Page 20 of Whiskey & Honey
We both laugh and I agree to forty-five minutes. Although I’m pushing it by sitting here, I can’t help but allow myself a few seconds of watching Ben walk away. The way the shorts ride low on his hips and his leg muscles flex as he walks, I’m going to need to make that a cold shower. Just as I put my car in gear he turns back toward me and smirks.
So busted. I offer a shy little wave and he shakes his head at me.
I have less than forty minutes before he’ll be here to pick me up. I have no time to waste and work double time to get ready. Thankfully the evenings are still warm and the Sullivans always grill out for Ashton’s birthday. It’s her requirement, along with strawberry shortcake for dessert. And presents. Really her only requirement is presents. For someone who gets stage fright and doesn’t do well in crowds, Ashton loves being the center of attention.
Once I’ve showered and chosen a simple summer dress, I reach for my signature cowboy boots. Glancing at the clock, I note I either have time for makeup or my hair. Hair wins out and I am just finishing when there is a knock on my door. I grab the card I have for Ash, open the door, and momentarily lose my ability to breathe.
Standing before me dressed casually in a pair of shorts and collared navy-blue shirt showing off his very toned and tan arms, wearing a pair of aviator sunglasses with his hands in his pockets … is the man who has starred in more of my dreams in the past week than I care to admit. Wow, that shirt hugs him just right. I bet if I reached out I’d feel the ripple of his abs through the fabric. If I just put my hand out … no, no, Piper, no naughty thoughts. Just appreciate his perfectness and move right along.
I double blink and am pulled from my thoughts as he clears his throat and removes his sunglasses to hang off the front of his shirt.
“Wow, Piper. You look beautiful.”
I roll my eyes in response as I grab the gift bag from him.
“Don’t sound so surprised, Ben. I’m not an awkward teenager anymore. I thought you already had that part figured out.” I step out and turn to lock the front door. I take and release a deep breath as I finish and move past him to begin my descent down the stairs. I hear his footsteps behind me as I make my way to his truck.
I attempt to open the truck’s door, but it’s locked. I can hear Ben’s footsteps as I stand there with my arms crossed in a childish and stubborn stance. This is a bad idea. The minute I opened that door and saw him standing there I should have said I couldn’t help him. I should have not answered the door. Thank goodness I can blame the heat on my sweaty palms and inability to sit still. As the truck signals that Ben has unlocked the door, I put my hand on the handle, but before I can open it he places his hand on mine.
“I’m not surprised, Princess. That was a moment of my breath being taken away. Don’t be so defensive; accept a compliment, would ya?”
I turn to him and see nothing but sincerity and maybe a little frustration in his eyes.
“You’re right,” I say as I offer him an apologetic smile. “Thank you, Cowboy. Now, are you going to let me open this door so we can figure out what to get your sister for her birthday?”
He laughs and shakes his head at me. Not another word is exchanged as he opens the door for me and then makes his way around to his side. Once he’s in and pulled away I realize we haven’t even talked about what he’s thinking of for a gift.
“So we should probably figure out what you want to get her before we start this little adventure.”
“Oh, I already got her gift.”
“What? I thought that’s why you were picking me up.”
“It was, but then I remembered I already had something for her. My bad.” He motions to a bag identical to the one I have in my lap.
“How do you forget you already have a gift? Why didn’t you let me know we weren’t going shopping? I could have used the extra time to do more with myself.” I begin straightening the skirt of my dress and messing with my hair.
“You look perfect so no more time was necessary. Plus, I want you to see something and give me your opinion.”
I just stare at him while I process this entire gift thing. Did he really forget he had a gift or was he messing with me? My frustration mounts as his nonchalant attitude takes over the cab of the truck.
“So let me get this straight. You just happened to find the perfect gift while picking up mine?” He shrugs in response. “Whatever, this is ridiculous. Where are you taking me?” No answer. “Can we just go to your parents’ house? I’ll help Patty with dinner.”
He reaches over and grabs my hand. Tingles. Every damn time he touches me the tingles begin in my toes and make their way up my legs, stopping for a little visit in the lady parts, who by the way are really aware of how close I’m sitting to Bentley, before stopping in my tummy. I look down to where his hand is and then up quickly to his face. He’s looking forward toward the road as if he doesn’t feel the same connection I do. Of course he doesn’t. I look back down at our hands and pull mine from his and place it in my lap.
Ben pulls his hand from where it was just holding mine and puts it on the wheel to replace the one he’s now resting on the window. The mood in this truck just went from banter-filled to awkward.
Clearing his throat, he turns his attention to the road. “Relax, I’m not kidnapping you or anything.” I start to reply but he cuts me off. “You sounded panicked for a second. I found a place I’m considering and I want your opinion.”
“Not you, too,” I sigh. “What is it with you and your sister? If you found a place, great. You have to live in it, not me.” That may have been a tad bit snarky and reflected a smidge too much frustration. I’m less frustrated with going to look at an apartment than I am that his simple touch put me on edge.
Ben doesn’t even respond; he just begins singing along to the radio. I concede I have lost this battle. I am officially the Sullivan Apartment Hunting Chaperone.