by Nana Malone
He just had to prove that he was the kind of man she wanted to be with.
* * *
Val’s nose twitched and she peeled open one eyelid. The harsh sunlight directly in her eyes made her groan, and she burrowed under the covers. Instinctively she reached for Bennett to use him as a shield. He was bigger. If they spooned, he would block out the sun.
Except his side of the bed was cold. She patted around and eventually sat up and rubbed her eyes. The smell of coffee snapped her synapses into focus. She heard clanging around in the kitchen and part of her was a little afraid to venture down there. He’d said he was a disaster in the kitchen. Well, no, he’d been dinner specific. Strange thing was, all of it smelled good.
She scooted out of bed, dragging the sheet with her as she searched for her sweats. He’d taken them off her downstairs, probably on purpose, knowing she’d have to come down naked to retrieve them. The man was diabolical. Despite that, a smile tugged at the corners of her lips until she noticed the framed newspaper clipping on the dresser.
She stood and wrapped the sheet sarong-style. The clipping included a photo of a little boy and two adults. Presumably his parents. The caption read, “Billionaire Vincent Cooper, photographed here with his wife, Lily, and their son, Bennett, before their round-the-world expedition.”
They looked so happy, and the love was clear and apparent as the little boy looked up at his parents adoringly.
Tears stung her eyes as her heart broke into pieces. That poor little boy. How alone must he have been. He couldn’t be older than nine or so in the picture.
“We hit a squall near Panama. They shoved me on a survivor raft and told me to hang on for help when the boat capsized. Both of them were strong swimmers, but the water was just too rough.”
Val whirled around. “Oh, my God, Bennett. I’m so sorry.”
He put the tray down on the bedside table. “I keep that picture because it’s the last recorded memory of how happy we were. I was so excited to get to go with them. Dad made money in tech early. Twentysomething wunderkind. In his thirties, he sold his company to do photography full-time. That picture in Voss’s study—that was one of his.”
She sucked in a sharp breath. “That’s why you were so upset last night.”
He nodded. “He and my mom. They were great. They weren’t perfect, but I loved them so much. I—” He dragged in a deep breath. “I don’t tell anyone who I am. The kind of women I’ve been with, they’re different from you—they see dollar signs or they pity me or something. So I’ve never gotten close to anyone. Well, except Trevor.”
“You thought you couldn’t tell me? I’m not some random girl. I wouldn’t have looked at you any differently.”
He had a point, though. They didn’t really know each other. It had only been a couple of weeks. Never mind that she already felt closer to him than anyone save Mel.
“I know. It’s a habit. A bad one. The only reason Trevor makes it past is he doesn’t let up. After my parents were gone, I was sent to my aunt’s in New York. Trevor was my neighbor. I swear, the kid showed up every day to ask if I would play. Every day for six months before I would even talk to him. I was a pretty stubborn kid.”
“Was?”
A light smile played on his lips. “Okay, am.”
Val wanted to hug him, wanted to hold that little boy and tell him it would be okay. She wanted to hug the man and tell him that he could tell her things. But she had no idea how. Tapping into her emotional stores wasn’t something she ever allowed herself to do. “Bennett, what I said last night. It still stands. They would be so proud of you.”
He shook his head. “Not if I keep avoiding.” He ran his hands through his hair. “I know a few weeks ago, I told you that you were hiding, and maybe you were, but the truth is, I’ve been doing the same. I put the mask on and I act. But I don’t want to pretend anymore. I want to be real. I want to let people past the brick wall. I want you.”
Her? He wanted her? “What are you saying?”
“I’m saying that I’m terrible at this. I’ve never had a real relationship. I cut and run, that’s my MO, but maybe we could be more than just friendly neighbors once this is over. Maybe we could be...more.”
More? He wanted more from her? “Are you sure, Bennett? I’m not real good with showing my emotions, either. And you photograph beautiful women for a living. I’m not that secure.”
