You and I Forever (8 page)

“
What are you doing here?” The words fall from my mouth sounding more frustrated by his sudden arrival than I really intended.

“
I turned everything over to Dax and Shira today after the initial contracts were finalized. I thought I would surprise you early.” He says, knowing that I wasn't expecting him until tomorrow.

“
I....” I start but he cuts me off, turning his attention to Lo.

“
Lauren, would you please give me a moment alone with Anna?” He asks, not looking in my direction again until he steps out of the way to let Lo through the door. She throws me a tight smile before disappearing into the hallway.

“
Bentley.” I start, but once again he cuts me off.

“
You thought you were pregnant?” He asks, closing the door behind him, something I wish Lo had done when she barged in here five minutes ago.

“
I was a little late. It was nothing.” I say, shrugging like it's no big deal.

“
When was this?” He asks, not moving from his place next to the door.

“
I realized I was late when we were in New York.” I say the words quickly, hoping somehow that might lessen the blow.

“
What?” The word falls from his mouth in disbelief.

“
They gave me a test at the hospital before doing scans on my knee. It was negative. I didn't think it was necessary to bring it up since I wasn't pregnant.” My stomach twists tighter when his expression turns from disbelief to something I really didn't expect; hurt.

“
So you mean to tell me that everything that happened in New York and the days that followed, that whole time you thought you might be pregnant with my child?” He asks, crossing his arms in front of his chest. “Why would you keep that to yourself Anna?”

“
I was going to tell you. I was. But then everything happened with Madison and then you ended things between us. I wasn't going to tell you anything after that until I knew for sure. The last thing I wanted was for you to feel like I was trying to trap you somehow.” I say, apology clear in my voice. “When the test came back negative, I didn't see the point. There was no baby therefore no reason to bring it up.”

“
Anna, you can't keep things like that from me.” He says, taking the three steps that separate us and squatting down in front of me, his hands resting against the top of my knees.

“
I know.” I breathe. “But at the time, I really couldn't say anything.”

“
And I'm sorry for that.” He cuts in, his voice soft. “I left you alone in more ways than one. You were probably terrified.” He says, reaching up to cup my cheek. “You shouldn't have to bear that kind of burden on your own. And I know that I can't take back what's been done but I can promise you this, you will never be alone again.” He says, pushing up slightly to lay a soft kiss to my lips.

“
And for the record.” He smiles, pulling back. “I would not freak out if you were pregnant. While I feel like it's a step we are not ready for yet, it is a step I want to take... With you.” He says, rubbing his thumb lightly across my bottom lip.

While I have never really thought about a baby or what it would be like to be a mom, I have to admit that hearing Bentley say he wants to have children with me, excites me in a way that I never thought possible. Just another thing this man is opening my eyes to.

“
I'm so glad you're here.” I say, wrapping my arms around his neck and pulling him to me. He snakes his arms around my waist and stands, pulling me upright with him.

“
Me too.” He drops his face into the crook of my neck, something I am learning he often does when he just wants to be close to me.

“
So you're here now. Like
here
here, for good?” I ask, pulling back slightly to look into his brilliant eyes.

“
I am.” His smile spreads widely across his face when I let out a light squeal. I knew this day was coming. He promised me it was coming. But I never truly let myself believe it. It was one of those, going have to see it to believe it kind of things.

Now that I know it's true, that he is really here, I could not be happier. I have waited months to be able to have a normal relationship with Bentley. One where we go on dates and spend the night with each other. One where I get to see him beyond a few hours here and there a couple of times a month.

“
I thought maybe we could celebrate.” He says, reaching out to tuck my hair behind my ear.

“
What did you have in mind?” I ask seductively, knowing there is one thing I would love to do right here and now.

“
I have more than a few ideas.” He smirks, closing the distance between us to press his lips firmly to mine.

****

“
Can I ask you a question?” I ask Bentley as we lay in the bed of his hotel room, my head resting comfortably against his bare chest.

“
Anything.” He says, his hands running lazily through my hair.

“
Did you offer Josh the job in New York to get him away from me?” I ask, noticing immediately that he stiffens slightly below me.

“
How do you know about New York?” He asks, completely avoiding the question.

“
That's not important.” I say, not wanting to put Lo's head on the chopping block or draw attention to the fact that I called Josh the other night either.

“
But it is. If someone is sharing information that is not yet to be shared, I need to know the source.” He says, matter of fact.

“
Well let's just say that I overheard a conversation that I wasn't intended to. And based on your reaction, I'm guessing it's true.” I say, propping up on my elbow so that I can look up at him. “Why did you not just tell me?”

“
I make business decisions based on many different things, not one of which is based on my personal relationships.” He says, meeting my eyes.

“
So Josh going to New York has nothing to do with the fact that him and I share a bit of a past?” I raise my eyebrows at him, having a really hard time believing it could be for any other reason.

