Your Captivating Love (2 page)

“Hiccups” is putting it mildly. I’ve been saving for this ever since college and hoped to open the shop by the time I was twenty-five. Then life happened. My parents lost their jobs, and I moved back home to help them, which depleted my savings. I don’t regret it, though. I would do anything to help my parents. After they were back on their feet, I started saving again for my shop.

Then I met Thomas, and things went south once again. I shake my head, steeling myself. I won’t think about my ex now; he’s in the past, and that’s where he belongs. I bounced back after his betrayal, working harder than ever. This time, I’ll make it. Logan’s staring at me, a mix of worry and curiosity in his eyes.
Damn, am I so easy to read?

I give myself a mental slap. I have all the reasons to smile, after all. I moved to a new city, close to my best friend. I have a sexy man in front of me, who may or may not be flirting with me. He’s completely off-limits, but that’s something I’ll worry about later on.

“Anyway, I turned thirty a few months ago. If not now, when?” I smile at him genuinely. Oh, God. I just blurted out my age to a man, which I’ve never done. It’s all his fault; I just feel so at ease around him.

“If you want to do something, go for it. If there’s anything, we can do to help, tell me. After all, Bennett Enterprises is in the luxury industry too.”

“I know.” I don’t bother to hide the longing in my voice. “Your jewelry is so beautiful. I feel like crying every time I see photos in a magazine.”

“They make you cry?” He creases his forehead. “I would’ve hoped they made you smile.” Leaning in closer, he adds, “You light up when you smile.”

Right. He’s
definitely
flirting. I lick my lips, shifting my weight from one leg to another. The problem is I like his flirty side, and I have no business liking that. Since I broke up with Thomas, I’ve put up solid walls around me. Apparently, they’re not as solid as I thought, or maybe Logan is exceptionally good at dismantling them. At any rate, I will work on solidifying said walls.

Logan pulls back a notch. “Have you looked at retail spaces?” His tone is all businesslike now.

“Not yet. I’ve been busy finding a place to live. I’ll start hunting for a space next week.”

“I have a friend who’s an excellent realtor. I can hook you up with him.”

“That’d be great.” To have this practical stranger immediately offer his support is... Wow.

Logan’s stance changes from carefree to tense in a fraction of a second. “On second thought, I’ll go with you when you meet the first time.”

“It’s really not necessary.” I eye him curiously, trying to decipher the reason behind the change.

“I insist.”

“You don’t take no for an answer, do you?”

Not taking his eyes off me, he says, “Never.”

My skin tingles, my pulse pounding furiously. I whistle loudly, hoping to hide the effect he has on me. “I guess the things I’ve heard about you are true after all.”

“Ah. That didn’t earn me points for the ego thing, did it?”

“No, but I’m willing to wait for more proof.”

“Very generous of you. This realtor friend of mine is a notorious womanizer. I’d feel much better knowing you’re not meeting him alone.”

“I can take care of myself.”

“I have no doubt. I’m still coming with you,” he says.

“Who’s to say I’ll be safe with you? I just met you.”

“Ah, but I have the Bennett name to back me up. Haven’t you heard? I’m the nice brother. I’m safe and trustworthy.”

To his credit, Logan says this with a straight face, even though mischief flickers in his eyes. Ah, I love a man with humor. Unfortunately, I disagree with him. He may be trustworthy, but he’s not safe. A man who can make me laugh with a few words and ignite me with his gaze all at the same time is anything but safe.

“So, I’ll be joining you when you meet my friend.” His tone is final, and I don’t insist. I know how to pick my battles, and I have a suspicion there are many to come where Logan is concerned. “Now, I suggest we join the group inside. I’m starving.”

“Okay.”

I walk in front of Logan, sensing his eyes on me the whole way. My body simmers with awareness. I’m in big trouble, and I have a suspicion it’s about to get worse.

***

T
he dinner goes by fast and, at some point, Alice joins us. After dessert, Ava and Nadine inform us they’re leaving. To my surprise, this disappoints me.

“Nadine still has a lot to unpack, and I offered to help her,” Ava says. “You four have fun.”

As the two of them leave, I can’t help myself from glancing appreciatively at Nadine’s backside. I can proudly say I’m an ass man. I appreciate it in every shape, but Nadine’s is perfect. Every part of her is, and I’ve studied her plenty tonight. Her long, brown hair and tan complexion contrast starkly but beautifully with her blue eyes.