He tugged her close. “I’m falling for you. Even after a lifetime of chasing models around for a good photo. You’re the one I want to hold, kiss, touch. How about we try it? All I know is I want to keep waking up to you. Even after your sister’s wedding. I’m asking for a shot.”
And she wanted to give it to him. But that realization scared her. She’d been hurt too many times. “I want to try, too, but, Bennett, anytime you don’t want to do this anymore, don’t just vanish on me, please. Just tell me and we’ll go back to being friends or neighbors or whatever.”
His jaw clenched as he nodded. “Okay. I promise. Right now I just want to hold you. That okay?”
She nodded as she snuggled into his chest and prayed she’d be able to keep from getting hurt.
He whispered into her hair, “So is now a good time to tell you Voss is sending me to Antarctica for a month?”
“Oh?”
“Yeah, he called when you were asleep. For once my photographs will cover something serious. The effects of global warming on our natural landscape. I’ve done wildlife before, but nothing like this.”
“It sounds like this is the perfect opportunity.”
Val held him tight so he couldn’t see the concern on her face. Not about Antarctica. Or even him. Could she stand it when he finally left?
Chapter 13
Bennett laughed as he checked his text from Val. She’d taken to sending him food porn. First she’d send a text with the hint of something delicious mostly covered with a napkin. The next would be the full meal, completely exposed. She’d even started to give the concoctions outrageously suggestive names. The dessert from the chef she was seeing this morning looked like some kind of orange pudding with a pomegranate seed in the center, then curls of chocolate drawn from the center.
I call this one the hairy nipple.
Bennett snorted, then muffled it when everyone at the shoot turned to stare at him. Trevor eyed him from a corner as the makeup team retouched him. When he lifted a brow, Bennett ignored him.
His friend hadn’t let it rest that he’d been right about Val. He and Bennett had made plans next week to grab a drink so that the two people in his life could get to know each other. But first Bennett had to pass the test with Val’s parents tomorrow.
Before it was going to be a whatever thing. Show up. Outrage them a little. Go home. No big deal. Now that he was actually interested in their daughter, he was worried. Yeah, Val didn’t see them much and she’d warned him about them, but they were still her parents. And he’d never done the parental thing before. Ever. He wanted them to like him. If for no other reason than it made things easier on her. He texted her back.
I have an idea. How about you text me a real nipple? Far more interesting.
Her response was instant.
With cloud technology? I’m no fool. The only pictures I’ll do nude are ones you take on film.
Oh, hell. He stood straight.
You’d let me photograph you?
While he waited, his heart slammed against his ribs. And his breathing shallowed. Because right now, all he could think about was the kind of lighting he would use. He could do a whole series on her titled My Valentine. The idea formed, rooting in his brain. Forming branches. His Valentine.
Yes. I trust you to make it tasteful.
Oh, it would be tasteful, all right. He didn’t want anyone getting too good a look at what he considered his.
But he could make it work.
You’re giving a man ideas.
Good. Now get back to work. You have real hairy nipples to photograph.
He barked out a laugh and replied.
Nah, they would for sure wax Trevor’s chest, but I’ll tell him you said so.
When he returned to set, Trevor was smirking. “So, all that laughing. Let me guess. Your girlfriend?”
Heat crept up Bennett’s neck. “Man, shut up.”
“Nah, it’s cool, bro. I mean, the woman has got you on lock, grinning like an idiot. I’m happy for you.” He shrugged. “I’ll need to take your player card, but I’m happy for you. Just so you know. Player no more.”
Player no more. The old him would have fought to hold on to that. But he didn’t care about that anymore. “You can tease me all you want. She’s pretty damn awesome, so I don’t care.”
His friend beamed at him. “Even if I’m losing my wingman, I couldn’t be happier.”
