CHAPTER 27
Part of me always knew it was him, that it had to be Benji. It made the most logical sense. As I wade in the water towards him, seeing him bask in the early morning sunrise feels so surreal. Like, there's no way this man wants me, nor would he go to the lengths he has to keep me safe and cared for.
Back in Maple Brook Falls, he was always around the Rainbow Reading Room and the community center when we were there, lurking like he was a little fly on the wall.
But now I see why he didn't know how to show me what he wanted, or if I'd have said yes to his advances.
Honestly, I don't know if I would have. Yeah, I had a little crush on him, but it always seemed so wrong. He's my dad's age.
Now that he took my virginity, saved my life, and confessed his feelings for me after he filled me with his cum, I know we're meant for each other.
I might love Annie, but she won't be able to come to terms with her own feelings before she runs off to college.
Benji will do whatever it takes to stay by my side, and I know I'll do the same.
He's who I belong with, who sees the real me and doesn't shy away.
“Come here, little prey.”
He pulls me close to his chest, wrapping my legs around his waist below the murky water. I wrap my arms around his shoulders, leaning in for a kiss, something we just can't seem to stop doing.
“I want you to stay with me for a couple more days. I can tow your Jeep behind my truck back home when we get ready to leave. Today's my birthday, and I want to spend it with you.”
“My parents and the girls will ask too many questions.”
I want to say yes, to let us have our time together just being ourselves without any distractions or barriers.
“Let me call Hunter, he'll cover with your dad if I explain everything to him. When we get back to Maple Brook Falls, I'll talk to your parents myself, but little prey you need to decide what you're going to do.”
He is talking about my future because if I leave for college, all of this is for nothing.
“Ben, I don't want to go anywhere without you.”
My confession sinks into the water between us as he stares into my eyes.
“Then follow your heart, little prey, do what makes you happy.
If that's staying in Maple Brook Falls and continuing the work you're doing, there's nothing wrong with that.
I will support any choice you make. There's always the option to travel with me when I go to jobs out of state.
Let me show you the world as I build us our dream home.
We can have it all, Babygirl, as long as you're willing to take the risk.”
Tears stream down my cheeks as I bury my head in the crook of his neck. He's perfect, everything I didn't know I needed until right now.
“But the girls… they're going to wake up soon, if Annie hasn't yet.”
“What do you mean he was following you around this whole time?” Annie asks, red in the cheeks as her knee bounces nervously, as we sit next to the fire Benji made to help keep me warm from our swim.
When we got back here, no one was awake, so he helped me, then went back to his camper to shower and get changed, before we go get breakfast somewhere in town.
“He has a permanent campsite here.”
I point to the camper you can hardly make out on the other side of the tree line.
“He didn't know we were going to be here, but when he found out, he kept an eye on us.”
I left the part where he left me notes and watched the two of us get off with each other on the Fourth of July.
“So now what, Scarlett? You're in love with him? You hardly even know him. How can you just say you're going to stay here, twelve hours away from home with practically a stranger? It doesn't matter if he's someone from back home.”
She's practically yelling at this point, no doubt waking up other people nearby since it's still early morning.
“Annie, baby, just trust me. This is what I want. Today's his birthday, and I want to spend it with him. Please understand, I know what I'm doing.”
“You're a grown woman, Scarlett. I can't stop you, but just know I do not approve.”
She stomps off to her tent, leaving me on the table, to process how my best friend isn't being a supportive person.
“This is really how you want to spend your birthday?” I ask him as we head into the woods carrying backpacks full of supplies.
“Yes, little prey, this is exactly how I want to spend my birthday.”
He winks at me, taking my tiny hand into his callused one.
We hike the same trail us girls did together the other day, heading back to the place that proved this man would go to great lengths to keep me safe.
When we reach the top of the waterfall, he lays out a plush red blanket, then takes the bag off my shoulders.
“Sit down, little prey.”
I do as I'm told, plopping down on the corner of the blanket facing the ledge of the waterfall.
Its only peaceful sound is the water cascading down into the pool below, and the faint sound of birds singing off in the woods.
Benji pulls out a little pack of cupcakes, some strawberry white wine, utensils, and little collapsible cups used for camping.
We sit there together, enjoying the view, eating cupcakes, and sipping wine, talking about all the places he's been and where I want to go.
I feel so free with him like I've never been before with anyone else.
“Want to jump?”
I ask standing up, slipping off my shoes and crop top to reveal the same bathing suit I wore the last time I was here, when he saved my life. He puts down his cup, standing up beside me. He pulls me into his bare chest, wraps his hand around my throat, and kisses me hard and passionately.
“Little prey, I would follow you over a thousand cliffs if you asked me to. I'm yours and have been since I set eyes on you. I love you, Scarlett.”
“I love you too, Benji, Happy Birthday!”
Then we jump, holding hands, plummeting into the watery abyss. Showing just how much we care for each other and trust each other. All I can think about on the way down before my body hits the water is that I would follow this man to the ends of the earth if he asked me to.
Benji is my salvation, my rock, and my partner, and I never want it to be any other way.