Page 48 of Whiskey & Honey
Closing my eyes, I ask for someone to give me strength. Not only does this man cause every emotion to flow through my body, but he can draw more sighs from me than should be allowed. Resigning that he’s not leaving anytime soon, I hang his coat on the hook next to the door and, instead of walking toward the kitchen to join him, I make my way down the short hallway to my bedroom. Quickly stripping off these gold pieces of fabric, I throw on my favorite sweats, T-shirt, and slippers.
As I walk down the hall I am greeted by smell of something cooking and suddenly my stomach is very happy Ben stayed.
“Sorry I made myself at home but I realized I was starving and a grilled cheese sounded good. Do you want one?”
I sit down at my small bistro table, pulling my knees to my chest. “Yes, please. You seem to have made yourself right at home.”
With nothing more than a wink he simply turns back to making our sandwiches. Is this what life would be like with Ben? Easy. Life with Ben would be easy. Enjoying being together, laughing, making dinner, watching a movie, and yes, mind-blowing orgasms would be a bonus. Simple, uncomplicated, and perfect.
Just as I have this thought my phone pings that I have a text message. Since I didn’t exactly have the means to carry it tonight the phone has been on the counter all night. I pick it up and the reality of everything comes to a screeching halt.
Ashton: Just closing up for the night and wanted to make sure you got home ok.
Me: Yep. Just hanging out in my sweats getting ready for bed.
Ashton: Good deal. Sorry I was so busy tonight.
Me: You were working, silly.
Ashton: Don’t remind me. Did you meet any guys? You looked smokin’.
Me: *eye roll* No I didn’t meet anyone. I felt like an idiot. Payback is a bitch you know.
Ashton: Lol. Yeah I know but thankfully you aren’t a bitch. I’ve gotta go. TTYL
Me: Okay. Night.
Just as I’m about to put my phone down it pings again.
Ashton: Did Ben leave with anyone?
Me: What?
Crap.
Ashton: I was hoping he’d hook up with someone. He’s been a grumpy slug for weeks and figured he needs to get laid.
Choking on her last statement, I accept the glass of water that appears in front of me.
“Are you okay?” Ben asks, concerned.
“Yeah, sorry. Wrong pipe.”
Me: I wouldn’t know.
Ashton: Whatever, he’s probably off being boring. I really have to go now. TTYL
I don’t bother replying and set my phone down as Ben turns toward me with a plate of sandwiches and a few napkins.
“Do you mind if we sit in the living room?”
“Of course not. Do you want anything to drink?”
“Sure, surprise me,” he replies as he makes his way to the living room.
Ashton’s text is still on my mind when I join him on the couch. Ben should be hooking up with someone. He should be going out and meeting women like his friends. This is so messed up. The thought of him even talking to a strange woman at a bar has me losing my appetite. I just nibble at one-half of my sandwich but note that Ben has already consumed two full sandwiches.
“Hungry?”