《Hired To Love》Chapter Twenty-Four

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A knock came from the bedroom door. It shook as someone tried to open it, but I'd locked it, so it didn't budge. "Henley?"

It was Sebastian. Bennett must've finally given up. I wasn't sure how long he'd been out there at this point, banging on the door, trying to get me to open it, but I couldn't see him right now. I couldn't talk to him. I couldn't get the image out of my head.

The image of the double gold watches on his right wrist.

The image of the back of his head as he walked away from me on the beach.

The image of the back of his head at McKellan's bar.

My chest felt tight again and I took a few deep breaths, trying to calm myself. I had to get home. This couldn't be right. Bennett couldn't have been at the bar. But somehow, I knew it was him on the video footage. Bennett was there the night my brother went to jail.

"Henley, can we talk? Just for a second?"

I knew it was wrong to ignore Sebastian, but I didn't want to see anyone. I wanted to watch that video footage and see for sure if that was Bennett on the screen or not. What if was Bennett? I was scared to find out. Because if it was Bennett, there was that awful chance that Bennett knew about what happened that night. That maybe Bennett had done something wrong and placed the blame on my brother.

But did he know that was my brother? Did he know who I was before he even met me? Or maybe he had put two and two together this whole time? Had he tricked me into liking him so I wouldn't do anything if I found out? Was everything a lie? Was this all to trick me?

Stop it, I chided myself.

"Henley?" Sebastian tried again.

I shoved pillows over my head, trying to block my ears. I knew it was almost crazy to think that. Just because there happened to be someone who looked just like my brother, didn't automatically make that person the one who stole and crashed the car. But it could make sense. Bennett was rich. Sebastian's dad was a lawyer. Brandon was drunk. It made sense.

I had to get back to McKellan's. I had to go over the rest of that surveillance footage. Brandon didn't know who Bennett was. He wouldn't know whom to look for on the other recordings. But I would. If we could catch him leaving at the same time as Brandon...

Then what? Would I call the cops? On Bennett? Could I do that? It scared me. It was even worse because I liked Bennett. I'd kissed the idiot. I'd wanted to take a chance. I didn't want it to be him. I had to catch the person but I didn't want it to be Bennett.

"Henley at least let Ariana in. She's tired. You don't have to speak to anyone, but I don't want her to feel uncomfortable sleeping with Bennett and myself."

Begrudgingly I dragged myself out of my bed and over to the door. "Only Ariana," I said through it.

"I promise."

Unlocking the door, I pulled it open slightly, leaving just enough room for Ariana's slender body to slide through. After she was in, I quickly shut and locked it again.

"What did Bennett do?" she demanded, quick as always to take my side.

"Do you remember the surveillance video?"

She nodded.

"Remember how I thought I saw someone familiar?" I heard my voice waver and I swallowed before speaking again. "I think it was Bennett."

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"What?" she gasped.

"We were on the beach and he turned around and I was staring at the back of his head and it just hit me. It was so familiar. And then I looked down. He was wearing two gold watches on the same wrist. Who does that? Wouldn't that mean Bennett was the person in that video? Even if it was, I don't know. I don't know what to do."

She glanced back at the door and then made a movement toward it. "We beat the shit out of him and demand he tell us the truth."

I snatched up her wrist, forcing her to stop. "No!"

"No?"

"It might not be him. I could be over-reacting."

"I don't think you're too far off. We didn't really think about it, but your brother and Bennett are similar. They both have dark hair. They are about the same build. From behind you really could mistake them," Ariana mentioned. "Especially since normally people don't wear two watches. That's definitely weird."

Yeah, but I didn't want to hear that. I wanted to hear Ariana tell me off, saying I was wrong, and I was stupid to even think that. But knowing she thought it could be Bennett too made me feel nauseous.

"Did he know who you were this whole time? Is that why he chose you? How could he do this to you?" she suddenly hissed. "What kind of sick person is he?

"I don't want it to be him," I mumbled.

She immediately dropped her angry expression and pulled me into a hug. "I'm sorry, Henley. We shouldn't jump to conclusions. Tomorrow when we get back, we'll go directly to McKellan's and figure this out. I know it's pointless to say, but try not to think about it."

