“I hope.” I reached for my wine and took a long, slow sip, then I turned my attention back to Bennett, and wasn’t exactly sure what I was going to say or how to handle the situation, so I treaded lightly. “So, your job’s done, huh?”
He slowly nodded and grinned. “Yeah, it is.”
“I bet you’re glad to have your freedom back and not be in the limelight anymore—even if it was just for one night.”
“Yeah, but one great thing did come out of this.” He reached for my hand and clasped it between his.
“And what would that be?” I sensed I had a feeling what was coming, but I wanted—no, I needed—him to say the words.
“It brought us back together.”
Like it was second nature, I looked down at our hands that were intertwined, and something about it just looked right, and it felt right, too. With the pad of my thumb, I caressed the top of his hand and smiled at him. Rhetorically, I replied with, “Yeah, it did, didn’t it? Bennett, while like I told you the reasons why I set you up with Hattie, I didn’t tell you that part of me did want to find you. Why exactly, I’m not sure, but when I did, and we talked for the first time, you seemed like a different person—a likable one.” I chuckled. “When we met again, I have to tell you that I was charmed by you, which allowed me to cut you some slack for what you did to me back then.” I paused to gather my thoughts for the right words. “Bennett, when you apologized last night at the bar, the sincerity in your voice touched me, and I know that you were honest, even though you never knew it was me—”
“Yeah, well, I have another confession. I did know it was you the whole time, which is one of the two reasons I took this job.”
“You knew it was me?” I whispered, putting the pieces together.
“I did, and I know you must hate me, but—”
“No, Bennett, I don’t hate you. I mean, I did, but we’ve both grown up, and I wish I could’ve put what you did in the past and wouldn’t have been cruel back to you.” Tears were threatening my eyes, but unlike I did with Bennett in the past, I didn’t try to hide them. If they fell, then they fell, because I knew Bennet had liked me then, just as he does not. Without wanting another moment to pass by without kissing him, I hopped down from my stool and placed myself between his legs, placing my hands on each side of his face. “I’m sorry.”
“No, Chelsey, I’m the one who’s sorry. You’re the most beautiful woman in the world, and you accepting my forgiveness is more than I deserve. You are everything—”
“Bennett, stop talking, and kiss me.” And with that, he wrapped his arms around my waist, as he pressed his lips against mine.
That night we decided to forgo dinner and headed back to Bennett’s place, where we didn’t come up for air until the morning.
*****
Blinking my eyes open, I was surprised to see Bennett looking at me.
“Good morning, beautiful,” he said.
“Hey, you,” I said, inching myself closer to him, and planted a kiss on his lips, as he wrapped his arms around my naked body. Smiling, still not believing Bennett and I had been together, much less that he was still in my bed, a calmness washed over me, in which might be for the first time since before high school.
“How was your night?”
“I think you already know that answer, but if you must know, then let’s just say it was the same as yours.”
“Ah, that good, huh? Well, I’m glad that makes two of us.” He rubbed the pad of this thumb against my pointed nipple. “And these certainly aren’t nips anymore.”
“No, they certainly aren’t,” I said, giggling at his joke. “I think they’ve budded quite nicely.”
“I agree.” He gave me a quick kiss, then began to get out of bed, but I stopped him by grabbing his wrist. “Where are you going?”
He turned to me and smiled. “I’m just going to start a pot of coffee. Do you want anything for breakfast?”
“No, just coffee is fine. I’m easy like that.”
“Chelsey, you’re anything but easy. It took me years to get you in my bed.” We both laughed, and then he gently tapped my nose with his index finger. “I’ll be back before you know it.” He kissed me on the lips once again, then get out of bed and pull on his black slacks that were lazily thrown on the floor, then before he walked out of the room, he turned around and stood in the doorway.
I blushed. “What?” I asked, placing my knees under my chin as I tightened the covers around me.
“You’re just so beautiful,” he said, sounding as if his breath was taken away, then seconds later, Bennett turned and walked away.
