Page 42 of Embody

“Business Management. For the family companies.”

“Makes sense,” I nod. In the silent gap, I turn to him. “Thank you for picking me up. Very thoughtful. Oh, and you may be interested to know, I got an unusual yet very informative text from your sister today.”

“I know, I was sitting beside her when she wrote it. She just needed a little help putting into words what she was feeling. Brynn’s new to best friends, drama, that kind of thing. She was ashamed, crying, so I helped her out. Are the two of you gonna be okay?”

“Yes.”

“I’m glad.”

“That it?” I prompt.

“Pretty much. Helped her write one to Ryder too.”

Don’t. Ask. The answer might ruin it, Bellamy. Do not ask.

I of course ask, holding my breath while I wait for his response. “So, she’s fine with you and me…doing whatever it is we’re doing?”

“Think so,hopeso, but it doesn’t matter. Brynn is crystal clear on the fact that she no longer gets a say, grumble, scowl or tantrum over anything related to you and me.”

Oh yeah, I feel my delighted smile overtake my whole face…perfect answer. Sexy as hell. There’s the Kendrick man I was waiting on to show up.

“So you stood up to her?” I ask.

“Well,” he laughs, “I’ve got about six, seven inches on her, so I don’t know about all that. But I’m here, so are you, and if you wanna take one of those selfies of us together and send it to her, I’ll pull over. That answer your question?”

“Indeed it does,” I whisper, almost to myself.

We pull up to my apartment complex and I start to open the door, thanking him again, when he stops me with a firm grip on my thigh.

“Whatcha doing there, my soaking wet beauty?” he asks in a cool, but sure tone.

“Um, getting out, going in my house? I don’t understand the question,” I tilt my head.

“I’ll come open your door and go up with you while you change,” he says matter-of-factly, reaching for his door handle.

This time,Istophimwith not quite as firm a grip on his, beyond firm, bicep. “Why?”

“Because I’m taking you to dinner,” he says intently, looking at me like he’s the one who should be confused.

I cover my mouth and snicker, not at all offended, more so enjoying his painful attempt at chivalry. “You really haven’t ever done this before, have you?” I can’t keep the teasing lilt from my voice.

“I think this is a trap and any time a woman asks you about other women in their past, you’re supposed to say “no, never, you’re the first,” but yes, I have opened a car door before. However,” he holds up a finger and his voice climbs excitedly, “I have never waited in a woman’s house while she changed into something, to, uh, go out.”

“Thank you for the honesty,” I giggle, patting his hand with a bit of patronization in my reply. “But I meant, you’ve never dated, or whatever this is we’re doing, before.”

“Not really, no. I guess in high school, dances and what not, I sort of did for that night. But beyond that? Nope. Why, am I screwing it up?”

“Eh, no, but maybe try incorporating the words “can” and “will” into what you say. For instance, “Bellamy, can I come up and wait while you change? I would love to take you to dinner, if you’re free” might be better.” I smile encouragingly, not wanting to deter him or hurt his feelings.

“Have you eaten?”That’shis response.

“No.”

“Are you hungry?”

“Yes, but…”

He gently lays a finger over my lips, his eyes holding mine hostage with a fierce, downright primitive, authority. “Will you eat if I take you to dinner?” he asks in a rough baritone, barely fringed with control.

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