It Had to Be Them (An It Had to Be Novel Book 4)

by Tamra Baumann

  “I’m still having a hard time with the lie, but go on.”

  Crap. She was really going to be mad when she heard the rest. But he’d already stepped in it and there was no escape. Literally. “Every semester I’d tell my dad how much money I thought we’d need, and then he’d write up a new agreement. I read the first one all the way through, but after that I just signed where he pointed when we were home for school breaks. By the time I figured out what he’d changed, it was too late. I had unknowingly already agreed to his terms.”

  Kline groaned. “What did he slip in there?”

  “That after med school I had to stay here and work for five years at a reduced salary. I should have known better, and felt like an idiot when I figured it out. I didn’t tell you because I was afraid you’d put your plans on hold and wait for me.”

  “So you did what you thought was best for me, without asking, as usual? And you didn’t trust me enough to be honest with me?” She pulled away and reached for her clothes. Calmly, because Kline hated to fight, she said, “I was entitled to make my own choice. I’m not one of your siblings who you still feel the need to parent, Ben. And you broke my heart on top of it.”

  “Wait, Kline.” He reached out to pull her back into bed, but she danced out of the way as she slipped into her jeans. “I wanted you to have your adventures. And after that, I hoped you’d finally realize that you actually prefer small-town life. I was afraid you’d resent me if you stayed. That would have been worse than letting you go.”

  Kline zipped up her jacket and crossed to the other bed. After she burrowed under the covers, she said, “This isn’t about me; it’s about you. I think you actually thrive on people needing you. You need to focus on your own happiness and quit saving people who don’t need saving.”

  “And you need to stop running away from and avoiding the problems in your life.” He regretted his words as soon as they’d left his lips. He should’ve just let her go process things on the other bunk. She probably would’ve come around eventually. Now she’d get quiet and avoid dealing with it. As usual.

  “Good night, Ben,” she said as polite as could be.

  “Night.” All Kline could focus on was the lie, not his good intentions. But then, he should’ve never lied to her in the first place. He should’ve stood up to his father and refused the terms of his underhanded contract.

  After he’d used the facilities and dressed again, he climbed back into bed, tucked his hands under his head, and stared at the ceiling. He’d prefer Kline yell at him or take a swipe at him rather than withdraw into herself. The only time she’d ever raised her voice to him was at the end of their relationship. When she’d thrown her ring at him.

  Kline suddenly threw her covers back. “Dammit. I can’t hold it. Put your pillow over your head, please.”

  “That’s ridiculous. Just go.”

  “Please, Ben?”

  “Fine.” He pulled his pillow over his face and continued stewing over her.

  Kline was wrong about one thing. He didn’t thrive on being needed. He just was . . . needed. Did she honestly think he enjoyed being a buffer between his father and his family, not to mention most of the town? He did it to keep peace. Of course he’d change his plans in a heartbeat if one of his sisters needed him. They were both single mothers. Or, they had been until recently. And Ryan? He needed his ass kicked to yank him out of that shell he tended to retreat into. Until he’d met Tara, anyway.

  But then, Casey had said some of the same things to him the night before. That he needed to quit worrying about his adult siblings and make himself happy. Maybe he had treated Kline like he did his brother and sisters rather than as his equal. He moved the pillow from his face and saw she was back in bed. “I think I screwed up one more thing. I arranged a little surprise get-together for your birthday tomorrow night. Sorry, I should have asked you first.”

  “Thank you, but I don’t know if my mom has plans for me.” She rolled over and faced the block wall.

  “I invited her too.”

  Kline sighed. “Naturally.”

  Yeah. Maybe he needed to work on that. He’d stop organizing her life like he did all the other parts of his. And he’d be more honest with her in the future. “If I promise to stop making decisions for you without asking, will you come back over here and sleep with me?”

  She didn’t answer for a moment, but then finally said, “I think it’s best if I stay over here.”

  “It’s awful cold in my bunk. How’s yours?”

