Despite the chaos that just happened with Tara, I can’t wipe the smile off my face. Ben made some kind of statement aboutus, publicly, right after he expressed his feelings to me…in private.
“You’re blushing.” Kit ribs as we cross the street.
I bite my lip. “Sorry. I can’t help it.”
“Don’t be sorry, I don’t blame you. A guy who’s gonna claim me in front of an audience, especially if he’s as hot as Ben, I’d be blushing, too. And for the record, I amnotthe kind of girl who blushes.”
An unsettling thought pops up out of nowhere, and I test the waters even though I’m not sure I want to know the truth. “How long have you two known each other?”
“Pretty much my whole life, and before you even ask, no. We’ve never slept together, not even close.” She shudders. “He’s like the brother I never had, and if it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t have been able to open Bar Someday.” I must look confused. “He technically owns it, but it’smybar, hence the decor. As soon as I have enough money and good enough credit, I’ll buy him out.”
I hum. “I didn’t know that. Then again, there’s a lot I don’t know.”
“Oh, you’ll get filled in soon enough. If not by Ben, then someone else around here will happily spread the gossip. Onething Icantell you right now is that you don’t have to worry about Tara…just feel sorry for her,” Kit assures me.
I already pitied her because Icanrelate. I know what it’s like to want Bennett Lawson and the crushing pain of him not wanting you back.
Once we arrive at the back of the building, I unlock the bolt, then prop the door open with my foot. “Well, it was unnecessary, but thanks for walking me home.”
She leans in for a hug, and I’m shocked by the strength in that little squeeze—Ben wasn’t lying. She steps back and waits until she has my full attention. “I don’t know all the details, but after what happened, I’ve never seen him so messed up, and it had nothing to do with the shooting.”
“But I—”
“You came here for his help, but then he kind of forced your hand to stay. He obviously wants you here, Annie. I’ve never seen him like he was with you tonight. You don’t know me, and you don’t owe me anything, but I’m still gonna ask you a favor.”
“What’s that?”
“Don’t stay if you’re only here because he’s keeping you safe.”
For a second, I’m offended. “You’re working, so it’s not the time to explain myself, but—”
“I’m not asking for that, seriously.”
“For what it’s worth, the guy who was stalking me is dead. I’m already safe, Kit, so that’s not why I’m staying.”
“Good.” She pulls her phone out of her back pocket. “We’ll do a girls’ night soon, and I’ll actually show you all that Matchbook has to offer.”
“Parker’s funny, but I still can’t believe it took me that long to realize who he was.”
She rolls her eyes. “Parker’s good at making women think he’s someone he’s not. What’s your number? I’ll text you mine.”
There’s definitely a story there. I rattle off my number, and a second later, my phone dings. “Thanks again.”
“Anytime. See ya soon!”
I go to my loft and straight to the window so I can make sure Kit makes it back. Once she’s safely inside, I unlock my phone to program her number, and when I do, I notice an email from Willa. I take a breath before opening it, and when I read she wants me to come in tomorrow to finish the paperwork, I do a little happy dance before replying.
I reach to close the curtain but do a double take. I think there’s a guy under the streetlight by Burger & Biscuit. I blink, but when I look again, he’s gone.
Meow, meow. Joan Wick wakes me up, and I pull the covers over my head.Meow, meow.
“Stop. It’s too early.”
She hisses in protest.
Groaning, I toss the sheet off my face, then hear a vibration on my nightstand.Shit.“Hello?”
“Hey.”
