“Okay, so we’re going with the chocolate cake,” Brandi said, making notes on a legal pad.
“Like there was ever any doubt.” She snickered.
“Hush, you.” Her friend pointed at her. “Now, let’s get back to discussing your upcoming weekend with my brother.”
“Yeah, the enigmatic Ben.” Kerri smiled. “You should make him his favorite food.”
“Bacon?” She laughed. “I’m not sure I’d be able to sneak that in.”
The girls chuckled.
“Probably not,” Kerri agreed.
“All you need is that negligee,” Jordan insisted. “Trust me. It worked for Brandi.”
“It did?” She leaned closer, and this time shook her finger at the monitor. “You’ve been keeping things from me. Good things. It’s your turn to spill, woman.”
Color swept into her friend’s face, turning it practically crimson, but the satisfied smile curving Brandi’s lips cancelled out the blush. “It was a pink bra and thong set. When I dropped my robe, Kade dropped his resolve, and well, he…”
“He what?” Lea’s face was literally inches from the screen now. “Don’t leave me hanging.”
Her friend’s color deepened, along with her smile. “He took me against the door.”
Shit.
“Amen.”
“Heard that.”
“Done that.”
The bridesmaids all giggled, while Lea sat there in an un-serviced pile of need. She’d never been taken anywhere but on her back, unless she wanted top. Yeah, she was boring. And apparently uninspiring. “I want to be taken against a door.”
“Then buy the negligee.” Jordan smirked. “The guys can’t resist.”
“Yeah, but…what if Ben did?” She shivered again.
“Then at least you’d know,” Brandi spoke up. “Look, Lea, you’ve been carrying this torch for my brother ever since you first met him. It’s time to call him out. See what happens.”
“Nothing will happen.” She sighed, already knowing the outcome. “He sees me like he sees you, or worse, as his childhood sweetheart’s little sister.” She dropped her head into her hands and groaned. Thank you, Gwen. “I’m doomed.”
“No, you’re just uninformed.”
She glanced up to see Brandi fold her arms across her chest and nod.
“And it’s time you learned the truth,” her friend continued. “It’s better to know than to go on always wondering, right?”
“Hell ya,” Jordan replied, face devoid of her usual mirth. “Trust me. I’ve been down that road. It eats at you.”
She nodded. “Yes, it digs and digs.” God, she was so tired of the digging.
“Then it’s settled,” her friend said. “This weekend, you’re going to proposition Ben and see how he really feels.”
Friday evening, Lea paced in her room, phone to her ear while Brandi tried to talk her out of a panic attack. Ben was due to arrive any minute to pick her up for their pretend weekend.
She didn’t want to pretend.
But Ben didn’t do the boyfriend thing. The confirmed bachelor avoided relationships like men avoided the tampon aisle at the grocery store. Made a wide birth. The guy was married to the military. Fine with Lea. She didn’t want a ring. Just some fun. She wanted to taste the man…all of him. Get him out of her system before she embarked on her own career. But she wasn’t sure she wanted things to change between them either. Because no matter how the weekend turned out, they would never be the same.
“I’m not sure I want to risk his friendship,” she said for the third time in ten minutes.
“Is his friendship enough for you?”
“No.” Dammit. “It’s not.”
“Then you have to risk it, hun,” Brandi told her in a tone meant to sooth, but Lea was still anxious. “It’s time to put my stubborn brother to the test.”
“What if he fails?” There, she said it. She voiced her biggest fear. What if he avoided her after this? She couldn’t bear it.
“Are you wearing the negligee Jordan sent?”
The gorgeous silk teddy had arrived that morning, via express mail from the incorrigible woman. Her gaze shot to the small suitcase opened on her bed. The sexy, sky blue outfit with black lace stared up at her. She walked over, unable to resist fingering the silky material.
“No. But I did pack it.” Lea still wasn’t sure she could be that daring, no matter how beautiful the negligee made her feel.
“Good enough,” her friend said. “Now shut the suitcase and zip it closed before you change your mind.”
She did what she was told, grumbling the whole time. “You’re so bossy. Just like Ben.”
“Yeah, well, it came from growing up with those guys. And you love every bit of it.”
“True.” She laughed. “And I love you, too. Thanks for putting up with me, Brandi. Especially when I’m supposed to be helping you with your wedding.”
“My wedding plans are going just fine, thanks to you and Ben. Now, you both deserve some fun, and I want to make sure you take advantage of all this weekend has to offer. You’ve been waiting forever for this chance, Lea.”
She still couldn’t believe she was spending two nights with the sexiest man alive. And with the task of pretending to be his girlfriend. The opportunity really was a gift.
Lea zipped her suitcase and stood tall. “I’m ready to see where this leads.”
