“I was doing some last-minute shopping before heading home,” Taylor clarified. Or lied. Whatever. This is awful. “Just stopped by to say hi.”
“Well, pleased you could join us, dear,” Mary said graciously, although Taylor was sure that crashing a dinner was not on the woman’s list of proper behaviors.
Bennett’s cold eyes burned into Taylor from across the table.
“Um. Are you sure? I don’t want to intrude,” Taylor said, losing her nerve.
Chip put his arm around her and kissed her cheek. “Now, now. I wouldn’t dream of letting you out of my sight, Taylor. It’s been a long few months.” Chip pulled the chair out for her. “You’re always working and too busy for me, but your surprise visit makes up for all that time apart.”
Mary cocked a brow, clearly surprised by the news that they had some kind of relationship. “Well, there you are then. You will have to stay. My Chip insists. Mr. Wade was just explaining how he and Brigitte also happened to bump into each other today.”
“It wasn’t exactly a bump,” Bennett elaborated. “I also stopped by her apartment merely to say hello, but then I thought she might like to join us.”
Taylor felt her stomach knot with devastation. Not only had she been replaced as his date, just like that, but Bennett had gone on a booty call? Seriously?
Brigitte smiled. “I lobe it when my Bennett surprises me wit his bumps,” she said in a perky little voice with her perky little French accent.
Taylor’s heart dissolved right inside her chest. Brigitte had called him Bennett. Bennett. Only his mother and women he slept with got to call him that.
You call him that.
Yes, but only because I’m stubborn and he lets it slide.
But this woman—ugh—she was sexy and petite and had those full lips men were so into. Taylor had freckles on her nose, wide-ish hips, and plain old everything. She wasn’t ugly, but she wasn’t going to get stopped in the street and asked to model for a Victoria’s Secret catalog either.
Now, now. You sport the flannel animal-themed jammies with the best of ’em.
“It’s nice to meet you, Brigitte. I’m Taylor Reed.”
Brigitte flashed a sour little smile. “Hello,” she said, sounding more like “halo.”
“Yes, lovely to meet you, Brigitte,” Chip agreed, giving her his version of the charming lipless smile. “Any friend of Bennett’s is a friend of mine.”
“Chip, dear,” said Mary, “stop flirting with Mr. Wade’s date. It’s pathetic and I taught you better.”
“Yes, Mother,” Chip replied dejectedly.
“So, Ms. Reed,” Mary said. “Tell me about this new business of yours.”
“Um. Okay.” This was it. Time to come clean and take her licking. “Well, I developed a coaching course for executives to help them connect better with their employees and cut down on turnover. It’s a new way of thinking about leadership—a bottom-up approach versus top-down. It helps foster loyalty.”
“And would you call yourself loyal?” Bennett asked Taylor, his tone as frigid as his gaze.
She lifted her chin. Yes, she would. But Bennett would never see her as that. He’d never understand how sorry she was. “I do. In fact, I needed to tell you that the material I gave you was—”
“Mr. Wade, I’m shocked,” Mary said. “Have you been taking this course from Ms. Reed?”
Keeping his fierce gaze glued to Taylor, Bennett gave a quick nod. “Yes, and I’ve learned quite a lot.” His eyes flickered toward Chip for a moment, making his point clear to Taylor—that he saw her being with Chip as a sign of betrayal. Or maybe he was disappointed? She didn’t know.
Mary let out a little laugh. “Well, that is impressive, Mr. Wade. I never saw you as a man who pursued self-improvement. I thought I noticed something different about you, but couldn’t put my finger on it.”
Mary actually seemed…pleased? Whatever coaching ideas Bennett had exercised today, he must’ve only used them minimally.
Mary added, “And now we know we have you to thank for it, Ms. Reed.” She smiled and it seemed genuine.
Taylor mentally phewed, realizing she’d panicked for no reason. And now that she thought about it, she should’ve known that Bennett’s arrogance would take over and demand he do things his way. I’m Bennett Fucking Wade. The boss!
