Plus, the obscene amount of flowers covering my kitchen island right now. Like I live in a greenhouse or something.
Somehow, I string together a strategy that makes sense. “Targeted expression. Quality large caps, defined risk, staged entry. I’m not paying up for crowded momentum.”
Bill makes a note, and the rest of the group nods in agreement.
I catch Bennett stretching out of the corner of my eye. He’s rolling his wrists, the tattoo on his forearm flashing as he moves. I tap my pen on my notepad.
Tap, tap, tap.
“Right.” I snap back to the call. “Send me sizing and vehicles after this call.”
I clear my throat and cross my ankles, more than ready to be done with this meeting.
“Good. We’re aligned. I’ll follow up with final allocations once I’ve reviewed your draft. Thank you.” I rip the headset off and click End before Bill figures out how to exit the Zoom call.
“We need to talk.” Bennett’s voice is low and serious, sending heat straight to my core.
I force my shoulders down and spin around slowly in my chair. Bennett’s already standing.
No easy smile. No cocky grin.
All business.
A ripple of anticipation slides down my spine as he moves toward me. Sunlight streams through the window and catches the gold in his waves, the hard line of his jaw.
“Is this because I didn’t send you a thank you text after delivery number two?” I narrow my eyes at him, forcing the joke.
He doesn’t laugh.
“No, Tori. It’s not. I see you were busy.”
My fingers toy with the chain at my neck, tracing the smooth metal as my heart races.
Bennett steps closer and reaches in, stilling my fingers on the necklace. His thumb brushes the spot where my pulse jumps and I suck in a quick breath. I wrap my handaround his wrist and rise, standing. He towers over me without my heels, and I’m painfully aware of how much space he commands.
“About?” I make the question sound casual, my voice tipping up.
“About us.” His intense gaze lands on mine and heat unfurls low in my belly. “Last night you said we need to think, not be reckless.”
I lick my lower lip, more nervous than when I’m moving seven figures with one click. I haven’t been with anyone since Preston, and that feels like lifetimes ago now.
“Right. You have everything on the line, Bennett. I’m supposed to make sure you don’t screw things up — not help you do it.”
He brushes my cheek with his knuckles. “Sunshine, you wouldn’t be screwing anything up.”
“I don’t blur lines.” I swallow hard over the lump in my throat, my voice shaky.
“Tori—” Bennett closes the small gap between us, his large hands landing on my hips. “I’m messy. Facts. And I want to blur lines. Right now. With you.”
God help me, I want that, too. More than anything.
I hesitate for a second, holding my breath.
This whole thing could blow up. Worse than Preston, and that breakup shook me.
I should tell him no. Let him walk out of here and forget anything ever happened between us.
It’s the safe thing to do.
