Rikky sighed. “Thatwasn’t what my father ordered me to do.”
Rikky’s explanation on why he’d done what he done had soothed Harper enough not to lunge for him or try to attack anymore, but I knew getting them to ever like each other was going to be a near impossible task. But we had time, and I was determined not to let either of them go.
The rest of dinner was tense. Rikky and Harper were both quiet. Ma had given me a look as we came to sit back down, silently asking me if everything was okay, and after I’d nodded,she’d carried on like my boyfriend hadn’t been about to stab my best friend with a butter knife at the dinner table.
Harper didn’t eat much. I’d been tempted to reach for his fork and feed him like I usually did, but considering he wouldn’t even hold my hand under the table, I didn’t think he’d react well to it.
We finished up and Matthew started to carry the dishes to the kitchen before Ma could get to them. “He cleans too,” she whispered to Rachel with a wink, and I shuddered.
I wasn’t against her being interested in someone, she’d had casual dates with men and women over the past few years, but this was basically Harper’sdad. It was weird.
Rikky left as soon as he cleared his plate to the kitchen, and the moment he was out of the house, Harper seemed more tired and less guarded.
“Want to come stay with me tonight?” I whispered as I reached under the table for his hand again. This time, he let me.
He nodded and leaned until his head rested on my shoulder. Relief eased the knots still in my chest and the worry that he’d try to put distance between us again.
He didn’t eat dessert either, but now that I knew he was coming home with me, I’d just feed him once we were alone.
“Coming with me, or staying?” Matthew asked once everything was clean again.
“Staying with Benny,” Harper answered.
Matthew nodded. “I’ll pick you up in the morning, unless of course you aren’t feeling well. Just let me know.”
Harper nodded.
Ma walked Matthew to his car, and they were outside for a long time before she returned looking absolutely giddy. I tried not to think about it too much.
Then we said our goodbyes. I promised the boys I’d play with them next time instead, and I took my man home.
I fed him. I showered him. Then I tucked him into bed, and kept his body warm and safe with mine as we slept.
thirty-five
Benny
SHARK EYES.
“There’s a man here to see you,” Riley said from the doorway.
“Thanks, Ri. I’ll be right out.”
He nodded and let it close as he left the breakroom. I put the lid back on my lunch, sent my reply to Harper, and then pocketed my phone. I loved that he’d text me throughout the day now, but it still never felt like I got enough of him. I wanted him with me every day, every moment.
I’d gladly leave this place to Riley and Georgio just to kneel at his feet under his desk all day. At least then I’d have something to do.
A short man in a well-fitted suit waited in the reception area. He was looking through one of the membership pamphlets that Riley kept by the counter. He put it back when he noticed me approaching, and a wide grin spread across his features as pale eyes took me in.
“Benjamin Forrester, in the flesh.” He held his hand out to shake, and I accepted it, his grip firmer than expected.
“Just Benny is fine.”
“Sure.” His eyes turned to take in the gym behind me. “Wonderful place you have here. Mind giving me a tour?”
“Of course.”
It wasn’t uncommon for fans or other athletes to want a personal tour, and while the man seemed fit, he didn’t seem like an athlete to me.
