Page 214 of Burn Bright

I’m about to reach back for him, but instead, he curves his arm around my shoulders, hugging me closer to his side.

Affection for him floods me so tremendously. He’s too good for this world, maybe too good for me because I didn’t earn Ben. He came into my life without any effort on my part, but I want to hang on to this beautiful, good thing the universe has given me. My Aunt Helena would tell me to, at least.

As I watch Rose, I realize her poise is Ben’s poise. Her confidence is his confidence. It’s so clear he’s her son.

She carries herself with dignity and pride, and I wonder if it’s as bulletproof as they say. After the fallout with my dad yesterday, I want to be indestructible like her. To move forward with armor that Grant Fisher can never pierce.

“I’ll leave you with this.” Rose scans the auditorium with narrowed eyes. “Take care of yourself.” Her gaze pins to me, then her son. “I understand those four words might seem simple and futile. In our pursuit of success, we often forget the key to moving forward is not in the distance we run but in how long we can run for.” She takes a beat, then adds, “Even in heels.” The audience claps andwootsbut they settle quickly as she continues, “So take care of yourself. The stars may be in reach more than you even believe.”

I swear her lip twitches up at me. My heart flip-flops. Was that a secret nod of approval? Already?Yeah, right.

We all clap. She exits to booming applause. The standing ovation is exhilarating. As it dies down, people shift out of rows to leave.

I go wide-eyed up at Ben. “I missed your dad’s entire fucking talk?”

“He won’t test you on it.” His smile soothes me.

“I would’ve liked the opportunity because taking a quiz is way better than missing the material I could’ve been tested on.”

He laughs. “And that’s why I know my mom will love you.” He scrunches the side of my hair, and I bump my weightinto him, my sour-puss face morphing into something weirdly smitten, I’m sure.

“Ben.” His bodyguard touches his elbow and whispers, “This way.” We’re directed toward the stage, then into a private lounge for guest speakers at the university.

Rose and Connor are already here.

This morning, I distinctly recall Ben saying, “My parents really aren’t as intimidating as the media makes them out to be.”

I could choke on a laugh. They aresofucking intimidating. Not only are they both way taller than me, but they look like they chew and spit out interns on the daily.

“Mom, Dad,” Ben greets with a widening smile. He’s not letting go of my hand yet. “This is Harriet Fisher, my girlfriend.” I mentally addtemporary (until the holidays)to the relationship status so I don’t pass out. “She was stuck in office hours, going above and beyond.” He smiles down at me like my nerd habits are cute. “So she didn’t get a chance to hear you, Dad, but I’ll give her the CliffsNotes later.”

He just removed a ginormous weight off me from having to overexplain my absence.

“Don’t worry, there won’t be a test.” Connor fucking Cobalt is speaking to me. Not only that, he’ssmilingat me, but more like a warmhelloof a smile, whereas Rose has pursed lips that twitch like she’s overcaffeinated for this moment.

“That’s what I told her,” Ben grins.

I nod. “He did assure me I wouldn’t be graded.” I work my face a little out of a scowl. “It’s nice to meet both of you. Ben has only said great things.”

“Likewise, he’s talked a lot about you,” Connor says. “It’s good to finally put a face to a name he mentions so often.”

“Very often,” Ben teases. “All the time. Every other word isHarriet, actually.”

I chew my rising lip. “Knew you loved my name, Friend.”

“Friend?” Rose cuts in like a P.I. sniffing out our relationship. “Are you two not officially together?” Her matte black nail points from me to her son.

Thank God I’m with an extrovert. I want to pat myself on the back for this choice in life because Ben quickly clarifies, “It’s just a thing we do. We’re together. You’ll probably hear me call herFriendtoo.”

His dad bridges the space and holds out a hand to me. “Connor Cobalt. Though I likely don’t need an introduction.”

“No, you don’t.” I try my best to do a good business-like shake. Firm grip but not a death clutch.

Connor is basically the same height as Ben. The one-inch difference is so miniscule, but he’s not trying to loom over me. Which I appreciate. Ben’s friendliness is definitely from his father.

His mom is a hawk, watching me as I wrap myself up in my leather jacket like a bat cocooning itself in wings. I might be scowling at her. Shit.

“Rose, darling,” Connor says with a grin.