Feels Like Love by Jenna Hartley

Chapter Sixteen

“Good morning,” I said, entering the kitchen with a yawn. God, I was tired. But man was it worth it for that kiss.

I smiled. I still couldn’t believe it. Bennett had kissed me!

After a lifetime of crushing on him, I no longer had to wonder what his lips tasted like. How his hair would feel in my hands. Now I knew—kissing him was incredible.

“Morning, little bird.” Bennett smiled and handed me a fresh cup of coffee.

His hair was mussed, and I longed to run my fingers through it again. I wished he’d take his shirt off too. Though now that I knew what was underneath…mm. Yum. Maybe it was a good thing he was covered up—at least when River was around.

“Thank you,” I said, taking a sip. “You always take such good care of me.”

“My pleasure.” He flashed me a wicked grin, and I knew he was referring to last night. We’d stayed up for hours talking and kissing—“practicing.” It had to be one of my favorite memories with him.

His hands gripping my hips, exploring me over my clothes. The feel of his stomach and chest as I touched him, completely uninhibited. His fervent kisses, our shared groans.

“I see bubbles, B!” River called, bouncing on the step stool with excitement.

I blinked a few times, snapping out of the fantasy as I glanced toward my son. River was still in his pajamas—a silky purple princess nightgown he adored. His hair was a mess, but his eyes were alight with happiness.

“Remember, BB,” Bennett said, and I assumed that was short for Butter Bean. “We have to be careful around the stove. Dance parties are for the living room. ’Kay?”

River immediately snapped to attention and stopped wiggling around. “Right. Yes. Of course, B.”

“Okay.” I could hear the smile in Bennett’s voice. “Those look good. You ready?”

“He’s going to flip them?” I asked. I enjoyed cooking with River, but usually I had him help measure or mix, not use the stove. I was too afraid he’d get burned.

“Yep.” Bennett glanced at me over his shoulder and smiled in encouragement. “He’s done several already. And he’s doing great.”

I couldn’t see River’s face, but he went really still, and I held my breath while he pushed the spatula into the pan. I waited until he’d flipped all three pancakes and set the spatula back down to say, “Wow, Riv. That’s amazing.”

Bennett ruffled River’s hair. “Good job, bud.”

“Looks like I’m not the only one you’re helping learn a new skill,” I teased.

When Bennett’s eyes met mine, they were dark with lust. My lips tingled just thinking about last night, and I wanted him to kiss me again. To kiss more than just my lips and my neck. To go further.

“River,” Bennett said, his eyes never leaving mine. “Can you set the table? I need your mom’s help with something in the other room.”

“Sure thing!” River hopped down and set to work.

I followed Bennett to the laundry room, but before I could ask what was up, his lips were on mine. His body pressing mine against the wall. I smiled into the kiss, quickly losing myself in this man and his touch. We were breathless and acting recklessly, and I’d never been so turned on in my entire life.

Judging from Bennett’s hard-on nudging my stomach, he felt the same. Desire pooled in my core, and I slid my hands down his back, grabbing his butt and pulling him closer. Needing him closer still. Too many clothes. Too much fabric between us.

“Hi.” He smiled, and my heart flip-flopped in my chest.

He was the same Bennett but somehow different. We were the same but somehow more than we’d ever been.

“Hi.” I grinned right back at him.

And then River called, “Mom? Bennett?”

I squeezed my eyes shut and then released him. What the heck was that? With a heavy sigh, Bennett tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.

“Mom?” River’s footsteps echoed in the hallway. He was getting close. “Where are you guys?”

With great reluctance, I stepped away from Bennett and over to the dryer. “In here, buddy.” The door opened, and River popped his head inside. “All cleared up?” I asked Bennett.

“Yeah. Thanks for your help.” He winked. “Though I might need your assistance again later.”

“Absolutely. Anytime.” I smiled so hard my cheeks hurt.

