THE BENNETTS' CHRISTMAS (The Bennett Family and the Masters Family Book 6) Read online

  More than once, he had caught her staring when he’d glanced up from his meal and snagged her gaze with his dark penetrating stare. She would always be the first one to break eye contact and look away to start eating again.

  For the remainder of dinner, he had intentionally kept the conversation on her, so she hadn’t been able to ask any more questions about his work, hobbies...or his pleasures. Now sitting in the back seat of the car, she was once again aware of just how intimate the situation was.

  She actually found some relief in the size of the limo’s back seat. Although they were sitting together, there was a decent distance between them, so there was no chance that their legs—or thighs—would touch. Although she was incredibly tempted to slide over, closer to him and have her way with him, she suddenly realized that she might be getting in over her head.

  After all, she had no experience in seducing a man. Look at her track record! Still, if there was a guy she wanted to seduce, it would be Landon.

  He had become quiet and without conversation flowing between them, her stomach began to stir, and her mind started filling with naughty thoughts. She wanted to blame it on his cologne. The manly fragrance smelled so good on him. It was as if it was pulling her into a hemisphere where Landon Chestnut dominated.

  Forcing that thought from her mind, she tried to think of something else to talk about. During the car ride to dinner, he had told her that, even with the pain in his past, he would consider marrying and starting a family. She was glad to hear that.

  He came across as the type of man who would adore his wife and cater to her every whim. He and the woman he chose as his forever mate would have a good marriage because he knew, all too well, how fragile life was, and he would make every minute count. There was no doubt in her mind that the woman he married would be incredibly lucky. They would do things together and their marriage would be strong. Landon would make sure of it.

  She leaned back in her seat wondering why she was envying that woman—the one he would choose to share his life? Instead, she should be happy that someone would end up with a man like Landon. He was driven in his work and she could see him pouring that same drive into making his wife and children happy. Not every woman would deserve him, and she hoped he’d be careful when selecting a mate. But then, she had a feeling he would know the right woman when she crossed his path.

  She needed to think of something else, because she was starting to feel disappointed. Not for him—she would be happy for him—but for herself. Wasn’t that just her luck? A nice guy finally comes along, and it’s at the worst possible time for her. He was almost nine years too early. But then, what if, when she was ready to get serious with someone, all the nice guys like Landon were all taken?

  She refused to think about that. Her mother used to say that there was someone for everyone. She had to believe that, just like there was a perfect mate in Landon’s future, there would be one in hers as well.

  Time to change her thoughts again. She suddenly remembered something he had told her during their first dinner date—he loved to camp. Were there other things he liked to do? Now was a good time to ask.

  “Landon?”

  “Yes, Monica?”

  She loved how he said her name. “Other than camping, what else do you like to do?”

  He shrugged. “I hang out with the guys a lot during football season. We have season tickets to all the Falcon games.”

  She grinned. “They’re my favorite team, too. My stepfather and mother have season tickets, as well.”

  “It would be nice if they made it to the Super Bowl in my lifetime,” he said.

  “They almost made it that one year,” she argued.

  “Almost isn’t good enough.”

  “Hey, don’t be so hard on my Falcons.”

  “Your Falcons? They are mine, too. You’re just too easy on them.”

  “And you’re too hard, Landon Chestnut.”

  “Maybe I am.” He then leaned back against his seat and chuckled. “That was nice.”

  She tried to ignore the heat that rolled up her spine when she watched him do something as simple as shift his body into another position. “What was nice?” she asked him.

  “Holding a conversation with a woman who won’t agree with everything I say.”

  She smiled. “You’ve dated a lot of yes women?”

  “Too many. It’s as if they thought if they didn’t agree with me, I wouldn’t ask them out again. Usually I didn’t, for the opposite reason.”

  “Well, you don’t have to every worry about me doing that. Because I won’t. I have a mind of my own, you know.”

  He surprised her when he reached out and took her hand. This wasn’t the first time he’d touched her this evening, and she liked it. They had walked out the restaurant holding hands as they headed toward the limo waiting for them. Every time their hands touched, she felt something and was certain he felt it to. His touch felt warm to her skin.

  “I am going to hold you to that, Monica.”

  At that moment, he could have held her to anything, and she would have agreed. It had to be the night. Being in Brisbane during the holidays was magical. Every store they passed displayed Christmas lights and decorations, filling visitors with holiday cheer. And Monica was still a little overwhelmed by the date itself—being picked up in a limo, going to an elegant restaurant, and then dancing the night away. But most of all, Monica was overcome by what she was starting to feel for the man who was sitting there calmly holding her hand. Landon made her feel safe, secure and desired.

  Desired?

  Yes, she knew he wanted her. Probably as much as she wanted him. Normally this was the time she’d bail, knowing how things would end if she got caught up in the moment and gave in to what she was feeling. If they made love, would she be disappointed, like she had been before? Somehow, she knew Landon would exceed all of her expectations. But was she ready to take a chance and find out?

  “What type of woman fascinates you, Landon?”

  He was about to say something when the driver announced, “We have arrived at your destination.”

