---- Chapter 14 No.14 Ben was different. He didn't sweep in to solve her problems. He just showed up. Not with grand gestures, but with small, consistent acts of kindness. A cup of coffee on the kitchen counter in the morning. A text message with a picture of a funny-looking dog. An invitation to watch a movie when he could tell she was having a bad day. He was a man who knew how to be gentle. One afternoon, he came to her studio with two large, flat boxes in his hands. "Peace offering," he said with a smile. "For interrupting your work the other night." "You didn't interrupt, you saved me from passing out on the asphalt," she countered, wiping her clay-covered hands on her apron. "Still," he said, placing the boxes on a clean table. "| brought pizza." They ate sitting on stools, the cardboard boxes between them. It was simple, easy. She found herself laughing, telling him about her disastrous first attempts at pottery. He told her ---- about a ridiculous case he was working on. With Chase, she had always felt like she was performing. With Ben, she could just be. That night, she had a nightmare. She was back on the mountain. Freezing. The darkness pressing in. Chase was there, his face a mask of cold fury, his weight crushing her. "You belong to me," he hissed. She woke up with a gasp, her heart pounding, the sheets tangled around her legs. The feeling of being trapped lingered like a foul taste in her mouth She got out of bed and went to the kitchen for a glass of water, her body still trembling. It was a dream, she reminded herself. You are safe. He is not here. The next day, she went for a walk on the beach, trying to shake the lingering dread. The sun was warm, the waves a soothing rhythm. She saw a familiar figure jogging towards her. It was Ben. He slowed to a walk as he approached, his expression open and friendly. "Fancy meeting you here," he said, falling into step beside her. "The ocean is good for the soul," she said, managing a small smile. "That it is," he agreed. They walked in comfortable silence for ---- a few minutes. "By the way," he said casually, "I forgot to mention. | work with your aunt." Clare looked at him, surprised. "You do?" "Yeah. I'm on the legal team for her company's latest acquisition. That's why I've been around the house so much. We've been burning the midnight oil." He gave her a sideways glance. "Just wanted to clear that up. So you didn't think | was some kind of professional stalker who also happens to be your step-cousin." She laughed. "The thought had crossed my mind." "I'm Benedict Rhode: "he said, extending a hand in a formal, playful gesture. "It's a pleasure to officially make your acquaintance, Ms. Jennings." She shook his hand, her scarred fingers briefly touching his. His hand was warm and strong "Clare," she said. "It's nice to meet you too, Ben." The gesture was small, but it felt significant. It was a new beginning. A formal introduction to a life that had nothing to do with Chase Strong.