Page 44 of You and I

Chapter

Nineteen

“I can't believe I let you talk me into this.” I whine, tugging at my black strapless tube dress that makes me feel like I should be back atAllureand not having dinner at the most amazing waterfront restaurant I have ever seen.

“You look amazing Anna. Relax.” She says, stopping to face me at the edge of the dock where we agreed to meet the guys. “I know you are hell bent on avoiding this man but it's pretty clear he's not going to just leave you alone. At least this way you can do it on your terms.”

“It's not about how I do it. It's the point.” I say, crossing my arms in front of myself. “He's not the type of man to get tangled up with, I know you know that. I agreed to one night.”

“And it was the most incredible night of your life.” She interjects, smiling softly when my glare meets her eyes.

“Again, not the point.” I say, growing increasingly frustrated with everyone being so dismissive about my feelings where Bentley is concerned. “Does it not seem the least bit strange to you that he knew I was here before I even got here? And now he's here with me?”

“I think it's incredibly sweet if you ask me.” She says, shrugging off my words. “What girl doesn't want a sexy, rich man stalking her?”

“I don't.” I sigh loudly, once again allowing my frustration to show through.

“You need to take a step back and really look at the situation Anna. Maybe Bentley is not the man you think he is. Maybe he really is a good guy and he just really likes you. Did you ever think of that?”

“Since when are you on Team Bentley? I don't want him to like me Andrea. I don't want anything from him except for him to leave me the hell alone.” Even as I say the words, I know deep down that they are not one hundred percent true. Because even through my failed attempts to deny wanting anything to do with Bentley, at the end of the day I can't fight the rush that floods through me every time I see him.

“Well then give in.” She says, breaking into my thoughts.

“What?” I ask, confused by her statement.

“If Bentley is the man you think he is, he will stop the moment you no longer make him chase you. Give in. Let whatever this is run its course and then you will get what you want.” She says, making more sense than she has this entire evening.

“I didn't think about that.” I admit, surprised that I am even considering what she is suggesting. Even I am not blind enough to not see the risk involved.

“Well here's your chance to test the theory.” She says, smiling widely behind me. Turning slightly, my stomach instantly tightens at the sight of Bentley crossing the green space towards us. His amazing body is dressed in black slacks and a blue button down shirt, the top two buttons left open. His confidence oozes from him as he makes his way towards us, his hands stuffed casually in his pants pockets.

I watch each step he takes, mentally trying to prepare myself for the moment he steps beside me, his hand no doubt reaching out to graze my flesh. Even still, it does nothing to dull the electric that courses through me when I feel his hand slide along my bare shoulders as he stops beside me.

“Ladies.” He says, smiling to Andrea and then turning to me. “You look beautiful.” He says, allowing his eyes to linger a little too long across my chest and down my torso before finally meeting my eyes again. “Shall we?”

“You two go ahead. I'm gonna wait here for Guy.” She says, shooing us away. Taking my hand, Bentley nods at Andrea and then turns, leading me in the direction of the outdoor dining room just a few feet from the dock.

I expect him to lead me to the hostess station, so I immediately open my mouth to protest when he completely bypasses it and leads me down towards the beach area instead. “Bentley. Where are we going?” I ask, pulling against his hand.

“You'll see.” He says, tightening his grip on me as he continues the downhill trek towards the water.

“But Andrea is expecting.....” I start, but he immediately cuts me off.

“I have arranged for a private area for Andrea and her date and have taken care of all the expenses. I am sure they will have a lovely time.” He turns his head slightly to the side to give me a smile, his eyes dancing briefly across my face.

“But that's not what I agreed too.” I interject, trying to halt my movements but his grip is too strong, I only stumble forward when he gives me no slack.

“If I recall.” He says, stopping so abruptly I nearly run into him. “You didn't really agree to anything.” He finishes, turning to face me.

“Good point.” I admit, trying to keep my breathing even. He pulls on my hand, still held tightly in his and I have no choice but to step forward, not missing the way his chest rises and falls as he takes a deep breath. Looking up, I meet his eyes and immediately regret what I see there. I know, in that one look, I will never be able to fight this.

“All of your attempts to deny me will fail.” He says so quietly I have to strain to hear him. Slowly, he lowers his face to mine and while I want to push him away, step out of his embrace, I can't make my body move.

Because no matter how badly I want to avoid this, I want it just the same. The moment his mouth closes over mine, my body melts into his embrace. His kiss is gentle, his lips dancing lightly over mine but never asking for more. I fight my instinct to deepen the kiss and simply enjoy the simplicity of his affection.

“Now. Will you pleasewillinglyjoin me for dinner?” He asks, dropping his forehead against mine. Andrea's words bounce around in my head. If I stop running, he will stop chasing. All of this could be over. But is that what I really want? For it to be over?

“I would love to.” I finally say, straightening my posture to stare into his eyes, having made a split second decision that the only way to end this, is to see it through. And while the thought terrifies me, it also sends a bolt of excitement coursing through my veins.

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