Bennett kept his sharp gaze focused on Taylor. “Yes, thank you, Ms. Reed, for enlightening me.”
“And I should thank you, old boy,” Chip said, “for getting my beautiful Taylor here to Paris.” Chip brushed Taylor’s cheek lovingly, and she wanted to shrink away, but didn’t. “You have no idea how long I’ve waited for her to come around.”
Bennett’s face turned an embittered shade of red.
Oh God. This was not going well. Or maybe it was? Bennett’s deal with Mary seemed to be moving forward, despite everything.
Taylor needed to take a moment and regroup. “I am going to use the powder room.” She stood, and Chip did the same, pulling out her chair like an attentive boyfriend, a wickedly triumphant smile on his face.
“Don’t keep us waiting long, mon cherie,” Chip said.
“I think I weel join her.” Brigitte moved to stand, and Bennett rose to pull back her chair. She leaned forward and kissed Bennett on the cheek. “I’ll be right back, Benny.”
Benny? Taylor wanted to hurl. Was that the name he let women use when their relationship was more than just fucking? Maybe “Benny” was the next level up, like boyfriend or perhaps serious snuggler and “Ben” was reserved for his future wife.
Taylor swallowed back her jealousy, trying to focus on the positive. She hadn’t ruined Bennett’s life—good—and now she knew the truth: He hadn’t really been interested in her at all. He’d gone on a booty call or snuggly session or whatever Benny did with a beautiful woman like Brigitte.
Yes, I finally understand my place in his world.
Not turning around to look at the supermodel on her heels, Taylor found the bathroom. Once inside, she went to the vanity area next to the sinks to freshen up her makeup and convince herself that she could make it through the night without crying.
Who are you kidding? You’re so going to cry. She’d simply have to tell everyone she wasn’t feeling well. It wouldn’t be breaking her deal with Chip, so why not?
Brigitte came out of the stall, tugging down her black dress. “Well, I think,” she said eyeing herself in the mirror, “dat we’ve both done nice. Oui?”
“Sorry?” Taylor said.
“We both have ourselves a nice reech boyfriend. Life is gud, no?”
“Yeah,” Taylor said glumly, pulling out her lipstick. “Life is good. So how long have you been dating, Benn—Mr. Wade?”
Brigitte shrugged. “We went out the last two times he was in town. You know—for a leettle fun. But I told him,” she wagged her finger, “the next time he comes to me, he’d better be ready to give me more, or he can lose my number.”
“Really?” Taylor asked.
“I won’t be young forever, and I habe two other very reech men who are interested.” She shrugged. “But I do not geeve zi milk for free, like some women.” Her eyes washed over Taylor.
Taylor got the not so subtle slap, but didn’t let it get to her. Honestly, her mind was set on something else. Sheer rage. This bitch was exactly the reason Bennett had issues. Frigging gold digger!
“So you think Bennett has come for your milk?” Taylor asked.
“Why else? I think he weel propose tonight, actually.”
Taylor was going to be sick. Literally sick. Well, at least now you don’t have to fake being ill.
“Want to know what I think?” Taylor said, “Benny is too smart to fall for your little game, but if he does, you’d be lucky to get a guy like him.”
She laughed. “Lucky? Dis man hazz no passion. No love in his heart. The only thing he hazz is his looks and his mooney.”
“You’re disgusting.” Taylor scowled.
“You snobby A
merican. I see you with dat Chip. You are no different than me.”
Taylor shook her head. There was zero point discussing any of this with Brigitte. And it wasn’t her place to warn Bennett. He was a very, very smart man, and if he was with Brigitte, it was because he wanted to be. He trusted no one, and he certainly wasn’t going to start with this trollop. He was making a choice. On his own. Like a big stupid guy who thinks only with his dick.
“Have a nice night, Brigitte. It’s been a pleasure.” Taylor lifted her chin and pulled open the door to leave. The moment she stepped out, someone had her by the hand, yanking her to the side.
It was Bennett. He wasn’t even looking at her as he pulled her toward the stainless steel kitchen doors.
