Page 26 of Bennett (HC Heroes #15)

His gaze dropped to her mouth for half a second before flicking back up. “Let’s just say I’m glad you’re still here. And not just because it makes my job easier.”

Her breath hitched as her heart gave a traitorous thump. “Well, don’t get used to me being easy.”

A soft huff escaped him, almost a laugh. “Didn’t plan on it.”

Their gazes held for one long, weighted moment.

And then footsteps again. Brandi’s voice filtered in from the hallway, calling out something about needing help unboxing lamps in one of the other units.

Laurel stepped back, pulse still hammering in her chest as another knock sounded, and the door cracked open once more.

“It’s just me again,” Matthew called out as he entered, his easy smirk firmly in place. “Realized I forgot to do something before I left.”

She frowned. “Oh? What?”

“Yeah, what?” Bennett echoed, his voice flat and stern, clearly not thrilled by the interruption.

Matthew grinned like he knew exactly what he’d walked in on, or nearly walked in on. “Won’t take but a second. I just need the tablet.”

He crossed the room, grabbed the device from where it rested on the counter next to Bennett, and started tapping with practiced ease.

Laurel folded her arms, waiting patiently for her guest to leave.

“There,” Matthew said, setting the tablet back down. “With Bennett staying here, there’s no need for cameras or audio running inside this unit anymore.”

Her stomach dropped about the same time heat infused her face.

Matthew had seen something. Or at the very least, suspected.

Super.

Before the interruptions, there had been a better-than-great chance she’d end up starring in another episode of Kissing Bennett, but this time with a full surveillance audience.

“You can thank me later,” Matthew tossed over his shoulder, already heading for the door. “Oh, and don’t worry, I’m locking this behind me. For privacy. You’re welcome.”

The door clicked shut and with it, came an almost deafening silence.

Laurel turned slowly to find Bennett watching her with a slow-burn gaze.

She swallowed. “So, that happened.”

His brow lifted.

“I guess I should be grateful we’re not entertaining the team with...more kissing footage,” she continued, her voice a little breathy. “That is...if there’s even going to be more footage.”

A charged beat passed between them.

Bennett stepped forward, gaze never leaving hers. “Oh, Laurel, there’s definitely going to be another kiss.”

Her breath caught.

He moved closer. “And much more.”

Now her knees wobbled.

But then he stopped, his expression dark with something that wasn’t quite reluctance, more like restraint. “But first, I need to head to my rental and take a quick shower.”

Laurel blinked, her brain taking a moment to catch up. “Oh. Right. Yeah. Of course.”

“Unless,” he paused, quirking a brow before continuing, “you don’t mind me smelling like sawdust and caution tape.”

“I don’t,” she said, a little too quickly, then smirked to cover it. “As long as you don’t mind me smelling like grease and pancakes.”

“I don’t,” he repeated her words, gaze deliciously dark and heated as he stepped into her space. “But what do you say we solve that together?”

She tilted her head. “Solve?”

His fingers brushed lightly along her hip. “I was thinking we continue this conversation in the shower.”

Holy Hannah.

Her heart skipped several beats before barrel-rolling in her chest. “You’re proposing a joint efficiency model?”

His lips curved as he leaned in. “Exactly.”

Laurel swallowed hard, but her voice stayed steady. “Okay.”

Bennett didn’t wait for her to second-guess it.

He reached for her hand, threading his fingers through hers, and led her down the hallway, every step igniting sparks along her spine.

The moment they reached the bathroom, he turned to face her in front of the shower, eyes scanning hers for any hesitation.

There wasn’t any.

He cupped her face with both hands, kissed her deeply, slowly, anchoring, and then reached past her to open the shower door.

Clothes hit the floor one piece at a time, each soft thud against the tile echoing louder than expected.

Laurel broke the kiss, and her hands trembled slightly as she peeled off her shirt.

Bennett’s dark gaze was locked on her with fierce appreciation.

His fingers brushed hers, steadying without pressure, before tugging his own T-shirt over his head in one smooth motion.

Sexy as hell.

Her breath caught at the sight of him, all solid and scarred, heat radiating from every inch of bare skin, ridges, and muscles. He was magnificent.

Boots, shoes and socks followed, then jeans and leggings, before underwear, leaving nothing between them but air and everything unspoken.

He jutted out long and proud and big, stealing her breath.

And it felt like more than just shedding fabric.

It felt like stripping away armor. His, hers. Both.

Bennett’s voice was low, rough-edged with honesty as he cupped her face. “You’re so damn beautiful, Laurel.”

Her insides fluttered as his gaze swept over her like a reverent touch.

“Not just this—” he skimmed his fingers along her shoulder, down her arm, “—but all of it. The way you fight, the way you care, the way you never back down. It wrecks me in the best damn way.”

The vulnerability in his voice cut through her like heat and light combined.

She knew she should say something, but her voice was gone, pounded away by the heart beating hard in her chest.