“Bentley.” I stutter out, the moment my eyes find his face. Scrambling into a sitting position, I am not sure if I am preparing to run away or leap into his arms. “What.... What are you doing here?” I manage to get out, not missing the way his smile lights up as he leans down and takes a seat on the side of Andrea's lounge chair.
“I come here all the time.” He says, his smile flickering playfully.
“Here?” I question, not able to keep the doubtful tone from my voice. “And you just happened to be here the one weekend that I am?” I ask, pulling my sunglasses off of my face and cocking my head to the side to study him.
“As a matter of fact, yes.” He says, a slow smile creeping across his face, those damn dimples momentarily blinding me from the reality of my current situation.
“What do you want Bentley?” I shake my head as if shaking some damn sense into myself. I flick my eyes nervously towards Andrea who meets my gaze immediately and throws me a questioning glare. I know from where she is sitting she does not have a clear view of Bentley's face so it's very likely she has no idea who he is and is assuming he is just some guy hitting on me.
I raise my eyebrows at her trying to signal that something is wrong but she only smiles widely at me and then turns her attention back to the two men whose table she is now sitting at. Exhaling deeply, I turn my attention back towards Bentley, only to find him watching me intently.
“I thought I made what I wanted perfectly clear.” He answers, once he's sure he has my full attention. “Have dinner with me.” He leans forward, closing the gap between us to just a few mere inches. Reaching out, he trails the pad of his thumb across my thigh, causing my breath to hitch.
“I can't.” I blurt, pushing his hand away from my leg. How easily I could let myself fall into this seduction. How effortless it would be to allow him to have his way with me. But I know better. And honestly, I don't trust myself with him.
“You can't or you won't?” He questions, not allowing my attempts to deny him, derail him from his goal. I can see the determination in his eyes, the want. I find myself breaking the intensity of his gaze just so that I can try to form a coherent sentence, but Bentley is not going to let me off so easily.
Reaching his hand up, he grips my chin and turns my face back towards him. “You can't or you won't Logan?” He asks, his face so close that his intoxicating scent dances around me, temporarily blinding me.
“Isn't it the same thing?” I ask weakly, wanting desperately to break his gaze but knowing he won't allow me to do so. His eyes stay firmly on mine, the crispness of their blue nearly hypnotizing. I can't help but mentally count the specks of gold and green that only make the color more intense. More beautiful.
“You know that it isn't.” He says, cocking his head a little to one side and allowing his hand to drop away from my chin. Pulling back slightly, I let out a deep exhale, feeling like I have been holding my breath for minutes.
“I really should get back to my friend.” I say, for the first time gesturing towards Andrea. He turns slightly to where she is sitting, talking to the two men like she doesn't have a care in the world.
“Seems like she is just fine without you.” He says, his smile once again pulling up the corners of his beautiful mouth. His lips are so full that it physically hurts not to lean over and press mine against them. What the hell is wrong with me?
“Bentley, look....” I start, but he immediately cuts me off.
“What are you afraid of Logan?” He asks, taking both of my hands in his as he stares deeply into my eyes.
“You.” The word falls off my lips before I can take it back and I immediately try to figure out the expression that crosses his face. Pain? Regret? Fearful that I hurt his feelings, I immediately jump to explain myself.
“I mean....” I start, but once again he cuts me off.
“I know what you meant.” His tone is deep and there is an understanding there that I didn't quite expect. Or maybe I did. Hell, I don't know if I understand anything anymore, let alone the man in front of me. “Let me prove you wrong.” He says, squeezing my hands lightly.
“That's what I'm afraid of.” I admit, feeling oddly out of place by this conversation. A shadow crosses beside us pulling my attention to my left where Andrea has just approached. Pulling my hands back, I glance to Andrea and then back to Bentley, seeing the understanding cross her features as she gets a good look at the man sitting across from me. I know she recognizes him. It's not everyday that you meet a man that looks like Bentley Reed.
“Hi.” She squeaks, turning towards Bentley and holding her hand out. Without looking at me, he quickly stands and takes her hand, giving it a light shake. “I'm Andrea.” She says, blood rushing to her cheeks as he gives her one of his heart stopping smiles.
“Bentley Reed.” He says, pulling his hand away. “It's very nice to meet you Andrea.” He says, stepping to the side when I finally decide to scramble to my feet.
“He stays here sometimes.” I immediately start explaining. “He just came over to say hello.” I say, flipping my eyes to his, silently begging him to just say goodbye and walk away.
“That's awesome.” Her smile grows even wider. “You should have dinner with us tonight.” She says, throwing me a wink when the color rushes from my face.
“No, he's probably way too busy.” I say, my voice clenched tightly as I try to telepathically tell my best friend to shut the hell up.
“I'd love to.” He answers just moments after the last word leaves my lips.
“Awesome.” She sings, her eyes sweeping across his face. I can tell immediately that she is also not immune to the beauty of the man in front of her. There is something so captivating about him and while I knew I wasn't alone in the smitten department, it's nice to see someone else react the same way. “We will be at the dock at eight.”