He’d kissed me. Bennett freaking Nash had kissed me. Not because I’d asked him to. Not for “practice.” But because he wanted to.

We followed River back down the hall, and Bennett gave my hip a squeeze as we reached the kitchen. I grinned at him over my shoulder, amused by his hooded expression. Eyes glued to my butt.

“Breakfast is served,” River said with a flourish.

“Wow, Riv,” I said, surveying the counter. A plate piled high with pancakes, sliced fruit, freshly squeezed orange juice. “This looks amazing. I’m so proud of you.”

He beamed. “Thanks, Mom! Does this mean I can have a puppy now?”

I laughed. River was obsessed with the idea of getting a dog. We’d been talking about responsibility and what it took to care for a pet, and he’d been doing everything to try to prove that he was ready to take that on.

“We’ll see,” I said. “Keep up the good work.”

We were just about to sit down to breakfast when the doorbell rang. River hopped off the step stool and ran over to the window to see out front. I frowned, wondering who it was. But then I peered through the peephole and saw Liam standing on the porch.

Huh? What’s he doing here?

Not that he didn’t pop by from time to time, but still… I hesitated a moment, knowing the dynamics would change the minute Liam crossed the threshold. There would be no more flirting with Bennett or stolen kisses. And as much as I loved my brother, I wished I could stay in this bubble with River and Bennett. Pretending we were a family eating pancakes on a Sunday morning. Not feeling guilty about what I’d done.

River practically yelled, “Mom, what are you waiting for?” and I knew I had to open the door. The neighbors at the end of the block had probably heard him.

“Liam, hey.” I forced a smile.

“What the fuck are you wearing?”

I glanced down, noticing the same pajamas I’d had on the night before. A silky button-down shirt and a pair of matching shorts that came about mid-thigh.

“Pajamas.” I leaned in and lowered my voice. “And watch your language around River.”

Liam glared at me, and I could feel the anger vibrating off him. His shoulder brushed against mine as he marched past me to join River and Bennett in the kitchen. What’s his problem?

“Good morning to you too,” I muttered.

“Uncle Liam!” River skipped around the living room before giving my brother a hug.

“Hey, kiddo. What are you up to?”

“Bennett’s teaching me how to make pancakes. I get to flip them and everything.”

“Wow. That’s pretty cool.”

“Do you want to try some?” River asked Liam before turning to me. “Mom, pretty please. Can he stay?”

“What?” I snapped before taking a breath and smiling. “Yeah. Of course. Come in. Come in. River, set another place at the table.”

My phone chimed from the bedroom, and I called, “I’ll be back in a second,” before I went to check it.

Harper: Looks like you’re a local celebrity.

Huh?

I clicked the link she’d sent, and it opened on The Vine and a blurry image of Arlo and me outside the bakery, side by side with one of Bennett and me walking in downtown Alondra. Was this a joke? Thankfully, River wasn’t in the shot, or I would’ve been even more pissed. But I could see the flutter of his hand from behind Bennett’s leg.

I stared at the photos, horrified. And then I forced myself to keep scrolling.

Lucky in Love

Is sweet Wren Beaudin finally getting lucky in love? After years, it looks like the single mom and resident town photographer has taken on the role of AV’s local bachelorette.

Who will she give her rose to?

The mysterious newcomer or our beloved local vet, Bennett Nash? Neither is a bad choice. Though I, for one, would be sad to see Dr. Sexy off the market.

<3 V

I swallowed hard then shutthe door to my room and locked it before calling Harper. She answered on the first ring.

“What the hell?” I asked. “Why did they post this? The Vine never posts about me.”

“I don’t know, Wren. But you better hope your brother doesn’t see it. Maybe you can—”

I blinked a few times, completely missing the end of her sentence. “Shit. My brother.” I glanced toward the closed door. “He’s here now. Gotta go.”