“Yeah, me, too.” Though as he worked, a shadow of unease breezed over his skin, giving him goose bumps. Things were going great, but he hadn’t forgotten that she hadn’t been nearly as enthused as he was to jump in. She was cautious. Because she knows what’s good for her. He shoved the thought to the back of his mind. Being with him wasn’t a risk and he’d show her that. After all, it had been two weeks and he was showing her he was all in. Tomorrow he’d charm the hell out of her parents. It would be fine. He’d barely handed his camera off to his assistant when his phone rang. Anticipating Val, he answered, “Boyfriend extraordinaire at your service.”
The voice on the line, however, was not Val’s. It was far too deep and familiar for that. “Don’t you mean fiancé?”
Milton. Shit. “Mr. Voss. Nice to hear from you. Sorry, I though you were Val.”
The older man laughed. “Not a problem, son. But you might want to keep reminding that lovely girl that you’re her fiancé now that you’ve tied her down. A girl that beautiful might think she has free range of motion.”
That unease he’d shoved aside was back with a vengeance, casting a dark cloud over his earlier happy mood. “Yeah, working on that. It’s all so new. What can I do for you?”
“Well, I was thinking, after the other night, that you’ll be off the market soon enough, and you and I haven’t spent much time together to get to know each other. So, we could kill two birds with one stone.”
“Uh, how’s that, sir?”
“Well, you can start by calling me Milton. But then I was thinking we could go out on the town. You could pass off some of your hot girl mojo on to an old man. Strictly for fun.”
The unease took hold of every nerve and made Bennett’s hairs stand on end. “Sir. Uh, Adriana?”
“My wife and I have an arrangement. And you aren’t married yet. So what do you say? Tonight? I’ll send the limousine for you.”
Tonight? Hell, the rehearsal was tomorrow, followed by brunch. He couldn’t tie one on. “Okay, sir, but I do have plans tomorrow. Meeting the in-laws, so not too late.”
“Sure, son, sure. We’ll be talking a lot about Antarctica. All the details aren’t ironed out yet. Nothing’s really set in stone you know. I want to make sure you’re a good fit. You can be a team player, can’t you, Benny?”
Bennett swallowed hard. In other words, “Do as I say or you’re off the expedition.”
“Yes, sir. I can be a team player.” As he hung up, Bennett had a bad feeling that before the night was over he’d have to choose between his two divergent futures.
* * *
This was a mistake.
Bennett glared at the shot glass in front of him and wished he’d never agreed to come out. Trevor was supposed to come, too, but he was running late.
But at least Milton was having fun. Two blondes strutted by giving Bennett the eye, but he wasn’t biting. They were beautiful, but plastic. Everything about them from their fake enhancements to the platinum hair to the lashes—there was nothing real about them. He could tell from a mile away.
Now that he had something real, he saw them for what they were. They were empty happiness. A few weeks ago he’d have gladly taken one or both home, or rather headed to their place and been out before dawn broke. He used to think that was living.
“What’s the matter? You don’t look like you’re in a celebratory mood, Benny.”
“Bennett, sir. Or Ben.”
Milton waved a hand dismissively. “Come on, relax. We’re here to have fun. What’s the matter, you don’t like blondes? Given Val, maybe they’re not your type. Let’s head to the other bar downstairs. Maybe we’ll find you someone you like.”
He sighed. Milton Voss wanted the Bennett Cooper experience. Too bad that Bennett Cooper was on hiatus. Maybe for good. “No, thanks. Like I said, I have somewhere to be in the morning. And I’m with Val.”
Voss rolled his eyes. “You’re serious about that? She’s a nice girl, but one woman for the rest of your life?”
Bennett blinked. “Sir, you’re married, right? Adriana’s a...beautiful woman.” He chose his words carefully.
“Adriana and I have an arrangement. As long as we’re discreet, we can do as we like. Who better to give me the debauchery tour than the Bennett Cooper?”