“I will be there.” He says, smiling his dimple filled smile at her. I can literally see her pulse quicken as she clenches her neck and takes a shaky breath in. As if he has no idea that she is melting down right in front of him, he smiles wider and then turns to me. “Eight.” He repeats, leaning in to place a gentle kiss to my cheek. “Until then.” His hot breath dances across my face as he pulls away.
“It was nice to meet you.” Andrea calls out just as he begins to walk away. Turning slightly, he smiles and nods.
“And you Ms. Johnson.” He says, acting like he doesn't even notice the way her legs wobble at the fact that he knows her last name. He is probably so used to the reaction he gets from women that he no longer even realizes that he does it, it's just part of who he is.
“Oh. My. God.” Andrea breathes, spinning to face me. “Oh. My......”
“God.” I say, finishing her sentence.
“Holy shit. That man is......”
“Yeah, I know.” I cut her off again.
“Yeah.” She breathes, looking back in the direction of where he just exited and then back to me.
As if suddenly realizing what she just got me into, I reach out and slap her across the arm lightly. “Hey!” She squeals playfully, jumping slightly.
“I can not believe you just did that to me.” I scold. “What part of, I'm trying to avoid him, did you not understand?”
“Are you kidding me right now?” She spins to face me head on. “That man is practically stalking you. Do you really think that he is going to just give up? At least this way I will be with you.” She says, giving me a reassuring smile.
“Awesome. Cause that's not gonna be awkward or anything.” I roll my eyes, immediately envisioning Andrea sitting across the table, leaning forward on her elbows watching our every move.
“Don't worry. Guy will be there too.” She says, her smile growing wider.
“Guy?” I question, looking to the table where Andrea had been moments before. The young beach bum is kicked back casually in his chair having a conversation with the man across from him but that doesn't stop his eyes from traveling in our direction either.
“There is nothing to weigh in on.” I protest, grabbing my things as well, before following her towards the pool exit.
“Then it's just dinner and you have nothing to worry about.” She smiles, pushing her way through the gate, leaving me following slowly behind.
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 at Allure and 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 please willingly join 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.
Stepping back, his eyes scan my face, no doubt looking for signs of sarcasm. I am not sure what he sees when he looks at me, but clearly he decides that whatever it is, he finally has me agreeing to what he wants and doesn't question it further. Smiling, he entwines his fingers with mine and waits until I step next to him before leading me to the beach hand in hand.
I slip off my heels the moment we reach the sand, stepping forward to let my feet sink into the warm grains that immediately swallow my toes. Bentley does the same, taking my heels and tossing them in the grass next to his shoes, before taking my hand once more and leading me further down the beach.
We walk several feet before I finally speak. Unsure of what to say, I ask the first obvious thing that pops into my head. “Where are we going?”
“You'll see.” He says, once again giving me no indication as to what he has planned for me tonight. “We're almost there.” He adds, throwing me a smile before turning his attention forward again.
“I don't get you.” I say, unintentionally speaking what I am thinking.
He laughs lightly but doesn't look in my direction as he continues walking. “What don't you get exactly?” He asks, eyes forward.
“You could have anyone you want.” I make an obvious statement.
“Is that a question?” He asks, his smile just as infectious from the side.
“So why are you here?” I ask, trying to keep my voice steady.
“I've already told you.” He says, slowing to a stop and turning to face me. “I'm here for you.”
“But why?” I can't stop the wor
ds from falling off my lips.
“Isn't it obvious?” He asks, cocking his head slightly as if he doesn't understand the question, even though I know he knows what I am really asking.
“It's confusing is what it is.” I laugh at myself, feeling a weight lift from just simply saying what it is that I feel.
He laughs lightly, contemplating my words for a moment before finally responding. “I apologize if my actions seem over the top or confusing. As you said, in not so many words, I have never had to chase a woman before. This whole thing is very new to me.”
“So that's what this is then?” I ask.
“I don't know what this is.” He admits, reaching out to trail his hand down my jaw. “All I know.” He says, letting his hand fall to my bare shoulder and then down my arm, his fingertips grazing softly across my flesh causing my skin to prickle. “Is that I crave you.” His words get lost as the wind whips through the air and his mouth closes down on mine.
They echo over and over again through my head like a broken record on repeat as his tongue works long sweeps inside of my mouth and his hands pull my body flush against his. I want to fight against it. I want to find that cool confidence that I fake in situations like this to pull myself away but I can't muster the strength to do it. Honestly, if he wanted to take me right here and now in plain view of anyone from the land above, I think I would let him.
He slows the kiss, eventually breaking away from my mouth on a breathless exhale. Pulling back, his eyes bounce back and forth between mine, desperately trying to gauge my reaction. Just trying to break the heaviness of the moment, I say the first thing that comes to my mind.
“I thought you were going to feed me.” I say, laughing when a bright smile lights up his face.
You and I Alone Page 15