“
Josh has accepted a position at the New York club and while yes, it was my idea, it has very little to do with you.” He says, causing me to shrink slightly at his words. Perhaps I am putting too much value on his feelings for me but either way, his words sting a bit.

“
Okay then.” I say, rolling onto my back and staring up at the ceiling.

“
Anna.” Bentley rolls to his side to face me. “I have wanted Josh away from you since the moment I decided I wanted you to be mine. But I am a business man and I didn't get to where I am by making rash emotional decisions. Josh going to New York holds dual purpose though. While sending him there is one hundred percent a strategic move, that doesn't mean that I am not relieved to have him away from you. I just can't have you thinking that
you
are the reason he's going. Josh is a big boy and honestly, a damn good manager. I need someone like him in New York. So yes, Josh is going to New York. And no, it doesn't have anything to do with you.”

“
I just hate feeling like I don't ever know what's going on with you. I mean, I understand that you have a business to run and I don't expect to know everything that happens on a daily basis but I would appreciate a heads up on the things that directly impact me or my employment.” I sigh loudly.

“
Fair enough.” He says, trailing his hand lightly across my collarbone.

“
I just feel like I am constantly hearing things from other people that I should be hearing from you.” I flick my eyes in his direction to find him studying me intently.

“
Like what?” He asks, seeming genuinely interested in what I am talking about.

“
Well for starters, Cora. You knew she was leaving weeks before she actually did and never mentioned it. Why?”

“
I didn't really think about it honestly.” He admits.

“
After the way she treated me, you didn't think to tell me she was leaving? I don't get that. I mean, you had already arranged for Shira to come and everything. And I had to find out from Josh on Cora's last day. It just makes me feel unimportant I guess.” I admit, giving him an apologetic look.

“
I get what you're saying. You are supposed to be the closest person to me and yet, everything that happens....” He starts but I cut in.

“
I'm the last to know.”

“
I will work on that.” He promises, propping up on his elbow. “This is good though.” He smiles down at me.

“
What?” I can't help but smile back.

“
This.” He says, gesturing between the two of us. “We're talking. You're telling me about the things that are bothering you instead of keeping me in the dark. I know that's different for you.”

“
And you.” I tack on, not wanting to overlook how far he has come as well.

“
Anna, I know that sometimes I can be very difficult. And I know I tend to blow things out of proportion, but it's only because I feel so intensely for you. I don't think you understand just how much you mean to me. I promise, I will try to be more open with you as well and I will try to hear you out instead of immediately becoming upset with you.”

“
I get so caught up in how I'm feeling that sometimes I forget how new this is to you as well.” I admit, reaching up to push his hair away from his forehead.

“
It's an adjustment; being a team rather than an individual. But that's what I want Anna. More than anything. I want us to be a team. I want you to know that you can always count on me. I will always be there for you. I know that I haven't always been, but that is going to change. I want to share every moment with you. Every smile, every tear. Every first and last, I want to experience with you.” He says, leaning down and taking my mouth with his on a gentle kiss.

“
I want that too.” I get out weakly as he pulls back slightly.

“
I love you Anna Blake.” He shifts his body onto mine and settles his weight over me.

“
I love you Bentley Reed.” I respond, pulling his face back down to mine.

Chapter
Eight

“
Are you sure we have to get up.” Bentley buries his face in between my shoulder blades and lays a light kiss to my bare skin.

“
Trust me, if I could stay here for the rest of the evening I would.” I say, snuggling deeper into his embrace as he pulls me back tightly against his chest.

“
Then it's settled.” He kisses the side of my neck.

“
What's settled?” I laugh, confused by his comment.

“
We're staying here.” I can feel his laughter vibrate against my back.

“
Um, no. I have to work.” I say, still making no attempt to move.

“
Well technically you said if you
could
stay here, you
would.
And given that you have the ability to do just that.....” He trails off.

“
Don't start Bentley. You already promised.” I remind him, knowing how hard it is for him to not step in and interfere with my employment because he owns the club I work for.

“
I know. I know.” He lets out a frustrated sigh and drops his hold on me, rolling onto his back.

“
Hey.” I say, rolling over to face him, dropping my chin to his chest. “Don't be like that. Please.” I pout out my bottom lip.

“
Can't I change your mind?” He asks, looking down at me.

“
No.” I answer, a playful smile pulling up the corners of my mouth. “But you sure can try.” I challenge, not missing the way his eyes light up at my words.

Before I have time to process anything, Bentley flips me over and pins me beneath him on the mattress. Forcing my arms above my head, he holds them tight with one hand while the other slides slowly down my body, starting at my wrist and working all the way down my side. By the time his hand skirts across my bare breast, I am already withering below him.

“
Is this what you want?” He asks, twisting my nipple lightly between his thumb and forefinger, smiling when I let out a small whimper. “Or maybe this?” He teases, dropping his mouth to where his fingers just were.