If only it were so easy. I couldn't erase Bennett's face from my mind. I couldn't erase the feeling of him sweeping me off my feet as if I weighed less than a feather. There was no way it was Bennett. He wasn't the type of person who could do this to someone.

Was he?

The next morning, I woke up feeling anxious and worn out. I'd barely slept the night before, kept awake by my relentless thoughts. After Ariana woke up, I sent her to scope out the situation and see if Bennett was around. She came back with a negative and I relaxed a little, slipping out of our bedroom to use the bathroom.

Sebastian's massive form stepped in front of me as soon as I exited and blocked my way. His arms were crossed and he resembled a very unimpressed blockade. "What's wrong, Henley?"

"Nothing," I muttered, unable to look him in the eye.

"We're friends, you can tell me."

I glanced up at him, that same icy feeling as before seeping through my skin. Was he my friend? Or was he tricking me? He was from a family of lawyers. He knew the stratagem.

"I need some time first," I said. Right now, I couldn't think properly. I didn't want to doubt Sebastian, but I couldn't help but do so. It was wrong to even think he would be a part of this, but that voice in the back of my head taunted me. I needed to be alone so I didn't doubt my friends.

Sebastian studied me for a moment. "Whatever it is, Bennett doesn't know what he's done wrong. If you're going to give him a one-eighty with your attitude, he deserves to know why. I know I said I'm your friend, but Bennett is my best friend. And as his best friend, it's my duty to stick up for him."

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"And it's my duty to stick up for Henley. How do you know it's not Bennett's fault?" Ariana interjected before I could respond, coming out of the bedroom to stand beside me.

I tried to subtly shake my head at her. As much as I appreciated her support, I didn't want to get anyone else involved in this. It didn't need to become awkward and uncomfortable for everyone.

"If you tell me what happened, I can help," Sebastian said, his mouth twisting to the side. "Judging by your standpoints, you believe Bennett is in the wrong about whatever is happening between you two."

"I can figure it out when I get home," I told him. "I don't want to say anything unnecessary to him or to you and I probably will if I talk about it, so please leave it alone for right this moment. I'm sorry. I'm freaking out and I'm not sure how to handle it."

"Well fortunately for you, Bennett has decided to give you space. He'll take a later plane home by himself. I'll still be with you two, however. I hope you don't mind."

I could tell by the formal tone Sebastian was using that he was upset, but I didn't know what I could say to reassure him. I couldn't even reassure myself. But I did know I didn't want to accuse anyone of anything, so being alone was the best decision for now.

The plane ride back wasn't nearly as bad as the plane ride to Hawaii. Maybe it was because I'd already felt sick before I boarded the plane. Or maybe it was because I was too distracted by what was happening. I didn't care how I got home; I just needed to get home. Which reminded me that my "home" was Bennett's house and I couldn't go back there yet. If worse came to worse, I had money to stay at a hotel until I could figure something out.

When we landed, Sebastian brought Ariana and I immediately to Coffee House so I could pick up my car. "Do you want me to drive?" Ariana offered as I fumbled around my carry on for my keys.

"No. I should probably run it since it's been a while," I answered. "If I can even freakin' find my keys. I know I packed them. Oh, got them. Let's go."

Ariana slid into the passenger's seat as I turned the key. It felt nice to be in my own car again. I'd been getting too used to Bennett's car and the other dumb BMWs he had when he used a driver.

I turned on the radio to keep myself calm on the ride over to McKellan's. Ariana called Wilson, letting him know that we were on our way. My hands gripped the steering wheel. I felt hot. Beads of sweat were forming on my forehead and my stomach continuously clenched.

"Henley, red light!"

I slammed on the brakes, causing our seatbelts to lock and strangle us briefly. Ariana stared at me with wide eyes and I swallowed hard. "Sorry. Sorry!"

"Chill dude," she said. "We're almost there. Don't get us killed on the way."

"Sorry," I repeated, turning the music a little louder. Suddenly the song Car Radio held a lot more meaning to it.

When we arrived, I practically ran into the building, heading straight for Wilson's office. A few customers gave me strange looks but I didn't give them a second thought.

