Okay, Thea.” He looks like he wants to say more, but thoughtful as always, he just takes my hand again and leads us back onto the sidewalk.

As we make our way to the parking lot, Ben keeps casting quick glances at me, tiny lines etching into his forehead. I feel worse than ever because now I’m ruining our lunch date and making everything all weird when it started out so wonderfully.

All too soon, we’re back at my car, and the time of reckoning has arrived.

Okay. That’s a little dramatic. But I’m good at reading about relationships, not so much talking about them.

Still holding Ben’s hand, I turn to face him, my stomach flipping nervously. “I’m sorry.”

That wasn’t what I meant to say.

Ben looks at me, confused. “What are you sorry for?”

I feel hot all over, my nerves running rampant. “For ruining everything. Our date. And worrying you.”

“Thea.” A hand strokes my flushed cheek. “You haven’t ruined anything. But I am worried. What’s wrong?”

Why are relationship talks so difficult?

Just spit it out.

“I was wondering… Well, about us. I mean… I like being with you, but—” In a rush, I force out the rest. “Are we together? I know we haven’t been dating that long, but I don't want to see anyone else and I really like you, but I’m not sure if you feel the same way.”

Confident, independent Thea has fled, leaving a blushing and insecure one behind.

“Ah, Thea.” All the tension leaves Ben’s face. “That’s what you were worried about?”

Dipping my eyes to the ground, I whisper, “Yes.”

“Come here.” He wraps his arms around me, pulling me into his embrace. “I’m sorry you were worried. I just assumed, but I should have said something. I’m really out of practice with this…”

Leaning into his chest, I tuck my head under his chin. “Me too.”

“I don’t want to see anyone other than you, Thea.” His hand smooths down my hair. “And if you’re okay with it, I very much want to keep seeing you.”

Oh. My jumbled emotions slot back where they belong, and everything settles. “I’d like that.”

Ben pulls back, his gaze burning into mine. “Good.” He kisses me, then adds, “I was thinking. Would you like to come for dinner tonight? Laila will be there, but—”

“I would love to.” A balloon expands in my chest, filling with happiness.

“Great.” Ben looks so adorable, this tall, rugged-looking man giving me the sweetest smile. “I have to pick up Laila at four, so maybe you could come back at five? Does that work?”

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