  “Freezing. But I’m still so mad at you. If you had just trusted me enough to tell me the truth, we could’ve worked things out.”

  “You mean like we’d be married with two kids by now, worked it out? Or you would’ve hated me for making you stay and have two kids, worked it out?”

  She rolled over and faced him again. “I thought having to raise your brother and sisters made you never want kids of your own.”

  “My niece and nephews changed my mind. You’ll meet them tomorrow night—if you choose to come.”

  “Like I’d be that big of a jerk to not come after everyone is expecting me.” She punched up the pillow under her head. After a few moments, she said, “And I think I might want kids now too.”

  His heart nearly soared out of his chest. She’d been staunchly against bringing any more children into the world when so many needed a good home. So, they both had changed. “Sam asked me to be a sperm donor for her.”

  “Seriously?” Kline sat straight up. “But . . .”

  “I’m still thinking about it.” He suppressed his grin at her strong reaction. Maybe she did still love him enough to want to have kids with him. “But it’s hard to concentrate when my teeth are chattering. I need your body heat to make a sound decision.”

  “Fine. But only because I’m freezing too. We probably won’t get any sleep otherwise.” Kline threw her covers back. “But now is no time to make that big of a decision.”

  “Okay. I’ll think about it later.” He moved over so she could slide in beside him, then pulled her close. “Much better.”

  She nodded against his chest. “I haven’t had a birthday party since I left. My mom always sent a gift and called if I had access to a phone, but I never mentioned it to anyone. Didn’t want to make a big deal out of it. So, thank you for that, Ben.”

  “Welcome. Sweet dreams.” He’d show her what she’d been missing. Family and real friends who loved her.

  “You too.” She slid closer.

  Hopefully, she’d forget how mad she was at him when she saw the party he’d planned for her. Well, his sisters were doing most of the work, but it’d been his idea. Maybe it would end up doubling as a welcome-home-to-stay party.

  As they snuggled together on the small jailhouse cot, Kline’s back was frozen in all the spots Ben’s arms left uncovered, but her front was nice and toasty. Morning—when they’d turn up the heat again in Town Hall—couldn’t come quick enough. Along with Gloria and their breakfast. All Kline could think about was Gloria’s French toast. Made with thick-sliced bread, drenched with melted butter and warm syrup, and topped off with powdered sugar . . . she needed to stop.

  It was already hard enough to sleep with her stomach growling, her back freezing, and Ben’s earlier revelation still pinging about her brain. She’d never known him to lie before. Especially to her.

  It hurt.

  And made her question how many other things he might have lied to her about when they’d been together.

  Lying was a deal-breaker with her. All those girls in school who pretended to be her friends so they could get closer to her guy friends had taught her early on to be wary of people. She’d caught these same girls laughing behind her back about how skinny and gangly she’d been in middle school. It was probably why her current circle of close friends wasn’t a big one, and mostly consisted of men like Nate who she wasn’t interested in dating.

  How different might her and Ben’s lives be if only he’d told the truth? Sh
e definitely would have waited for him. There was no doubt about that. But if she had, would she have ever been able to help the kids in Africa? Learned about so much culture in Europe and had the opportunity to teach all over the world? She’d loved it all, but now it was time to grow up and be an adult. Buy a house and car and settle down like most others her age had.

  Would she have resented Ben if she hadn’t been able to see the world? If she had stayed and started a family with him she certainly wouldn’t have been able to travel. If they’d had a couple of kids would that have made the sacrifice worth it? She hadn’t had any idea how much she’d come to love kids. Teaching them had made her want one or two of her own.

  Ben always meant well. He’d proved that through the years as he came to the rescue of his brother and sisters all their lives, but she needed to be with a man who treated her as a partner and a full-grown woman. One who would be a top priority in his life, not just one more person to take care of. She didn’t need a protector, dammit!

  She rolled over to get her back warm for a few minutes and made Ben shiver.

  “You’re a block of ice.” He sat up and took off his jacket, balling it up against the cold cinder block wall behind him. “Trade places with me so you can be warm on both sides.”