"Henley, how are you?" Wilson greeted me, smiling widely and warmly. It fell slightly as he took in my appearance. "Are you okay?"

"Can you play me that tape you showed us the other time?" I asked him. "And are there are cameras that have different angles we can look at?"

"Yes, it's all set up for you. Take a look, I'm going to go get you some water," he told me, urging me into the seat in front of the computer.

I glanced at Ariana. She nodded at me. I sat down at the computer.

It took no longer than two seconds to see that the man on the video footage was Bennett.

I knew his stupid hair. I knew that stupid suit. I couldn't believe I didn't recognize him before, even without the dumb double watches. Was it because I never would have suspected him? Now he was all I could see. It was clear as day.

"It's him!" Ariana gasped.

Thud, thud, thud. I could hear my pulse pounding.

"When I get my hands on him, OH MAN, he's going down—"

"Wait," I said, reaching for the mouse and clicking through the video footage. There were eight more screens showing different parts of the bar. Bennett being there didn't assure anything. It didn't automatically mean he'd set up my brother. It could've been a coincidence that both of them were there on the same day. Maybe wearing two watches was more popular than I thought. I couldn't get ahead of myself and freak out. It was important was to see if he left at the same time my brother did.

I fast-forwarded the tape. Bennett stayed at the table he was at, slowly drinking the alcohol in front of him. My brother had left the restaurant at midnight, so only if Bennett left at midnight too would it mean something.

11:15PM.

Bennett pulled out his phone and called someone.

11:30PM.

Bennett stayed seated.

11:45PM.

Bennett stayed seated.

11:50PM

Bennett stood up, appearing to speak to someone. He made like he was going to move, but after a second he sat back down.

12:00AM.

Bennett stayed seated.

I stared at the screen. Bennett ordered another drink. He didn't leave the restaurant.

I watched until 12:30AM before I hit the pause button. I didn't understand. Was this really just a coincidence? Did Bennett just happen to be at the pub the same night as my brother wearing almost exactly the same thing? What were the odds of that?

Ariana placed her hand gently on my shoulder, startling me. "He didn't leave, Henley."

Hearing the relief in her voice made me realize I'd been sitting tense and rigid this whole time. My shoulders relaxed and I leaned into the seat. It wasn't Bennett. I'd panicked for nothing. I'd also made a fool of myself for nothing.

Maybe it really was just a coincidence. I'd doubted Bennett unfairly. Poughkeepsie wasn't a huge town and McKellan's was popular. There was a pretty good chance of them being there at the same time. I guess I'd just really wanted someone to blame. Even Bennett. I bit my lip, feeling horribly guilty.

"We should've just watched the tape all the way through the first time, then this wouldn't have happened. I'm sure Brandon already did," Ariana sighed, twirling the ends of her hair around her finger.

Wilson appeared with a couple of glasses of water, placing the tray down in front of us. "What are you guys looking for?"

"I was just checking something," I told him, reaching for the water. Now that I wasn't feeling anxious, I felt parched. The cold water did wonders to cool me down.

"Is something happening? Your brother's lawyer stopped by again last week and now you two are here again."

"Richard was here?"

"No," Wilson said, shaking his head. "The new guy. I think his name is Jeremy? He was looking a different recording though."

"Really? Which recording?"

Wilson shook his head, offering me a regretful look. "I honestly couldn't tell you the exact one. But he seems like a good guy, Henley. I'm sure he knows what he's doing. I know you want to investigate on your own, but you should really leave it to the professionals and just focus on yourself."

I pursed my lips at him. "Yes, because Richard is so competent."

"Richard's just a dick," Wilson responded, rolling his eyes.

Ariana snorted and I grinned. "True."

"Did you find what you were looking for at least?"

I nodded. "Yeah, thank you. I feel a lot better."

"Good, I'm glad. Are you guys hungry? It's on the house."

"I won't say no to free food," Ariana replied happily, giving him a cheeky grin.

My stomach rumbling was my response to that question. I'd barely been able to force myself to eat anything and now I was starving. And exhausted.

