Page 24 of Done Waiting

Seconds later, my phone rings and Ben’s name appears on my screen. “Hey, Maddie,” he says solemnly when I answer. “I didn’t want to have this conversation via text. Umm… that’s what I was distracted about the other day. I know…” He hesitates, then begins again. “Knew Katie. She was in one of my classes and part of the group project I’ve been working on.”

“Oh, Ben. Why didn’t you tell me? I’m so sorry.”

He heaves out a sigh. “I didn’t want to worry you. I saw the poster when we walked into the ice cream shop. I saw you looking and pulled you away from it. I was hoping they’d find her, and I wouldn’t need to tell you anything.”

“I appreciate your concern, but I hate that you went through this by yourself.”

“I appreciate it, Maddie. I’ve talked to Chloe about it. Katie was in her sorority, and they also had a class together.”

For some reason, his comment stirs up jealousy.

He’s talking to Chloe about Katie, but not me? I mean, sure, my dad died. And I don’t know Katie, but Chloe does.

It hurts he didn’t mention it to me. Distance goes between us, the two of us on different land masses, separated by a deep river.

“Maddie. Are you okay? You got quiet there.”

Clearing my throat, I force myself to sound natural. “Yeah, I’m fine. I’m just… Thinking about Katie and feeling awful forher and her family.”Liar.While I do feel bad for her, she’s not at the forefront of my thoughts.

Chloe and Ben have taken that spot.Once again.

“Listen, you need to be careful. That article talks about a killer in Falls Creek.”

“Yeah, I saw that.” My voice is small. “But I don’t go to Falls Creek College and—”

“Still, I’d feel safer if I knew you were being cautious. How about I follow you home? I get off work at the same time as you, so it will take me about ten minutes to get to the bookstore.”

Oh shit.I forgot he was working. “Um, sure. As long as it’s no trouble.”

“It’s no trouble at all.” His voice is low and seductive. “I’ve missed you. Chloe works late tonight, then will be heading to the campus library to work on a paper. You and I will have the apartment to ourselves.”

A warm feeling spreads through me. Ben’s insinuation isn’t lost on me, and after leaving me wanting the other day, I can’t think of anything I’d like more than some alone time with him.

“That sounds amazing.” My voice is low and throaty. “I’ll see you in about an hour and fifteen minutes.”

“See you then, Maddie.”

Ben pushes me against the wall, then presses his lean body into me. Grabbing my arms, he shoves them over my head, pinning them in place with one hand.

Jesus. This is hot.

We haven’t had sex since before my dad died, and while our sex has always been good, tonight it seems different. He’s more aggressive with me, for one thing. For another, as he presses his lips to mine, the kiss changes from demanding to almost punishing.

I push against him, trying to pull away from his mouth, but he must assume I like it. He groans, his other hand threading through my hair, then yanking.

Ow! What the hell?

Bucking against him, he finally pulls back to take a breath. Unease lodges in my spine, my breathing ragged as I say, “Ben, that’s a little rough.”

“I know.” His eyes sparkle with delight. “Fucking hot, babe.”

He moves in, and I quickly turn my head, just barely. “Ben… It’s a little much.”

Pulling back, his brows knit together. “What? Seriously?” Annoyance lines his face as his jaw ticks.

“Yes… I’m just… This is surprising.”

He visibly relaxes, taut muscles still holding my wrists in place relaxing slightly. “Oh, I caught you off guard.” His other hand comes up, stroking my face. “How about we do something a little different tonight?”

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