  “Thanks. But only if we take turns to be fair.” She scooted between the warm jacket and his chest, nuzzling her face into the crook of his neck. He smelled like shaving cream and . . . sexy Ben.

  When she’d been missing chocolate and her mom while staring at the cracks in that jail cell years ago, trying to block out the stifling heat and pungent odors, she’d close her eyes and recall the familiar scent of pine trees and cool lake water. Inevitably, Ben’s unique scent would sneak its way in too before she’d push it away, along with all the memories of him. Thankfully, Nate’s politically powerful father had been able to bust her out, or who knew how long she’d have had to stay in that awful place. She hated to even think about those six weeks of her life, so she focused on Ben again.

  They used to tell each other everything, or so she thought. She’d never kept anything from him. It made her mad all over again.

  After a few minutes, she was finally warm on both sides and trying her best to keep her anger at Ben alive, but just couldn’t muster the energy. She’d revisit it tomorrow after she’d slept on it. And had some food. For the moment, it was awful nice to cuddle.

  The next morning, when the overhead lights switched on above their bunk, Kline blinked her eyes open and lifted her head to see if Ben was awake. She was in the same position as she’d been when she’d fallen asleep.

  Her hormones weren’t the least bit angry at Ben, and they were happy to remind her of that. His hair was rumpled and his full lips were tilted into a cute grin. His five o’clock shadow made him even more irresistible.

  He whispered, “Happy birthday.”

  She’d almost forgotten. “Thank you. But how come you didn’t wake me to trade places?”

  He pulled her closer and laid a kiss on top of her head. “Because I was fine. But now I’m starving.” He leaned his head back and yelled, “Ryan!”

  There was no answer.

  Ben said, “I forgot. It’s Saturday. No one comes in unless they have to. Maybe a janitor turned on the lights. I hope we’re not stuck in here all day. Let me text Ryan.”

  As Ben tapped his phone, Gloria appeared with her hands full of to-go boxes. “Looks like you two had a cozy night.” It must’ve been Gloria who’d turned on the lights.

  Ben jumped up and approached the door. “We froze. And we’re starving. Thanks.”

  “Morning, Gloria.” Kline threw the covers back and joined Ben at the door so Gloria could see she was dressed too. Otherwise, the news that they were back together would be all over town within the hour, but that wasn’t true because they had things to work out. Well, except for the sleeping together again part. That had gone just right.

  Gloria chuckled. “If that’s your story. Help me with the door there, will you, Ben?”

  Ben turned the handle and then swung open the heavy bars. “My brother is a dead man.”

  What? The door hadn’t even been locked?

  Gloria handed over the boxes with a smirk. “Bet you two worked up quite the appetite last night . . . trying to stay warm.”

  Kline wanted to crawl under the bunk in embarrassment. They’d definitely burned the few calories they’d had for dinner as they ravished each other. Thoughts of that part of their evening made her want to grin—until she recalled the rest of the night. Ignoring Gloria’s comment, Kline said, “I hope whatever is in here involves syrup.”

  “Of course it does.” Gloria laid her hands on her wide, uniformed hips. “You’ll have to take me out back and let Ruth shoot me the day I can’t remember a regular’s favorite order. Happy birthday, by the way. Eat up, and then Ryan says you can go on home.”

  Kline peeked inside her box, thrilled to see the French toast she’d craved all night. She wrapped her free arm around Gloria and hugged her. “Best birthday present ever. Thank you!” It melted her heart that Gloria remembered even after all the years that had passed. Kline sat on the bunk and dug in.

  Ben sat beside her. “Thanks, Gloria. See you later tonight?” He dove into his cheese omelet with hash browns on the side.

  Gloria’s beehive hairdo, filled with pens, bobbed. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world. Gotta get back now, though. Bye.”

  Kline mumbled around her buttery, sweet bite, “Bye.”

  Ben, sated from their hearty breakfast, walked beside Kline as they headed home. She’d become quiet again.

