She smiled. “Sounds good.”
“It’s a date.” For the first time in his life, the words held weight. The fear was still there, but the alternative was to let her go. And maybe his father was right after all, because not being able to let her go would be his weakness.
Chapter 28
Bently
Bently swirled, swatting his hand out to reach for the ball. TJ was quick, but not quick enough this time. His fingers caught the tip, sending the basketball bouncing off the backboard and missing the rim. Bently winced and rubbed his side at the lingering stiffness.
“Foul!” Belle’s sweet voice called from the sidelines.
Bently rested his hands on his hips, catching his breath. “How was that a foul?”
“Hey, don’t argue with the ref or you’re out!” She laughed.
He shook his head. “You believe this?” he asked TJ.
TJ dribbled the ball. “Man, I learned a long time ago, life is much better when I don’t argue with my sister.”
Bently chuckled. “Alright, you get in here, ref. You can be on TJ’s team.”
“Nah, I’m just an observer.” She waved dismissively.
He stalked over and grabbed her hand, pulling her onto the court.
“Bently, I’m still in my scrubs and work shoes,” she protested.
“Doesn’t bother me any.” He swatted her ass playfully.
Her brows knit together, but amusement lit in her eyes. “You’re gonna get schooled, old man.”
He slapped a hand over his heart and grimaced. “Old man? Well, tell me how you really think of me.”
“You’re what, thirty-five?” She giggled.
“Try thirty-two.”
“Eight years older than me.” She smiled.
His breath stalled. “You’re only twenty-four?” How had this not come up before?
“You thought I was older?” She narrowed her eyes at him.
He held up his hands, placating. “No, no. I just. Damn. I didn’t realize I was so much older than you.”
She smiled. “It doesn’t bother me. It just means you’ll be easier to take down.”
He chuckled. “Let her start with the ball,” he said, before TJ bounced the ball to her.
Belle caught it and dribbled it awkwardly at the half line. Bently held his arms up to block any chance of a pass. She looked at him as if he intimidated her, before a mask of determination schooled her features.
She turned around, facing away, dribbling as she backed into him.
“Over here!” TJ called from her left. Bently quickly pressed his body against hers, blocking the path.
He reached out, trailing his hand down her hip and over her ass.
“Hey! That’s definitely a foul.” She giggled.
“Oh yeah? You mean this is distracting you?” He squeezed.
She pushed back, grinding her ass against his hard-on. “Two can play this game.”
He wrapped his arms around her and picked her up. She screeched. The ball was thrown over his shoulder where TJ caught it and dribbled towards the hoop before it swished into the net.
“We won!” Belle cheered.
He bent to her ear. “Nah, I think I’m the real winner.”
She turned, surprise and wonderment lighting her features. She leaned in, drawing her lips against his, tasting him, tentatively. He kissed her back, nipping at her bottom lip.
“Ahhh. Come on, guys. Get a room!” TJ yelled.
Belle’s body stiffened.
He pulled back, laughing and pretending he didn’t notice. That was information he’d have to earn. He of all people understood what it was like to want to keep your demons buried.
“You guys in the mood for pizza?”
“Yes!” TJ quickly agreed.
“Sure.” Belle smiled.
He was starving, but it wasn’t food he was craving. But he’d be fasting until Belle gave him the go-ahead.
***
The three of them sat around the checkered tablecloth, enjoying their pizza at Pirate’s Pizzeria.
“How did Cam like the tickets?” Bently asked TJ.
TJ sipped his chocolate milk before answering. He smiled, eyes glimmering. “She loved them. I can’t wait to take her.”
“Bently, are you giving my brother dating advice?” Belle teased.
He shrugged. “I don’t want to brag, but I know a thing or two about how to woo a woman.” He winked.
Belle shook her head and smiled.
“Do you guys have any plans for Thanksgiving this year?”
“I work until three,” Belle answered.
“Well, consider yourselves invited to Remy’s. She said not to worry about bringing anything unless there’s something special you wanted. And, since my brother doesn’t drink, it’s kind of BYOB,” he explained.
“Okay. I think that would be nice. We’ve never actually celebrated before.” She smiled.
He swallowed. He had always had Mr. and Mrs. Stone, Andre’s parents, who invited them to their family events. To think of Belle and TJ all alone, holiday after holiday, made his chest ache.
“Well, now’s your chance to see what all the fuss is about. What about you, TJ?”
“I don’t know. I wouldn’t want to crash their party.” He looked away.
“You’re invited, no crashing needed. Plus, the more the merrier. They’re good people.”
TJ shrugged. “Will there be more of that casserole your sister made last time?”
Bently chuckled. “She makes a lot of food. I promise you won’t be disappointed.”
“I’m in.” TJ smiled.
***
Later that evening, Bently walked Belle and TJ to the car.
“Night, Bently,” TJ said, climbing in the passenger side.
“Night, buddy.”
He grabbed Belle’s hand, weaving his fingers through hers. He led her to the driver’s side, pinning her back against the car. He supported his hands against the roof as he leaned down and kissed her. He dipped his tongue inside her mouth, savoring her sweetness. She moaned, sending a direct bolt of lust through his dick. The woman was pure temptation—nothing but seduction wrapped in lace and coated in allure.
She was the one to pull back first. Her hand rested against his cheek, rubbing her thumb against his overgrown stubble. She licked her lips. His body pulsed and throbbed. What is this woman doing to me?
“I had a nice time tonight,” Belle said.
“When is your next night off?”
“I have a mini-weekend. Saturday and Sunday,” she answered.
He grinned. “Pack an overnight bag. I’ll pick you up Saturday at ten. Tell TJ not to wait up for you.”
Unease flickered through her expression. Bently caressed her cheek before lifting her chin to look him in the eyes. “I’m not expecting anything.