Well. That explained a few things. No wonder Adriana didn’t give a damn about chasing him. Bennett tried to think of how he’d feel if Val wanted to screw other guys. The rage sparked to life in an instant, and he could easily have punched someone. That didn’t suit him. “Well, I’m glad that works for you. Not my thing. I’m with Val.”
Voss laughed. “Well, more for me. At least drink with your boss. Then you can go home and do the devoted fiancé thing.”
Bennett stared at the shot of top-shelf tequila. All he wanted to do was go home. But Milton Voss was changing his life. The least he could do was have a drink with him. Just the one. For once he wanted to keep a commitment to someone. And he wasn’t going to screw this up. Not when Val needed him.
Chapter 14
Val paced as she checked her watch.
Damn. She knew she should have stayed home yesterday so the two of them could drive down together. Instead he’d said he had to deal with Voss and she should go ahead. But it was almost nine thirty and he still wasn’t here. Come on, Bennett. Not today. Today I need you. But as she stared down the long drive of the church, there was no sign of a cab or an Uber. Or hell, even his bike.
He wasn’t coming. Disappointment curled in her chest and she couldn’t drag in a breath. Everything had been great with them. Fine. This is just like Marcus.
“Honestly, we need to keep everything on schedule. Your little date isn’t coming, Valentine.”
Her mother’s voice broke her out of her spiral. “He’s coming, Mom.” He’d promised. “He’s definitely coming.” At least she prayed he was.
Her father came out of the heavy oak doors. “What’s the holdup? At this rate we’ll miss our reservation if we don’t get going. Come on, you two.”
“Your daughter is waiting for her new boyfriend.”
Her father rolled his eyes. “Honestly, Valentine. Your mother told me about this new guy. A photographer, really? You are the daughter of professors, and that’s who you pick? We’ll discuss it later. Come on, he can meet you inside. Your sister is waiting. This is her time to shine, not yours.”
Ouch. Way to toss that zinger, Dad.
Her mother tried to tug her inside. “Honestly, instead of someone like James, you’re wasting your time on this boy. James is the chupacabra. A strong black man. He’s good-looking and connected.”
“He’s Ned Flanders, Mom.”
Her mother frowned. “Who?”
“Never mind. Bennett is great and—”
“If he’s so great, where is he?”
Just then the crunch of gravel under tires had her turning and her heart soared. “That’s him.” She tore her arm from her mother’s grasp and ran down the stairs. Her parents left her to it and went back inside. “Oh, my God, where have—”
But Bennett wasn’t the only one to climb out of the cab. Trevor was with him. “Val, I’m sorry.”
The moment Bennett spoke, Val had to step backward. The alcohol stench practically smacked her in the face. “Are you drunk right now?”
He weaved and Trevor held him up. “Val. It’s not what it looks like.” His words were so slurred she could barely understand him.
Trevor stepped in. “Look, I know, but he didn’t do this on purpose. Voss made him come out last night. It was like forced hazing or some shit.”
Val stared at the two of them. “You seem fine.”
“Yeah, but that’s because I showed up late and asked the bartender to make my drinks nonalcoholic. Voss was in the mood to misbehave, and he insisted Bennett was the one to take him down that path.”
“I can’t even right now.” She glared at the two of them.
Bennett reached for her, stumbling out of Trevor’s grasp. “Val. Wait. I’m sorry. I wanted to be fear...” He cleared his throat. “Here. Be here. I wanted to be here.”
“So you do this. You said it was a drink. I needed you.”
Trevor inclined his head. “I’ll just...be over here.” He moved a few feet away and occupied himself with his phone.
“I’ll make it up to you. It’s fine. I’m here now.” He reached for her.
“You’re here, but you’re drunk.”
He spread his arms. “But, hey, I showed up. You should count your lucky stars. I could have been a no-show.”
She glared at him. “Are you serious right now?”
He scrubbed a hand down his face. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m screwing this up. I’m so drunk and I wanted to be here for you. You trusted me. Best thing that’s ever happened to me. I swear.” Except swear came out as shear.