  Just as he was going to ask what she was thinking, his phone hummed in his pocket. He pulled it out and noted the long list of texts and e-mails.

  Kline said, “Let me guess. Your dad called, and at least one of your siblings needs something from you right away.”

  He hated to admit she was right. “I’m planning a big party tonight, remember? People probably have questions. Like what’s Kline’s favorite flavor of cake these days, chocolate or vanilla?”

  “Chocolate, of course. What does your dad want?”

  He had a good idea what his dad wanted, but didn’t want to open the e-mail in front of Kline. “Don’t know. So, the party is at my house. Does six work for you?”

  “Yes, I’m looking forward to it.” Kline led the way up the steps of her mom’s front porch. “Can I do anything to help?”

  “Nope. Just show up.” He laid his hands on her arms and gave them a light squeeze. “Are we okay?”

  Kline’s forehead rumpled. “I don’t know. I’m still trying to wrap my head around what you told me last night. Moving out of the friend zone was probably a mistake.”

  “How can you say that?” He leaned closer. “The sleeping together part was fantastic.”

  “Yeah. That much hasn’t changed. But have we? Changed enough so that we don’t make the same mistakes all over again?” She crossed her arms and glanced at her feet. Never a good sign when she wouldn’t look him in the eyes.

  “I think we have.” He laid a finger under her chin and slowly tilted her gaze back to his. “I’m sorry I lied to you, Kline. And I’m sorry I let my father manipulate me like that. I promise I’ll never let that happen again.” He stared into her eyes, hating the uncertainty there. “But you still need a little time to work out your feelings, right?”

  Her eyes misted as she nodded. He hated to see her cry. She so rarely did that it ripped his guts out. “I’m not going anywhere.”

  He laid a kiss on her soft lips. She tasted sweet. Like maple syrup and powdered sugar.

  He ended their kiss and opened his eyes, but didn’t pull away. Kline stared right back, as if searching for something in him.

  He wanted to lighten the mood, so he leaned his forehead against hers and said, “You don’t have to worry about last night. I promise not to press charges against you for getting me drunk and then taking advantage of me.”

  She
chuckled. “Gee, thanks. You’re so much more understanding than my last cellmates.”

  “Cellmates?” He leaned back so he could see her face. “Were you arrested—”

  “Not telling.” When he started to ask again, she laid a finger across his lips. “Maybe you don’t know me as well as you think you do? I’m not the same woman I was when I left.”

  It was probably just another protesting thing. “You know me well enough to know it’s going to drive me nuts until you fill in the blanks.”

  “Yep.” She hitched her brows. “See you later.”

  “I’m going to get it out of you tonight, one way or another.” He leaned back and stuffed his hands in his pockets to squelch the urge to scoop her up and take her home with him. She needed space.

  After the front door closed behind Kline, he turned and slowly walked down the steps. Being patient was damn near killing him after last night. Especially when she’d finally smiled at him like she used to.

  His phone vibrated in his pocket again, so he took it out and checked the display. His father. He was probably calling because he hadn’t gotten an instant answer to his e-mail. His father’s house was Ben’s next stop anyway. He wanted to see if his chances were any better for getting his clinic now that the Feds had shut the bulldozing down. He ignored the ringing cell and scrolled through his texts. After getting thrown in jail, it took all Ben had not to answer that call and tell his father to go to hell. But he wanted his clinic more than he wanted vindication.

  For now, anyway.

  As he walked the short distance to his father’s house, he answered Casey’s text about Kline’s preference in cake. Then he put his phone away, drew a deep breath for patience, and climbed his father’s porch stairs. Ben knocked, and then returned his hands to his jacket pockets to keep them warm.

  After a few moments, his stepmother, Sue Ann, who was only a few years older than him, swung the door open. She slapped her hands on her recently liposuctioned hips and pursed her red, artificially plumped-up lips. “’Bout time you got in touch. Your daddy was screaming like a howler monkey with a splinter in his butt.” The former beauty queen from Texas stepped aside to let him pass.