  She glanced out of the car’s tinted windows and saw the huge building that was lit with bright lights. They had definitely arrived. The driver opened the car door to assist her out, then Landon was there, reclaiming her hand again.

  As he led her into the brightly lit building, she knew dancing with him tonight would be different than it had been the other night. Tonight, Landon would hold her in his arms. Their bodies would be pressed close to each other. Now was the time to put her self-control in place.

  First, she had to keep her future plans in the forefront of her mind, no matter how wonderful it might feel dancing in his arms. And no matter what happened, she had to remember that she couldn’t keep him. At the end of the cruise, she would have to let him go.

  The nightclub was crowded, and Landon couldn’t help noticing that all eyes turned their way when he and Monica walked in. If Monica noticed the attention they were getting, she didn’t say so. Instead, she kept in step beside him as he followed the hostess to their table.

  Although reservations hadn’t been required, Hagia had suggested he make them, just in case. And he was glad he had. They were shown to a very private table with a nice view of the Brisbane River. And it was close to the dance floor.

  The hostess smiled at them. “Are the two of you Hollywood celebrities?”

  Monica chuckled at the woman’s question. “No, why would you think that?”

  “Because you look like you are.”

  “Well, we’re not,” Landon said, easing into the chair across from Monica. “We’re just a couple enjoying the city and looking forward to a wonderful evening of entertainment.”

  “Then you’re going to enjoy the live band we have here tonight. May I get you anything to drink?”

  “I’d like to take a look at your drink menu, please,” Landon answered.

  When the woman walked off, Monica said, “No wonder
everyone was looking at us. They thought we were movie stars.”

  So, she had noticed. “Evidently.”

  “I wonder why?”

  “You know what they say, everyone has a twin.”

  Although there could be another reason. When he’d researched the nightclub, Landon had discovered it was owned by a group of wealthy young Australians, who also dabbled in film. Every now and then, their American actor friends would drop in, if they were in town. Obviously, some of the nightclub crowd came here on the off chance they might meet a celebrity.

  And they’d definitely pay for the opportunity. The cover charge for this club was five times what they would pay for one in the States, but he didn’t mind the expense. It was well worth it to spend time with Monica.

  “There could be another reason they might have mistaken us for celebrities,” Monica said, smiling over at him.

  Her smile made his body feel warm. “And what reason is that?”

  “I think we look good together.”

  He had to agree with that. He had caught a glimpse of their reflection in the decorative wall mirrors when they’d entered the club. “You might be on to something.”

  The waitress returned with the drink menu. “May I make a suggestion?” she asked them.

  “Please,” Landon said.

  “Tonight’s special is called Passion. It’s a tropical drink that’s made with bourbon. It’s kind of a club favorite.”

  Landon glanced around and noticed other people sipping from a drink served in huge hurricane glasses. “That’s a big drink,” he said.

  The waitress grinned. “Usually it’s shared.”

  Shared passion…he got it. He glanced over at Monica, who was watching a couple at the next table take turns with theirs. “We can share one, unless you’d like your own,” he said.

  Monica laughed over at him. “Are you kidding me? If I was to drink one of those on my own, you would have to carry me out of here. Besides,” she said with what he thought as mischief gleaming in her eyes, “we can share the passion.”

  He smiled and glanced up at the waitress and said, “You’ve sold us. We’ll take one.”

  The woman walked off and Landon turned back to Monica, who was watching the band set up. There was a huge dance floor, and he couldn’t wait to get out there on it with her. Then he saw Monica check her watch. “What’s wrong? Afraid the ship will sail without us?”

  She smiled at him. “I was just looking to see how long we had to enjoy this. But I’m holding you to your promise to have us back before midnight.”

  “Did I promise you that?”

  She tilted her head and gave him a playful, scolding look. “Yes, Landon Chestnut, you did.”

  He chuckled. “I did and I will.”

  At that moment the waitress returned with a huge hurricane glass and two straws. “In order to share it properly, we need to sit closer,” Landon said. “I guess it’s all a part of sharing the passion.”

  She grinned and then scooted her chair closer to his. Leaning in, they sipped the drink through their straws. “This is good,” Monica said, lifting her head. She pushed her hair back over her shoulder, revealing what he thought was a long, beautiful neck. The drink was good, but he’d bet she tasted better.

  His gaze settled on her full, inviting lips when she licked them. “I think so, too.”

  They enjoyed more of the drink and a short while later, the band started up. “Ready to dance?” he asked.

  “Oh, yes.”

  They both stood up, and Landon, taking her hand, led her out to the dance floor. Once there, she moved easily into his arms. Music floated around them as their bodies joined in a way they had never connected before. He placed his hand at the small of her back, and they began moving together, their limbs totally in sync.

  His heart hammered in his chest. Holding Monica in his arms was better than he’d ever imagined. He’d never been turned on just dancing with a woman. Landon couldn’t help the shiver of longing that passed through him. He’d imagined holding her this way the first time they’d met, and now he had her just where he wanted her. He couldn’t believe just how attracted he was to her. It was the first time he’d felt anything like this since Simone.