Her full breasts and the swell of her hips are mouth-watering. I was hoping she’d be hot or funny, and I got both. In fact, she’s so much more than that, I can’t even describe it. She was so full of energy and passion when she spoke about her store that I nearly kissed her... to check if she’d do that with as much passion too.

No sooner are Nadine and Ava out the door than Pippa’s stance changes. She gazes at me expectantly, her eyes wide and full of excitement. Sebastian is reading something on his phone, so at least my brother isn’t in on the charade. Alice scans the menu, so I’m clear on that front too.

Wait a minute.

Alice is throwing me curious glances every few seconds. Ah, man, Pippa’s dragged Alice into this matchmaking thing, hasn’t she? I’m a dead man. The problem with loving my sisters is that they’re very much aware that I do, and they take advantage of it. The women in our family have us men wrapped around their little fingers. Me, especially. Individually, I might stand a chance of fighting off their plan. When they join forces? No chance in hell.

I was hoping to have Alice on my side tonight. Apparently not. . .

Welcome to the Bennett clan, where alliances change faster than the wind and every sibling thinks they know what’s better for every other sibling. There are nine of us, three sisters, six brothers. I’m guilty of plenty of meddling myself. My only hope is that Summer, our youngest sister, isn’t in on this too.

When we were kids, the alliances were straightforward. Pippa, Sebastian and I—the oldest trio—versus the younger ones. Things are more complex now.

Pippa breaks the silence. “What did you think about Nadine?”

“I know what you’re up to,” I reply. “Drop it. I can get myself a woman, thank you very much.” I avoid looking at her. I like Nadine a lot, but that doesn’t mean I’m right for her.

“We disagree,” Pippa says.

“Strongly,” Alice adds helpfully.

“You haven’t brought anyone for us to meet since you broke up with Sylvia. That was two years ago,” Pippa continues. Sebastian remains suspiciously silent. The bastard won’t back me up on this.

“That doesn’t mean I don’t date,” I tell them calmly. Pippa’s the only Bennett sibling who married, but I came damn close. Sylvia was my fiancée. “I keep my love life separate from my family.”

If there’s anything the failed relationship with Sylvia taught me, it’s that women prefer it this way. I’m honest and upfront with my dates, telling them I’m not up for the long haul, just to have a pleasant time together. We spend a few months together, and I always treat them well, because I believe every woman deserves it.

I was in high school when I decided I wouldn’t be an asshole. I made the decision after I overheard a moron saying he wanted to “tap that.” He meant Pippa. That’s when I realized every girl was someone’s sister or daughter, and it wasn’t fair to treat them in ways I’d hate anyone to treat my sisters.

I might be an ass man, but I’m no asshole.

So, yeah, I treat my dates right. I take them out, but I don’t let them in. It’s easier that way. Do I want to keep it up forever? It’s tempting. Without too much emotional involvement, no one can rip my goddamn heart out the way Sylvia did. Do I want to be in my sixties and still date around? No fucking way.

I want to build a family, the way my parents did... eventually. And here lies the problem. If I want a family, I need to let a woman in, which I’m not ready to do. That’s a conundrum I can’t solve. As the CFO of Bennett Enterprises, I pride myself on being able to solve any problem by use of logic. When it comes to my love life, logic hasn’t helped one bit.

Pippa’s voice snaps me from my thoughts. “You haven’t had a serious relationship in a while. It’d be good for you.”

“Oh, and you’re an expert on that?”

Pippa flinches, her chin trembling. Sebastian glares at me. Damn me and my impulsivity.

“Sorry, that was a dick thing to say.” I shake my head. “What happened with Terence wasn’t your fault. I’m not implying that.”

“I forgive you,” Pippa says. “You always put your foot in your mouth.”

“Ah, nothing like my sister handing out compliments,” I mutter to myself. “Though I do deserve this one. Alice, please don’t join Pippa’s matchmaking game.”

“I have no idea what you mean. I met Nadine a few times, and I like her,” Alice says simply. I know on the spot she is honest, and I can see why she likes Nadine. From my brief conversation with her, I could tell she’s fiercely determined, competitive, and hardworking. She shares many traits with Alice.

“So there’s no chance you’ll want to date Nadine?” Pippa insists. “Ever?”

“No.” I’m lying through my teeth, and Pippa sees right through me. I’d be more convincing if that woman weren't so damn sexy, and meeting her hadn’t been such a shock. Her energy is infectious, her courage to pursue what she wants endearing.