“Bennett,” she hissed, trying not to cause a scene, “what are you doing?”
He kept on marching, dragging her through the doors where a waiter preparing some salads immediately barked at them.
Bennett spouted out a phrase in French that sent the waiter fleeing into the dining room, a look of fear in his eyes.
Of course! He speaks French, too! Didn’t he understand how irritatingly sexy that was? Sexy, French-speaking jerk face!
The three chefs, all sautéing in their big white hats behind the waist-high wall at the back of the kitchen, were too busy to notice or care about the intrusion as were the busboys who rushed in and out through the doors.
Standing in the middle of the kitchen, the sound of pots clanking and pans sizzling all around them, Bennett turned to face her, standing just a little too close—within easy lip reach.
Not that she wanted to kiss him.
Much.
Tay! No you don’t!
She jerked back her hand. “What. Are. You. Doing?” she growled.
“No. What are you doing?”
“I’m in the process of leaving,” she replied.
“That’s a wise choice, though I’m not sure why you’re here with him at all,” he snarled. “Chip? Seriously, Taylor?”
“Really? You’re really going there?” she fumed at him.
He gave her a look, getting the drift that she was “really” referring to Brigitte. “If you think so little of me, then you truly don’t know me at all.”
She stared up at him, his eyes filled with self-righteous indignation.
“You know what?” She threw up her hands. “Maybe you’re right. So why don’t you try telling me what I’m supposed to know, Bennett, instead of acting like this giant brick wall of manly mystery.” Honestly, most of what she’d learned about him had come via his mother or Candy.
“I have my reasons for being cautious, Taylor. And they’re not what you would call pleasant or admirable.”
“Everyone has a past. Why should you be any different?”
“Because the world holds me to an impossibly high standard. Although I’m not sure they’re half as critical as you.”
What was that supposed to mean? “That’s not fair, Bennett. I’ve been way more understanding than anyone else would ever be considering the circumstances. But if you want me to stop judging you or assuming, then we’re right back where we were on the plane today. You need to tell me the truth.”
“About what?” he said sharply.
“About you. Why are you killing yourself for this Bali project? Why did you lie to me and take that idiotic bet?” She looked at him, waiting for the answer.
He stared, but there was no give. His eyes and expression were closed off behind that infamous Mr. Wade brick wall.
“Fine. Whatever is going on with you, whatever’s happened to make you this way, just remember that I had nothing to do with it.” She turned to leave, and he grabbed her hand.
“Taylor.” His tone was earnest.
She looked at him, waiting, but whatever he was about to say didn’t come out. “What? What is there to say, Bennett?”
“I just don’t think you’ll understand,” he said in a low voice. “I don’t think anyone can.”
She now saw that his bricks were holding back pain. A lot of it. But if he couldn’t at least give her a glimpse of what was behind that wall, how were they supposed to move forward?
“How do you know if you don’t try me?” she said softly.
He stared but didn’t speak.
Dammit, Bennett! She wanted so badly to kiss him and touch him and tell him how she felt about him, but it would be a fool’s errand. He didn’t want to open up.
“Then I’m sorry for you, Bennett. I truly am. Because there’s no one in the world who wants to understand you more than I do.” She pulled out of his grasp and headed for the dining room. The moment Chip spotted her, he stood and pulled out her chair. “Honey bear, I missed you.”
Taylor held out her hand. “I’m afraid I won’t be joining you for dinner this evening. I’m very sorry, but I suddenly don’t feel well.”
“Ms. Reed,” Mary said. “That is a shame. I was looking forward to hearing more about your company.”
“You’re very kind Mary, but it’s really not worth talking about,” Taylor said. “In fact,” she looked straight at Bennett who’d just shown up and taken his seat, “you should throw the material away. It needs a complete overhaul. I mean it, Bennett, don’t do yourself a disservice and go any further with it.” Taylor glanced at Brigitte who was also back at the table. “It’s a waste of your time. Good night everyone. Have a lovely meal.” She turned and walked out of the restaurant. She held up her hand and a taxi pulled to the side. She reached for the door and looked over her shoulder. For a moment, she hesitated. Her heart didn’t want to let go of Bennett, but she needed to accept reality. Bennett was the sort of man who did what he wanted. He didn’t want a real relationship, he didn’t want to trust, he didn’t want to change….