  But there was still so much for him to learn about her. And he needed to understand just what it was about her that made him desire her so much. He knew she had to be aware of the sexual tension ramping up between them as much as he was. And at that moment, as he held her in his arms and swayed to the music, he couldn’t help wondering if she was as confused about what was happening between them as he was.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  MONICA COULDN’T HELP THINKING that she hadn’t slow danced with a man since her cousins’ weddings six months ago. And even then, her partners had been Colton and Cobra Masters - Victoria’s husband’s brothers. Since she considered Colton and Cobra to be friends, they’d spent most of their time on the dance floor talking, catching up on what they’d been into since the last time they’d seen each other.

  Dancing with them, she certainly hadn’t felt anything close to what she was feeling now. She hadn’t been in tune to their every step, nor had the movement of their bodies against hers fired her blood.

  For the first time ever, she was imagining things—scenarios, images, steamy thoughts—all with Landon in the leading role. She had to get a grip so she wouldn’t be tempted to do something she’d regret later.

  “Are you having a good time, Monica?”

  Just when she thought her self-control was winning the battle waging inside her, Landon’s deep, sensual voice blew it all to hell. “Oh, yes.”

  “Good.”

  Monica knew she should have been prepared for the full force of Landon’s masculinity, but wasn’t. The music and the man were a deadly combination, and she felt herself being swept away by both.

  “Monica?”

  She tilted her head back to look up at him. That was a mistake. The moment she gazed into the deep, darkness of his eyes, desire flared up again. “Yes?”

  “I’m really glad you’re here with me.”

  She wished he hadn’t said that. Did he have any idea how that made her feel? He could have had any woman on board, but he was glad to be with her. “Why?” she heard herself asking.

  He lifted a brow. “Excuse me?”

  “I’m just wondering, what’s so special about me?”

  He surprised her when he leaned in close, almost in kissing range, and whispered in her ear, “You’re fun to be around, you’re genuine…and I desire you.”

  She nearly missed her step. Although they were attracted to each other, this was the first time they had addressed it. She swallowed deeply. “You desire me?”

  “Can’t you tell?”

  Yeah, she could. An arousal was something a man couldn’t hide. Part of her wanted to tell him that he shouldn’t desire her, but how could she say that, when she wanted him as well? “I can tell.”

  Was this the moment when he asked her what she was going to do about it? She’d heard that line more than once, and it had been a major turn-off, because the man had made it all about him. As if her desires didn’t matter. When he didn’t say anything, she tilted her head and said, “I’m waiting.”

  He lifted a brow. “For what?”

  “Aren’t you going to ask me to do something about it?”

  She saw confusion in the depths of his eyes. “Why would I ask you something as stupid as that?”

  She shrugged. “A lot of guys would.”

  “Then I’m glad I’m not like the other guys you’ve dated.”

  He was right, he was different. He was more mature, sophisticated, and a true gentleman. He wasn’t the ‘rush-the-woman-to-the-bedroom’ type. She also had a feeling that he wouldn’t leave her disappointed hours later. “I’m glad.”

  “Make no mistake about it, Monica. I want you. But there is something I want even more.”

  “What?”

  “I want to get to kn
ow you.”

  He’d said that before. “Why?”

  “I just do.”

  She found that odd. “You’d rather spend time getting to know me instead of trying to get me into your bed?” she blurted out and then wished she hadn’t.

  “I’d like to do both, but with you, I want to do things differently.”

  She found that odd as well. “Why?”

  He didn’t say anything for a minute, then shrugged. “I don’t want to scare you off.”

  Scare her off? “How could you do that, Landon?”

  He tightened his arms around her. “I want you more than I’ve wanted anyone in a long time. I’m not only trying to deal with it, but I want to understand it, too. That is why it’s so important that I get to know you better. I need to find out the reason I’m experiencing such intense emotions when it comes to you.”

  “Like you said, you want me. Sex isn’t all that complicated.”

  “You’re right, it shouldn’t be,” he agreed.

  That made her wonder why he was making the situation more complex than it was. “Yet, you feel that it is?” she asked.

  “When it comes to you, yes.”

  Monica didn’t say anything for a minute, mulling over what he’d said. “But you still haven’t explained something. How do you think you could scare me off, Landon?”

  Landon wasn’t sure how much he should tell her. Besides, how could he explain something he hadn’t quite figured out himself?

  He had met and fallen in love with Simone when he’d been in his early twenties, and they’d enjoyed a rather normal relationship. However, from all the sexual energy that had radiated between him and Monica from the first moment they’d met, there was nothing normal about them. He had a feeling that would apply both in and out of the bedroom.

  He wanted to have a relationship with her—he knew that now. But if he was to tell her that, he had a feeling she would place roadblocks in the way—seeing him as a threat to her future goals. He wouldn’t be, but he didn’t intend to waste the remainder of the days they were on the cruise trying to convince her of that. What he intended to do was take one day at a time, work hard to make each one productive, and then hopefully, by the end of the cruise, they would have found answers together.