Touching her back sent a jolt straight to my groin. Stepping closer to her, her womanly scent aroused me further still. She smelled like oranges. Nadine has an innate sensuality, unlike anyone I’ve encountered before.

Which is why I should stay away from her. Ava’s the only close friend Nadine has here. Knowing my family, this means they’ll embrace her wholeheartedly, and include her in family events. If I were to date her, things would become complicated fast. I only do temporary, and that wouldn’t be fair to her. I have a hunch that Nadine has had enough complications in her life; she doesn’t deserve one more. I want her to feel happy here.

“Well, it was nice of you to offer to help her with the real estate agent,” Pippa says. “The agent is Alex, right? I bet he’ll ask her out.”

Thinking about Alex makes my blood boil. He’s a great agent, yes, but he’s a dick to women. He won’t lay his paws on Nadine; I’ll see to that.
Damn it
. I have no business being territorial with her. She’s not mine. But that doesn’t mean I’ll let anyone take advantage of her.

“I’ll make sure Alex won’t attempt anything.” That’s why I offered to go with her to meet him. If I’m honest, I also wanted an excuse to see her again soon. Which goes right against my plan to keep my distance.
Way to go, Bennett
. . .

“How chivalrous of you.” Pippa smiles smugly as the waiter brings the round of drinks we ordered. After he leaves, my sister tells me, “Nadine also plans to sell
very
sexy lingerie in her shop in addition to evening dresses.”

I spit out my wine. “Now, why would you tell me that, Pippa?”

She grins devilishly. “So you can let your imagination run wild. If you dated her, maybe she’d even give you a private show.”

Women in sexy lingerie are my kryptonite, but Pippa has no business knowing that. I don’t share these details with my sisters. One of my
dear
brothers ratted me out. My money’s on Blake, one of my four younger brothers. That bastard.

I swallow hard. “She wouldn’t.”

“Yes,” Pippa says triumphantly while Alice clinks a glass with her.

“What’s going on?” I ask, dumbfounded when even Sebastian laughs.

“You’ve fallen right into Pippa’s trap,” he explains.

“You admitted you’d like her to give you a private show,” Pippa says.

“I have blood running through my veins, Pippa. And I’m a man.” I drop my head in my hands.
Team Logan: 0. Team traitorous Bennetts: 1.
These girls will be my undoing. “You could’ve given me a warning,” I tell Sebastian.

“Why? It’s so much more fun seeing you fall right into their trap.”

I raise my eyebrows, and Sebastian holds his palms up in defeat. “I didn’t have a hand in this. But I’m enjoying the outcome.”

“You’ll pay for this, brother,” I warn him. Alice and Pippa grin. Just by looking at my sisters, I can tell they won’t give up their matchmaking plan.

I’m definitely a dead man.

––––––––

I
wake up at seven o’clock on Monday, even though we’re meeting the realtor at eleven. Logan and I exchanged numbers on Friday at dinner, and Saturday he texted to inform me his friend Alex can meet us today. I’m so excited I can’t lie down for another minute. For years, I’ve been planning, researching, and saving for my dream. Things are about to get real with this meeting, and it’s nerve-wracking.

At eight o’clock, my phone chirps. My stomach somersaults when I realize who the sender is.

Logan: Big day. Ready for it?

A huge smile spreads on my face as I type back.

Nadine: Yesssss. Absolutely! I can’t wait!!!!!!

Logan: I swear I can feel your energy through the phone.

My smile is out of control now. I might’ve overdone it with the exclamation marks, but I am so damn excited.

Nadine: Any tips for the meeting?

Logan: Nah, just bring your smile. It’s beautiful.

Oh, my
. This man is a charmer, and I love it. Taking a deep breath, I remind myself that he’s off-limits, and reply as professionally as possible.

Nadine: Thank you for joining me.

Logan: My pleasure.

For some reason, his words send a jolt of heat right through my center.
Way to go, Nadine
. As I shower, I admit to myself there is another reason for my enthusiasm: seeing Logan again, which is silly. If there was ever bad timing to fantasize about a man, it’s now. I have to focus one hundred percent on my business if I want it to stand any chance. Still, I’m glad he’s coming with me to meet the realtor. Logan’s confidence in my idea on Friday was like fuel for my dream; I can use some more of that today. Besides, that man is some serious eye candy. The fact that I don’t want to involve myself with anyone right now doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate his sexy ass.