And he doesn’t want you.
Taylor got into the car and directed the driver to the airport.
CHAPTER 15
“No. What do you mean my reservation isn’t in your system? I have the confirmation number right here.” Taylor dug out her notebook but couldn’t find the napkin she’d used to jot down the code she’d been given. Dammit. She’d probably used it to wipe her tears and blow her nose on the cab ride here. She’d tossed it.
The tall man in the uniform behind the ticket counter shook his head. “I’m sorry, but there is no record. Except for the flight you were booked on earlier, which you checked in for and didn’t board. So that ticket fare is lost, I’m afraid.”
“How can that be?”
“Yes, ma’am. Those were the rules of the fare. I’ve put in a request for a review to see if they’ll allow a credit; however, that will take up to a week.”
“A week?” What the hell? Well, Bennett had purchased the ticket, so hopefully they’d give him a credit, but where did that leave her?
“Can I buy a new ticket?”
“I’m sorry. There’s no room on this flight.”
This can’t be happening. “When’s the next one?”
He typed away on his keyboard. “Tomorrow at two P.M.”
Taylor looked toward the industrial-style ceiling, and then the long line of impatient travelers waiting behind her.
“But,” he added, “the fare will be three thousand five hundred dollars. There’s only business and first class left.”
Taylor rubbed her face. She couldn’t afford it. Jack had only put a few thousand into her account, and there was no way in hell she’d go back to ask for more. Also, she fully intended to repay Bennett his fifty thousand. So every dime she spent dug her deeper into a hole.
“When’s the next coach flight available?” she asked.
The customer service rep clicked away on his computer. “I’m afraid not until tomorrow night. But feel free to try one of the other airlines.”
Taylor groaned. “Thanks. I’ll see what I can find online.” Shoulders sagging in her stupid dress that was so tight she wanted to scream, she slogged past the long line of ogling travelers.
Yeah, yeah. Have
n’t you ever seen a nearly naked woman before?
Her personal phone rang, and she slipped it from her purse. She didn’t recognize the number, but answered it anyway.
“You turned off your other phone again,” said a deep, sensual voice.
It was Bennett.
Her heart did a little dance even while her stomach churned with tension.
“Yeah, well,” she said, “it ran out of juice and my charger is sitting in my suitcase—wherever the hell that is. Besides, I don’t work for you anymore, so you’re free to let go of your thing.”
“Don’t you mean ‘I don’t work with you’?” he asked. “And I can’t let go of my thing. It’s my thing. Things don’t just go away because you wish them to.”
“What do you want, Bennett?”
“To see how you’re doing.”
Oh, screw him. She was a mess. A goddamned mess. And now she had to go home and figure out how the hell to keep breathing, defeated on every single front in her life—professionally, romantically, emotionally. “I’m feeling much better now. Just about to board my flight, so I gotta go.”
“How am I supposed to trust you and let down my brick wall of manly mystery when you lie to me?” he said, disapprovingly.
Shit. “You’re standing right behind me, aren’t you?”
“I am now.”
She slowly turned to find an irritated and handsome as hell Bennett walking right up to her. He’d removed his jacket and rolled up the sleeves of his white dress shirt, exposing his muscled forearms.
Her knees wobbled. Her breath caught. Her entire body did a dip and roll as if she’d just taken a big dive on a roller coaster—only this ride also vibrated and turned her the hell on.
“We really need to stop meeting like this.” His eyes made a quick sweep of the terminal. Yeah, they had kind of been doing a planes, trains, and automobiles thing.
“Why are you here, Bennett?”
“I’m flying on to Bali in five minutes,” he said with a smarty-pants tone, while staring down at her.
“Well, have a nice trip.” She turned to leave him, but he grabbed her shoulder.
“Can we go somewhere to talk?”
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