Page 12 of By the Letter

Shira

I walked out ofthe restroom, hollow and longing for a nap, and ran smack into a brick wall, nearly losing my footing as I bounced off.

A massive hand caught my elbow and righted me. I looked up, surprised to see bouncing brown eyes and lively, fluffy curls.

Ben.

Not Roman.

The twins were identical in features, but their personalities made them easily identifiable. Even to me, a veritable stranger.

“Excuse me, Ben,” I murmured. “I didn’t expect you to be waiting directly outside the door of the ladies’ room.”

One beat of silence, another, then Ben Wells tossed his head back and released the most melodious, happy laugh. Dimplesdented both his cheeks, and crinkles bracketed his eyes, which were shiny and alight.

“Sorry.” He shook his head, still grinning. “You took me by surprise. I didn’t expectyouto have a sense of humor.”

“Then we’ve both taken each other by surprise.”

He nodded, his chin lowering as he took me in. I didn’t sense any interest behind his slow perusal. Nothing sexual or romantic anyway. Since men didn’t look at me that way in general, it wasn’t unusual. His study of me seemed more scientific, like he was curious about me.

“I guess we have,” he said.

I cocked my head. Ben’s hand was still on my elbow, but it didn’t make me uncomfortable.

“Was there a reason you were stalking the restroom?” I asked.

I didn’t have an explanation as to why I had no trouble meeting Ben’s gaze and giving his face the same perusal he’d given me. It was almost like I was looking at Roman, getting to know the features I’d only allowed myself brief glances of without the intimidation factor. Sure, Ben was massive like his brother, and his jaw looked well suited to masticate animal bones, but I wasn’t scared of him. He gave off an innate gentleness, whereas Roman was just…gah. There were no words for him other than hewasn’tgentle.

“Sure there was. I’m checking on you. Your PA mentioned you were sick, and since I’m just as invested in GoldMed as my brother, I thought it would look bad if the CEO dropped dead on the floor of the bathroom and no one noticed.” Ben bounced on his toes, his eyebrows rolling in waves, which was sort of a cool trick.

I smiled, though the queasiness hadn’t abated. An awareness that the noodles I’d eaten for lunch might’ve not been the reason for this rested in the back of my mind, but I wasn’t quite ready toface that possibility. “Not dead. Thanks for checking. I think the ramen rocked my stomach, but I’ll live.”

His nose crinkled. “Yeah, I’m going to have to tell my brother not to get the name of that joint. I don’t have time to pray to the porcelain god.”

Laughing, I tried to inch by him, but he moved with me. It was strange how at ease I was with him. This was how it had been with my best friends, Clara and Bea. Automatic soul sisters. But I’d never felt that way around a man. Usually, it was quite the opposite.

I guessed Wim had been a very big exception, but that had been an entirely different circumstance.

“I don’t really either, but sometimes, sacrifices have to be made,” I said.

Ben chuckled. “You’re funny. Why doesn’t Roman know you’re funny?”

“Because I have a tendency to panic in his presence.”

“Ah.” He nodded, like he understood completely. “Yeah, I see that. Rome can be really intense if he wants to be. Add on his size…” He gestured to himself. “I try to make myself less disarming since I’m such a big dude. My brother doesn’t share my concern. He’s just out there charging through life, scaring women and children.”

“It isn’t that I’m scared…” Glancing to the side, I dug my teeth into my bottom lip.

“I hope not.” He dipped his head. “Little secret: Rome’s a nice guy. He wants GoldMed to succeed. Maybe you two can find common ground. I’d cheer for that.”

I touched my hair, finding it still in place. “That would be wonderful if it were true.”

Ben patted my shoulder, surprisingly gentle for a giant. “Give it a try. You could pretend you’re talking to me—your favorite Wells brother.”

I sucked in a little breath. “There are two more of you. I suppose I’ll have to meet them to truly come to that conclusion.”

“Nah, you’re good. Nate and Adrian are sticks in the mud. Worse than Rome. I guarantee I’m always gonna be your favorite.”

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