I hung up the phone and debated throwing on a robe before heading out but decided better of it. River and Bennett were laughing about something, and Liam appeared to be stewing over his coffee. While I wanted to blame it on the fact that he was a coffee snob, I had a feeling his expression had nothing to do with the latte and everything to do with the post on The Vine. It was the only explanation I had for his impromptu visit, and his hostile behavior this morning.

“Bennett, can you take River outside for a sec to water the plants on the back patio?”

River frowned. “We watered them yesterday.”

“I, uh, I forgot the ones in the corner. Can you please take care of them with Bennett?”

Bennett frowned, his expression matching River’s as he glanced between Liam and me. Finally, he nodded. “Sure. Come on, Riv.” He placed his hand on my son’s shoulder, ushering him outside.

“What’s up with you and Bennett?” Liam asked as soon as the two of them were outside.

“Bennett is staying here, as per your request.”

“Anything else?” he asked.

“Like what?”

“Like…are you sleeping with my best friend?”

My heart raced, but I tried to remain outwardly calm. “Oh please.” I rolled my eyes. “Don’t tell me you actually read that stupid gossip blog.”

“Answer the question,” he ground out.

“No.” I’d leave my answer open to Liam’s interpretation. Was I saying no to his demand that I answer the question or no to sleeping with his best friend?

Was I kissing Bennett? Yes.

Fantasizing about him? For sure.

But sleeping with Bennett? I could honestly answer no.

Now, if Liam had asked if I wanted to, that would’ve been a different story.

Liam regarded me a moment before his shoulders relaxed. Some of the tension leaked out of me until he asked, “Are you seeing anyone else?”

“I’ve been dating, yes.” I really didn’t want to get into this with him.

“Who?” he asked.

“Liam,” I sighed. “If and when I want to introduce you to him, I will.”

He arched a brow. “So, it’s serious.”

“We went out once, and we’re supposed to go on a second date soon.” I rolled my eyes and headed into the kitchen. I wasn’t going to tell him that I was also chatting with Ben regularly, though we still hadn’t met up. “I would hardly call it serious.”

“I don’t like it, Wren.”

“You don’t have to,” I said, turning toward the kitchen. “Because it’s none of your business.”

“Of course, it’s my business,” he sighed while I started wiping down the counter. “You’re my sister, and I will always look out for you.”

“It’s not like anything’s going to happen with Bennett living here. It’s hard enough to contemplate bringing a guy home with River down the hall.”

He smirked. “Good.”

Seriously?

I slammed the sponge against the counter, blood boiling with rage. “Why do you get to have sex, and I don’t?”

“Because when I have sex, it’s just that. There are no feelings involved. And there are no children to consider.”

I scoffed. “You have such a double standard. I’m not going to remain celibate the rest of my life.”

“Ugh.” He cringed, turning away and popping a strawberry into his mouth. “I don’t want to talk about this.”

“Oh, but it’s okay for you to ask if I’m sleeping with your best friend?” When he remained silent, I said, “You’re the one who brought it up. You’re the one who’s always butting into my love life, or lack thereof. And I’m sick of it. You need to stop.”

“Wren, come on. Can you blame me after what happened with Kade?”

I pressed my palms to the counter but tried to remain calm. I’d made one mistake. One mistake that still haunted me, mostly because my brother wouldn’t let me forget it. Kade was an emotionally abusive asshole. Bennett and the few men I’d dated since were nothing like Kade.

“Give me a little credit. That was over seven years ago. I’ve grown up a lot since then.”

He rubbed the back of his neck. “Okay. So, maybe I’ve been an ass, but I remember what it was like after Kade left. He really did a number on you. And I don’t want you to get hurt again.”

“Thank you.” I straightened. “And I appreciate everything you’ve done, but I’m a big girl. I can handle myself.”

The back door opened, and River bounced through. Bennett glanced between Liam and me, his eyes landing on my face, silently questioning if I was okay. I nodded, and he seemed to relax.