We sat in the private dining area to eat so we didn't have to deal with the late night crowd. The whole time I kept glancing at my phone, seeing if Bennett had tried to contact me. Was he even home yet? I hadn't asked Sebastian how much of a later flight Bennett had caught. I thought about texting him first, but I was embarrassed and ashamed. I'd even made him take a different flight than us. What kind of person was I?

My cheeks warmed at the thought of facing him. To top it all off, I'd treated him like crap right after we kissed. He probably had the wrong idea completely.

"Thinking of Bennett?" Ariana teased, pointing a fork full of pasta at me. "Your face is all red."

"Yes. Ugh. I acted like a three-year-old. What am I supposed to say to him?" I said, pressing my cheek into the cool wooden table.

"Sorry about what happened, should I suck your dick and make it up to you?"

I shot right back up, my jaw dropping. "Ariana!"

She smirked. "Just a suggestion."

"I mean it'd probably work— but no! We're not even dating or anything."

"Technically you guys are."

"No, we ended the contract. Now it's just confusing."

Her eyes widened. "What? You ended the contract? Why?"

"When we went on that date yesterday he asked me if I wanted it to be a real date and I said yes and then he kissed me and then said we should end the contract and I'm not sure what's happening now," I rushed out. "Oh! And also, his mom called him and she like Googled me and now knows I'm not from France."

"Wait. Since when were you from France?"

I threw my hands up in the air and groaned. "Exactly!"

"Aside from that though you kissed?! How was it? Tell me!" she demanded, her eyes crinkling in excitement. "Aww! He's so sweet! I thought he would be! Did he taste like diamonds and filthy rich lap dogs?"

"No and that's weird description, but he smelled really good."

"So are you guys actually dating? This is like a true rags to riches story, holy shit."

I stabbed at my pasta with my fork, pursing my lips. "Like I said, I don't know what's happening. But I did run away from Bennett after we kissed like the freaking main character in a soap opera, so who knows what he's thinking."

"I'm so jealous," she sighed dreamily.

"Don't be. I don't know what I'm going to do yet. I really don't think it's a good idea to even try a relationship. If his mother is already suspicious of me, I really don't want to deal with it."

But the idea of leaving Bennett wasn't something I wanted either. It was so complicated. Why was this my life?

An obnoxious smile crossed Ariana's face and she reached over to pat my hand. "Oh, Henley. Sometimes you have to fight for love."

"I'm not really a fighter. I can barely lift twenty pounds."

"You know, I get a good feeling when two people are meant to be together and you and Bennett give me that feeling."

"Creepy."

She scrunched up her face at me. "Henley."

"Did you feel that way about my brother and yourself?"

"I felt lots of ways about your brother."

I faked throwing up into my pasta and she threw a piece of broccoli at me. "You'll thank me later, anyway."

"Why?"

She batted her eyelashes at me. "You'll see."

We left McKellan's a little before eleven, remembering that both of us had an early morning shift the next day. Bennett still hadn't texted me and I wasn't sure whether to go back to his house or not. If I was him, I wouldn't want to see me. That was for sure. After I dropped Ariana off and she left, I sat in the parking lot, unsure of what to do. Bennett had told me not to bring my car to his house, so it wasn't like I could drive there.

I scrolled through a couple hotels in the surrounding area, grimacing at their prices. Even now that I had money, spending it on useless stuff still made me reluctant. It would probably be no issue to stay in my car for one night. It was big enough...

A sudden tap on my car window scared the shit out of me, causing me to fling my phone across the car. For a second I was too scared to look— it could've been a hobo!— but I finally gathered up the courage to peek out.

Only to see Bennett staring down at me.

I was totally unprepared and I turned away, my limbs locking up like a doll.

"I know you saw me, Henley," he called through the glass.

Grimacing to myself, I stiffly turned back around, rolling down the window. "Fine evening, eh?"

Oh man, what did I just say. KILL ME. I cried inwardly.

"Have you calmed down?"

"Yes..."

"If I made you that uncomfortable back on the beach, I won't try anything again. I shouldn't have. I overstepped a boundary. But please don't think about sleeping in your car and come back to my house." His voice was low and subdued. His Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed.

I blinked at him, my mouth falling slack. What? He thought I was acting like this because he kissed me? He thought it was his fault?

Suddenly, I was embodying The Scream.

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