Dakota paused the episode of some reality show he wasn't really watching, his hand hovering over the remote. Another knock, louder this time, more insistent. His stomach dropped in a way that felt like anticipation and dread having a very uncomfortable collision.
He pushed off the couch, bare feet silent on the cheap laminate flooring as he approached the door. The peephole showed him exactly what he’d feared the moment that first knock had sounded.
Bennett.
Standing in the hallway like he had every right to be there, his blond hair perfectly styled even at this hour, wearing clothes that probably cost more than Dakota’s monthly rent. He had that same easy smile on his face, the one that had made Dakota ignore every red flag for six months because options in Cedar Falls were limited and Bennett had seemed interested.
Dakota’s hand gripped the doorknob, his pulse picking up in a way that made his ears ring. How did Bennett even know where he lived? Dakota had been so careful, had made sure not to leave any forwarding information when he’d packed up his life in the middle of the night and driven eight hours to this town specifically because it was small and forgettable and somewhere Bennett would never think to look.
Apparently, he’d thought wrong.
Another knock and Bennett’s voice filtered through the door. “Dakota? I know you’re in there. I can hear the television.”
Well, that was creepy. Dakota’s fingers tightened on the doorknob until his knuckles went white. He could pretend he wasn't home, could stay silent until Bennett gave up and left. But the television was still on, the blue light probably visible under the door, and Bennett had already proven he knew exactly where to find him.
The lock turned under Dakota’s hand before he’d consciously decided to open it. Bad idea. This was definitely a bad idea. But his body moved anyway, pulling the door open just enough to see Bennett’s face while keeping the chain engaged.
“How did you find me?” The words came out flat, carefully empty of the anger currently making Dakota’s hands tremble.
Bennett’s smile widened, like Dakota had just said something charming instead of accusatory. “I have my ways. Can I come in? We should talk.”
“No.” Dakota kept his body blocking the narrow opening, his shoulder pressed against the doorframe. “We have nothing to talk about. I left. That was me communicating pretty clearly that whatever we had was over.”
“You left without saying goodbye.” Bennett’s tone shifted, taking on that wounded quality that used to make Dakota feel guilty. “Without explanation. I’ve been worried sick about you.”
The guilt tried to take root, familiar and insidious, but Dakota shoved it down. He’d learned that particular trick from six months of Bennett using it to manipulate every situation in his favor. “I don’t owe you an explanation. We were casual. You said so yourself multiple times.”
“I said that because I thought it was what you wanted to hear.” Bennett leaned closer, his hand coming up to rest against the door. “But the truth is I have feelings for you. Real feelings. And when you disappeared, I realized I couldn’t just let you go without telling you that.”
Dakota’s brain stuttered, trying to process words that contradicted everything Bennett had said during their entire relationship. Casual. No strings. Just fun. Those had been Bennett’s mantras, repeated every time Dakota had hinted at wanting something more substantial.
“You’re lying.” Dakota’s voice came out quieter than he’d intended, less certain. “You made it very clear that we weren't anything serious.”
“I was protecting myself.” Bennett’s expression shifted into something that looked almost vulnerable, his eyes going soft in a way Dakota had never seen before. “I’ve been hurt before. Badly. And I thought if I kept things casual, I wouldn't risk going through that again. But then you left, and I realized I'd rather risk the pain than lose you.”
The words should have sounded romantic. Should have been everything Dakota had wanted to hear six months ago when he’d started catching feelings despite knowing better. Instead, they just made his stomach twist with something that felt uncomfortably like suspicion.
“That’s great and all, but I’m not interested anymore.” Dakota started to close the door, but Bennett’s hand shot out, pressing against the wood to keep it open.
“Just give me five minutes.” Bennett’s smile had turned pleading, his body language shifting into something smaller, less threatening. “Five minutes to explain, and if you still want me to leave, I will. I promise.”
Dakota’s resolve wavered. Five minutes wasn't that long. And maybe if he let Bennett say whatever he needed to say, the man would finally accept that they were done and leave him alone. The alternative was standing here arguing through a chained door for who knew how long.
“Fine.” Dakota unlatched the chain, stepping back to let Bennett inside. “Five minutes. Then you leave.”
Bennett entered the apartment like he’d been there before, his eyes sweeping over the space with the kind of assessment that made Dakota feel exposed. The place was small, barely more than a studio with a separate bedroom, furnished with secondhand pieces still in good condition. But it was nothing like Bennett’s pristine house back in the town Dakota had left behind.
“Cozy.” Bennett’s tone suggested he meant the opposite, and Dakota felt his jaw tighten.
“You've got four and a half minutes left.” Dakota closed the door but didn’t lock it, keeping his escape route clear. “Start talking.”
Bennett turned to face him, and something in his expression had changed. The vulnerability from moments ago had vanished, replaced by something colder, more calculating. “I lied about the feelings part.”
Dakota blinked, his brain trying to catch up with the sudden shift. “What?”
“Well, not entirely.” Bennett moved closer, and Dakota found himself backing up automatically. “I do have feelings for you. Just not the kind you were probably hoping for.”
The apartment suddenly felt smaller, the walls pressing in as Dakota’s back hit the kitchen counter. “You said you had feelings. You said you couldn’t let me go.”