“Good for you.”
Movement outside the window caught her eye. She drew closer and watched through an opening in the blue-flowered curtains as Ben parked his truck in front of her father’s house.
“He’s here,” she said on an indrawn breath.
Dressed in civilian clothes, he unfolded from behind the wheel and walked to the sidewalk, gaze a bit uncertain as he stared at her front door. Goodness, he was mouthwatering. The gorgeous man filled out his clothes, testing the seams in jeans and the gray, button-down shirt that showcased powerful arms beneath his rolled-up sleeves. Her pulse tripped, and for a moment, she forgot to be nervous.
Lea usually saw the man in her restaurant or on the street outside the armory, and habitually in his ACUs. The National Guardsman was potent and just a little bit intimidating in his uniform, but without it? He was more…human. Accessible. He was just as gorgeous. Just as hot. But now he appeared more approachable. And the way he hesitated on the sidewalk, muscles rippling in his forearms as he flexed his fists, caused something inside her to catch. She didn’t often see the vulnerable side of Sgt. Benjamin Wyne. In fact, Lea didn’t think it existed any more. Not since he’d come back from basic training.
“Well, then you don’t need to be talking to me. Grab your stuff and go get him.”
Lea jerked her head at Brandi’s voice in her ear, having forgotten she was still on the phone.
Chimes from the doorbell echoed loudly through the older, two-story house. The butterflies swarming in her stomach increased their frenzy. But it was going to be okay. Ben was anxious, too. No doubt nervous about jeopardizing their friendship.
He needn’t worry. It was like she’d told the sullen teen with the fresh crew cut all those years ago when she’d sat down beside him on the dock at the lake. She’d always be there for him. Always be his friend.
After promising to fill Brandi in on Monday, Lea hung up the phone, then grabbed her purse and suitcase and headed downstairs where she could hear her dad opening the door. Henry ‘Gabe’ Gablonski hated to be treated like a baby, so she’d deliberately waited until he’d welcomed their guest. The doctor had said a little exercise was good for him. It was tough at times, but Lea had to force herself to stop playing mother hen and allow the man to do more. Answering the door fell on her list of acceptable chores.
Now, she had to accept hers.
The weekend was happening whether she was ready or not. No sense in delaying the inevitable.
Rushing down the stairs before she could change her mind, she heard her father talking to her date in the front room.
<
br /> As usual, Ben’s deep baritone did funny things to her pulse. Willing herself to remain calm, she stepped onto the foyer and set her suitcase down. The rush of nerves hiccupping through her veins was as unavoidable as breathing. With her shoulders back, she headed to the front room where her dad enjoyed sitting in his recliner watching reruns of Kojak and The Rockford Files on TV.
The swoosh of her periwinkle sundress brushing just above her knees proceeded her into the room. Lea had no idea of the dress code for the weekend, so she went with the suggestions from Brandi and the bridesmaids to keep things casual chic. Comfortable white lace flats, minimal make up and jewelry, hair pulled up and secured with a clip at the top of her head. If she was dressed totally wrong, it was too late to change now.
“Hi, Ben,” she said, smiling when the man rose to his feet. A gentleman with great manners. All the Wyne brothers had them. Judging by the approval in eyes, she had dressed appropriately.
“Hi, Lea. You look nice.”
Her dad sat in his chair, gaze bouncing between them, big smile on his face.
Ah great, here it comes.
“’Bout time you two got together.” He pointed a finger at Ben. “I always said you were dating the wrong daughter.”
Her sharp intake of breath echoed loud enough to rival the car chase on TV. “Dad! I was eleven when he dated Gwen.”
“I know. He just had to wait for you to grow up, that’s all.” He chuckled as he jabbed a thumb in her direction. “There she is, Ben. All grown up.”
More like all red in the face. God, she was so ready for the proverbial floor to swallow her whole. Now. Right now would be really good.
“I know.”
Her gaze snapped to the guardsman. What did that mean? And did he have to look so darn unhappy while saying it?
Deciding to ignore the sourpuss, she walked to her father, set her hands on her hips and frowned down at him. “I told you the truth about this weekend. You know it’s just f— ”
“Yeah, yeah. I know what you told me. You’re there to keep Mrs. Velcro off Ben.” He waved a hand at them. “But mark my words…it’s more than that.” Carefully folding his arms across his chest, he cocked his head and dared her to argue.
Since the weekend was more than that to her, she had no argument, so she bent to kiss his cheek instead. “You’re incorrigible. Love you. Call if you need me. Ben will call out the National Guard.”
“True,” Ben said, genuine smile finally lighting his face. “Just say the word. I have them on speed dial.”
Her father laughed. “Of that I have no doubt. You hang onto him, Lea. He’s a good man.”
