Page 51 of Innocent Intentions

I narrow my eyes. “It’s good.”

And damn it, it is good. Just how I like it.

His smile brightens. “Perfect! I’ll be in my office if you need anything. Let Dotty know what you want for dinner. She can cook just about anything but give her enough time to gather ingredients. Looking forward to tonight.”

Then hekisses my forehead.

His eyes stay on me a beat longer than necessary before he turns and walks out.

I stand there, stunned. If it weren’t for the coffee in my hand, I’d think I hallucinated the whole thing.

***

I’m still thinking about our weird exchange this morning when Benny barrels into me, nearly knocking me over.

“Jesus, Benny! Be gentle!”

He nudges me again, whining.

I sigh, running a hand down his head. “I’m sorry. I know I’ve been distracted. Matty just has me all messed up.”

His ears perk.

I huff a laugh. “Last night, he was all over me. He couldn’t control himself. It was the hottest thing I’ve ever experienced,and he didn’t even touch me. Well… besides…” I shake my head.Not the point.“It took everything in me to resist him. I don’t know how much longer I can keep it up. But then this morning, he was completely unaffected. It makes me wonder if it was all in my head. Maybe I imagined his interest.”

Benny tilts his head.

I scowl. “It’s not that I want him to want me. I just don’t like the whiplash. I want consistency.”

He stares at me judgingly.

I groan. “Fine! Yes, I want him. But he’s my captor! I’m here against my will! What kind of tramp gives in this fast? It’s only been two days!”

He rolls his eyes. This damn diva.

I glare at him. “You don’t get it. Is this even real? He only wants me because I’m the only girl around. I want to know he’d choose me. In a room full of women, I still want to be his choice.”

The words fall out before I realize I feel them.

Benny tilts his head again.‘Has he given you any indication he’d choose you?’

I hesitate. Matty’s words from last night echo in my head.

“You’re mine.”

I shift uncomfortably. “Okay, yes, he’s made comments about me being ‘his’. But that should be infuriating. No man owns me. I’m not his.”

‘But you want to be.’

Benny stares at me knowingly.

“Fine. I wouldn’t mind being taken care of. Not having to worry about things. And his body… Jesus. Our chemistry is undeniable. I know it’d be incredible. He’d ruin all other men for me.” I scrub my hands over my face. “This is just my inner tramp talking. I swear her voice has taken over my thoughts.”

Benny doesn’t look convinced. He’s telling me to give Matty a chance.

Would it really be so bad?

No. I can’t let myself think like that.

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