Bending Bethany Read Online Free Page B

you to dinner tonight.”
    “No, no I can’t. I have an early class.”
    “Oh, okay, early dinner? Come on, I know you have to eat.”
    I paused, working a response over in my head. “You said you have something. Maybe you could bring it by? I really don’t have time for new friendships or anything right now. I’m sorry, Jenson. I know you’re busy, too.”
    “Not too busy to take the prettiest girl in the world out to dinner.”
    “You’re sweet,” I laughed, thinking he was persistent if anything. “But I really don’t have time. Believe me, I’m sparing us both a lot of energy.”
    “I don’t agree with that, but I’m happy to stop by.”
    “Great, perfect.” I rattled off my address. “So I’ll see you in a bit then?”
    “See ya soon, Bethany.”
    I hung up the phone, his words echoing in my head. His sweet voice turned my stomach to melted chocolate. Was he always so charming, so flirty, so perfect? His indulgent chuckle flamed my cheeks with embarrassment. This man was driving me absolutely insane and I’d only known him for less than 24 hours.

Six
    Jenson
    I hustled up the steps to her apartment, the bouquet of lilies overflowing in my arms. I knocked at the door.  
    “Bethany!” I heard her sister call as she opened the door. “Lover boy’s here!”
    “Taylor!” I heard her quiet whisper just as her beautiful face came around the corner.  
    “Evenin’.” I grinned, holding the flowers out to her.  
    “Jenson.” She took the bouquet from my hands and pressed it to her nose. “You’re so sweet, thank you.”  
    “And of course,” I shoved a hand into my pocket, pulling out the thin scraps of fabric that were her panties, “these.”
    Her cheeks flamed with the prettiest shade of strawberry, and I wanted to pull her into my arms and kiss up and down her cheeks. I wasn’t one for romance and flowers, but this girl made me want to do all of that and so much more.  
    “Thank you for bringing them by.”
    “I was just happy you called.”  
    Her smile turned up at the corners, and she hid her face behind the flowers.  
    “Can I take you to dinner now? I know you haven't eaten yet, the top knot and leggings tell me you’ve been studying all day. Time for a break?” I pulled her hand to mine and placed a soft kiss on her knuckles.  
    “No, Jenson. I’m sorry if I gave you the wrong impression.” Her eyes warmed with empathy. “You’re sweet, but I really am too busy for anything new right now, and I can only imagine how busy you are. I mean, you mentioned the travel, but that’s a lot of travel. Why didn’t you tell me you played soccer?”
    “It’s not something I like to announce to people. On the rare occasion I’m not recognized, it’s nice to enjoy the anonymity for a while. As for time—the season’s almost over. I spend my days working out in the off-season. It’s boring, really.”
    She grinned again. “Thank you for the flowers, Jenson, and ya know,” she lifted the panties in her palm, “my undergarments.” The crimson on her neck climbed higher. She was so damn sweet.  
    “Okay, okay. I can pick up a hint,” I smiled, letting her win this one. “Thank you again for a great night last night.” I placed a kiss on her forehead. “Until next time.”  
    “Next time? Jenson—”
    “Night, Bethany!” I called, jogging backwards down the street, my eyes riveted on her the entire time. No way was I letting a girl this special get away that easily.  
    I had way more up my sleeve for Bethany, until she’d have no choice but to go out to dinner with me. And more.

Seven
    Bethany
    I spent the remainder of the night researching a paper on molecular biology. These papers were killing me with back-to-back deadlines, but I guess those were the consequences when you took 24 credits a semester. I was determined to get this work down and out into the real world so I could start earning an income and paying off those staggering student loans.  
    I