More than Enough (Book Two in the Enough Series)

Bennett

Gemma fucking Tabott. The woman who invaded my thoughts most days. When Branham called me over, I wasn't expecting him to introduce me to Los and his girlfriend. I had to bite back a laugh, knowing the truth. I didn't even realize I was correcting him when I did, but once I felt those words, I made sure to make it clear that Gemma was not with Los. If I weren't such a complete moron, perhaps I could've said she was mine instead, but as Reed and my Father frequently reminded me, I was an utter fool.

Hearing Los tell me of all her achievements in the months we hadn't spoken filled me with pride and sadness. I hated not being there to cheer her on and encourage her along the way, but maybe she wouldn't have made those achievements if I had been there as a distraction. Though when he said she had a boyfriend, I can't say that I wasn't clinching my fists under the table, jealousy running through my veins. I bit out the words to congratulate her, not wanting her to see how it affected me.

"Thank you." She quietly responded, My heart fluttered just hearing her sweet voice. It sank just as quickly though realizing she didn't correct Los on the boyfriend statement, so it must have been true. "How... How are you?" She stuttered out, looking as uncomfortable as I felt.

"I'm doing well. Working with my Dad on some projects, as Mr. Marino mentioned. No boyfriends for me, of course." I winked at her with a laugh. The smile she gave me in return, I missed those, her full lips and stunning eyes looking at me. I had to glance away, clearing my throat before looking at Los. He was of course watching every move I made, nothing going unnoticed by our meddlesome friend.

"That's a shame, I was rooting for you and Hugh," Los commented, grabbing some of the food that had been brought out. I wasn't that hungry and being so close to Gem had me nervous. Despite that, I didn't want our time to be any more awkward so I forced myself to try a few things.

"Mmmm. This is really damn good." Her moans cause my slacks to get tighter by the minute. Los smirked like a fool across from me, knowing exactly how my body was reacting to her. "How have I not heard about them before?"

"I told you."

"That's why we're trying to help, the food is too good for it not to be packed out the door," I answered before going into the whole spiel my Dad and I had been discussing in hopes of building up the customer base for the Marino family restaurant. Once I finished speaking, I looked over to find Gemma's face resting on her hand as she watched with rapt interest in every word I spoke. I felt myself puff up with a sense of pride. "Sorry, didn't realize I was turning that much into my Father."

"I like it. I like that you're helping this small business. That's kind of you"

"Well, I mean it is business.."

"Bennett, I know you well enough to know you're doing it for more than just business." She was right, she did know me. She knew me better than anyone else, perhaps even better than Reed. It hurt to think about how well she knew me but yet how far away I was pushing her.

"We all know Bennett is just a softy in an Adonis costume." I nearly choked when Los added his commentary. He always added such colorful thoughts. Gemma slapped his arm, shaking her head in friendly annoyance. "Excuse him, you know he always says the most ridiculous shit."

Our table was covered in food as Gemma and Los ate in silence. I attempted to try a few things and do my best to not stare at the woman in front of me. I'd make eye contact with Los a few times which always resulted in his all-knowing smirk. He knew exactly what he was doing, I wouldn't be surprised if he hadn't known about my involvement with the restaurant and brought her here for that very reason, hoping to catch me. I hated and loved him for it.

I let Los lead a lot of the conversation after that, he told us about how he had met Mr. Marino and wanted to support a fellow business owner. It came up that Gemma was no longer working at Brew and how hard she'd been working in college. I was incredibly proud of her strength and determination. While he complimented her I watched as her dark hair fell loose around her shoulders, framing her perfect face. I found myself imagining leaning over and capturing her lips with mine, just one more time. How soft she would feel against me.

"Did you enjoy it?" Marino's boisterous voice brought me out of my thoughts, thankfully before I embarrassed myself.

"Everything was delicious. I'm so glad Los brought me here, Thank you for such a lovely meal." Gemma was quick to thank him and gush over the meal we were served. I loved that about her, how sweet she was to those around her. I felt myself pale when I went over the words in my head again, the L word had been popping up far too often for my comfort.

"It was amazing as usual. Thank you, Gemma and Los, for sharing a meal with me. It was nice to see you both." I stood, ready to excuse myself from this beautiful torture. "I need to get to going, but make sure everything is on me, ok Bran?" I patted his shoulder, rushing off before anyone could say another word. Too afraid if she dared say anything kind to me, I'd have to take her in my arms. Cursing myself, I rushed out to my car and headed home with a wounded heart and blue balls. Fuck my life.