Page 28 (1/2)

“You’re right” He s my cheek “But that’s even more reason to tell Rick”

I know he’s htness in ut any time I picture ineokay with it, maybe, after some persuasion

But dad?

I can’t i it

“I don’t know if I can, not yet I know that makes me a coward”

“We can’t avoid it Not noe both knoe feel,” he says sternly

“I get that But I just need some time Is that okay?”

Bennet opens his mouth as if to speak – as if to tell me no – but then he bites down on his words and nods “We can’t avoid it forever, Rory But for you, we can wait a little while”

Cowardly relief flows through me

But Bennet’s right

The clock is ticking, counting down to the moment where we have to reveal the whole messy truth to my dad

“Maybe we can just take thisthis is?” I say, pushing in You want me the same way I want you”

The same way I’ve alanted him, I almost add, but I’m conscious that Bennet understandably doesn’t like to be reminded of my childhood crush

“You’re right” He hugsdown to kiss the top ofelse can wait”

I sink gratefully into the ar to my man’s heartbeat

That’s not even silly to think anymore

My man

Everything would be so perfect if it weren’t for one simple unavoidable fact

We’re betraying ether

Ignoring the nasty voice of truth inof ive to ive him mine

Forever

Chapter Sixteen

Bennet

I guide the car across the bridge, the lights of the city beckoning

Lorelei has that cute smile on her face, a little unsure as she thinks about the full importance of e shared

She feels the same