“Why not? It’s true.”
I blow out a frustrated breath. “You give the reporters two minutes. Stay safe. Stay boring. Then you’re done.”
He sets his stick down, stepping around the island toward me. “You’re really into control, you know that?” His pupils are dark in the blue pools of his eyes, his body dangerously close to mine.
Heat flashes through me, chill bumps breaking out on my arms. “I’m not letting you tank this on camera.”
“I’m not tanking anything.” He picks the tape back up, tosses it in the air. “You’re the one in my condo, staring at my hands like you forgot how to blink.”
My pulse hammers hard. “I’m not staring.”
His gaze flicks to the gold chain around my neck, caught between my fingers. “Sure.”
I drop the necklace like it burned me. “Ask the question again.”
“I thought you were the reporter.” His voice is teasing.
“I am. And reporters don’t go off-script, get distracted.”
“You sure about that?” He smirks at me and I’m off kilter.
My phone buzzes and I snatch it off the counter, grateful for the interruption. The photo of my father flashes on the screen.
“Daddy?” I answer quickly, my voice bright.
“You with him?”
“Yes.”
Bennett tilts his head toward me and my stomach swoops.
“Good. Coach Keller’s running late. I’ll meet you at the arena. Make sure he sticks to the script.”
“Understood.” I nod, Bennett arching a brow in amusement.
“And Tori?” His tone is sharp, commanding.
“Yes?”
“This is about optics.”
My stomach knots. “Got it.”
Bennett steps closer, his clean scent hitting me and stealing my breath. Standing just close enough that I feel his heat.
“Tell him—” Bennett leans in, his warm breath skating over my skin. “That I’m under control.”
“He’s under control.” My voice comes out strangled, a persistent throb between my thighs.
Bennett’s lips twitch, smirking, and I tighten my grip on the phone.
“Great. See you soon.”
I hang up, setting my phone down with shaky hands.
Bennett doesn’t step back, the classical music still playing in the background. Like nothing’s shifted.
“Optics.” His voice is low, eyes pinned on my mouth. “Right?”