“Oh, my gosh, what a night,” I said aloud, leaning back into Bennett’s bed. With my eyes closed, I took three long deep breaths, before I quickly sat up. “Hattie!” I jumped out of bed, shuffled for my clutch that was under my dress, which I’d managed to be careful to sling over a chair next to the bed. I pulled out my phone, and surprisingly, there were no texts, though, there was an email from her. Clicking it open, I got back in bed, and quickly began to read:
Dear Chelsey,
As I write this email, I’m on a plane with Livi and am about to leave on my month-long scheduled vacation to London, (should you need me, please see my contact information below).
By now, I’m sure the secret’s out about last night, Livi and my pregnancy—wow, the pregnancy part sounds strange to write, but yes, it’s true. We were both surprised when we found out, but it’s a miracle, considering my age.
Now, I don’t know if you’re mad at me or not, but I had to put myself in the middle of you and Bennett. When you came to me crying, I could noticeably see that there was something you weren’t telling me, which I’m pretty sure was that you had feelings for him, yet you were confused. Like I said, Chelsey, we all have secrets, and while yours was to get Bennett back for hurting you (believe me, sweetie, I’m on your side on that one), men don’t know what they’re doing.
I laughed at that, then continued to read, feeling happy tears form in my eyes.
Bennett and I had a pleasant talk, and he likes you very much, which is why he named his restaurant, Chelsey, after you. His journey in life was, has, and will always be you.
I have to wrap this up now, but I believe in you, Chelsey. Since Mel and her PR team are gone, I’ve come to relize even more that they were no good—they weren’t you. When I come back, you will still have your job, but things will be different—I’ve promoted you to be my manager. I know you’re on my side, and I cannot thank you for helping me along the way. As it was reported on the news this morning, “Hattie Marten is back,” and it’s all thanks to you.
I will call when I land in London.
Until then, enjoy your time with Bennett, and never forget how beautiful you are.
Your friend,
Hattie.
I reached for a tissue, then wiped my eyes, thinking how precious and incredible life can be. Who would have ever thought that I’d officially be in Hollywood, making my dreams come true, but most of all, would be working with a such a famous actress Like Hattie Marten? As for Bennett, when our worlds crashed together again, I was afraid of where it would take me, but after last night, I know we can surpass anything that comes our way.
“Hey, are you okay?” Bennett asked, coming back in the room, and handing me a cup of coffee.
Before I placed the phone on the nightstand, I marked the email as unread, wanting to take the time to reply to it later. “I’m better than ever,” I said, then reached for him, never wanting to let go of my present, nor my past.
THE END
Acknowledgments
For all their love and support, a special thank you goes out to the following people:
To my brother, my angel in Heaven. I love and miss you every single day. Mom and Dad, with you by my side, I know I can get through anything. Also, to my extended family, who make amazing cheerleaders!
Marlene Roberts Engel, my brilliant editor. You helped make my first novella everyth
ing I hoped for. Thank you for being you!
Brea Brown, my formatter. You’re a woman of many, many talents!
Erin Cawood, my cover designer. Working with you was so fun! Thank you for creating such a gorgeous cover for this story.
To the ladies and men of Chick Lit Goddesses and ChickLitChatHQ, your daily help and inspiration mean more to me than you know.
To my readers, I thank you for reading my books. You help make my dreams come true!
About the Author
Isabella Louise grew up with a book in her hand, and to this day nothing has changed. Aside from writing, she focuses her time on featuring other authors on her blog, Chick Lit Goddess, along with sharing book reviews. Isabella Louise is also a member of the Romance Writers of America.
She lives in Dallas with her husband, enjoys spicy Indian and Mexican food, margaritas, and red and white wines. She loves spending time with family and friends, and cheering on the Texas Rangers. When Isabella Louise isn’t working on her next release, her attention is also on her Scentsy business, where she’s a consultant.
Connect with Isabella Louise Anderson!
Website: http://www.isabellalouiseanderson.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IsabellaLouiseAnderson/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ILA121209
Also by Isabella Louise Anderson
“Meet Me Under the Mistletoe” featured in Merry & Bright: Six Tales of Christmas Cheer
The Right Design
Cards From Khloe’s Flower Shop
Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT
CHAPTER NINE
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Also by Isabella Louise Anderson
The Hollywood Setup Page 7