After that, we filled our plates and sat down at the table. Liam and Bennett told River stories about all of us growing up, and River delighted in them. As I glanced between three of the most important men in my life, I was reminded of the value of friendship. Of the place that Bennett had always occupied in our family. And I worried that my brother was right. That I couldn’t separate my feelings from sex.

Bennett and I may not have slept together, but we’d definitely crossed a line. And I feared if we continued on this path, we wouldn’t be able to come back from it. That we’d ruin everything.

After breakfast, Liam, Bennett, and River left for the park, and I cleaned the dishes. I wondered if Liam would ask Bennett about me, but I hoped he’d drop it. I’d answered his question honestly, even if I felt icky about it. It hadn’t been an outright lie, but it hadn’t been the full truth either.

As I edited photos on my couch and reread the post on The Vine for the millionth time, I thought about what Liam had said. About not wanting me to get hurt. Was it any wonder I doubted my choices in men? Even so, if I was willing to put myself out there, he could at least be supportive.

I sighed and set my computer aside when a text message came in from Harper.

Harper: Is everyone still alive?

Me: Ha-ha. And yes.

Harper: Want to come over and wine about it?

I laughed, knowing that Enzo and Aiden were out watching a soccer game.

Me: Yeah. That sounds perfect.

When I arrived at Harper’s, she ushered me inside and poured us both drinks before we dove into the charcuterie board. It was beautifully done and worthy of a magazine spread.

“Did you make this?” I asked, biting into a piece of cheese.

“Yeah.”

I grinned, admiring her handiwork. “Wow. I love the prosciutto roses. Very impressive.”

“Thanks. Juliana’s influence.” She grinned. “So…”

“So, Liam straight up asked me if Bennett and I were sleeping together.”

She took a sip of wine, brow arched. “Are you?” When I took too long to answer, she asked, “Wren?”

“No.” I rolled my lips between my teeth. I debated telling her, but I couldn’t hold it in any longer. “But we’ve kissed.”

“Yas! I knew it.” She fist-pumped the air.

I curled my legs beneath me. “What?”

“I knew you had a thing for him.”

“Yeah, but now I’m lying to my brother and jeopardizing their relationship.” I didn’t mention the coaching. It was too embarrassing. And for a moment, it was fun to gush with a girlfriend. To feel like anything could happen, even when I knew it was impossible.

“You know my friend Alexis?”

I nodded. I’d met Harper’s friends, Alexis, Juliana, and Lauren, when they’d come to visit. Though, I’d spent the most time with Juliana since she visited more often than the others.

“Alexis’s husband, Preston, used to be her daughter’s nanny.”

I tried not to react, but I couldn’t help it. My jaw dropped. “Her nanny?”

“Yes. And she really struggled with that. And Alexis’s business partner, Wolfe—” She shook her head, clearly trying not to smile. “He’s married to his best friend’s daughter. His daughter.”

“Wow.” I blinked a few times. “That’s…that must be quite the age gap.”

She nodded. “At least twenty years, but you wouldn’t know it because Sumner and Wolfe belong together. Everyone can see it.”

“Even her dad?” I asked.

“I don’t know all the details, but eventually, he came around. He even walked Sumner down the aisle and served as Wolfe’s best man.”

I nodded, trying to absorb all that information. Even so, I couldn’t imagine Liam ever “coming around.” And if that really was the case, was I willing to cut my brother out of my life? Was I willing to ruin Bennett’s oldest and most important friendship? What about River and how this would affect him?

I was getting ahead of myself.

“You don’t know how Liam will react until you give him the chance.”

I scoffed. “Oh. I know exactly how he’ll react. And it won’t be pretty.”

“Even so, it was just a kiss,” Harper said, but it was so much more than that. At least for me. “And your brother needs to grow up.”

I laughed and lifted my glass to toast hers. That’s right. Why did my brother get to have all the fun?