“Will do,” she said, knowing it was easier to get out of the house if she played it safe. “I labeled the food in the freezer and—”
Again her dad waved her off. “I know. I’m not an invalid. I’ll manage. I’ve been cooking since I was a toddler. You just go and have a good time.” He grabbed her hand. “You deserve it. You work too hard. And you shouldn’t even be here. You should be in the Big Apple talking about historic buildings and such, not waiting on people at the eatery, or talking about coal on weekends.”
“But I enjoy both. And I’m right where I want to be.” Mostly. She couldn’t stop her gaze from shooting to Ben.
His green eyes were intent, studying her, reawakening her pulse that had finally slowed to normal.
“Well, I just feel bad that you’re saddled with me,” her dad continued, drawing her attention away from her date.
“I’m not saddled. I love you, and if it makes you feel any better, I sent out a few resumes this week.”
“You did?” Joy beamed from her father, erasing the sudden haggardness from his face, making her feel less guilty at the little white lie she’d just told.
The resumes were written and sitting on her hard drive; she just hadn’t hit Send yet. She needed to know her dad was going to be all right first.
Lea straightened her shoulders and lifted her chin. “Yes. So, who knows? Maybe I’ll be in the Big Apple this year after all.”
Before the holidays would be great. It was so pretty there that time of the year. She still had time. If she sent them out in the next few weeks, and they went through channels and up against boards and committees, she might have a job by Christmas.
“I’m so glad, sweetheart. I hate that I’m holding you back.”
“Nonsense. You know I love it here, too. And everyone at the restaurant. The regulars and the soldiers from the armory.” She nodded to Ben whose face wore a neutral expression. “I’d ideally like to commute.”
On weekends. But, she’d definitely commute daily if the guardsman asked.
He continued to stare at her, emotionless.
Her dad patted her hand, regaining her attention. “Well, as long as you do what’s right for you. I don’t want you commuting because of me.”
A shaft of guilt pierced her heart. Her father hadn’t been the original inspiration behind the mention of commuting. Still, she’d certainly be willing. She bent to look him in the eyes. “I promise, commuting is what I want.”
The smile returned to soften his features. “Okay. So, now you need to concentrate on having fun this weekend and getting to know your future husband better.”
“Dad!” She straightened up. How was she going to be able to face Ben now?
“It’s okay. The two of you will come to terms with it at your own pace,” he insisted, then nodded toward the door. “But you’d better get going before traffic gets too thick.”
“Yes, sir,” Ben said, already standing in the doorway, holding her suitcase.
Poor guy. He was more than ready to get the hell out of Dodge. She didn’t blame him.
And had no idea what to say to him ten minutes later, in his truck, heading for the colonel’s estate. But she had to say something. Her father had just pushed her on him in no uncertain terms.
Lea chanced a glance at the silent man. The strong hands gripping the steering wheel weren’t white-knuckled. That was good. Her gaze wandered up his muscular arms. An image of those forearms flexing while they had up-against-the-wall sex flashed through her mind. Damn. She shifted in her seat. Where the heck had that come from? Her wishful-thinking well, that’s where. It was bottomless and full of similar images from years of crushing on the guy. Besides, her Skype conversation with Brandi and the girls had planted that baby in her head two days ago.
“You okay?”
She stifled a giggle. “Yeah.” And if he hadn’t been wearing mirrored aviator sunglasses, looking all stoic and sexy-as-hell, she would’ve been able to tell if he was, too. But his gorgeous green eyes were now covered, and their secrets hidden from her view for the moment. “I’m sorry about my dad back there.”
His firm mouth twitched into a lop-sided grin. “Don’t be. He just wants you to be happy.”
She sighed, twisting around to face the front. “I’ll be happy when he’s back at the restaurant, doing what he loves.”
“What about you?”
She turned to blink at him. “Me?”
“Yeah, did you really send out resumes?” Something in her gaze must’ve given her away because he shook his head and smiled. “You didn’t send squat.”
“No,” she admitted. “But I will.”
“Sure.”
His tone was less than believable, so she punched him, no doubt hurting her hand more than his rock hard bicep.
“I will. You’ll see,” she insisted, rubbing her fingers. “Once he’s back at the restaurant.”
“Right. Then you’ll need to stick around to help Ryder, or fill in for Mary or—”
“They’re legitimate reasons,” she defended, turning back to face the front, folding her arms across her chest.
“More like legitimate excuses.”
“Look, I’m not going to argue with you about this.”
“Again.”
“Yes, again. I know you’ve been harping on me for years.”
“Then do
something about it, Lea. Use your degree. You deserve to do what you want. Not what others need. You had a good job in Philly. It bothers me that you gave it up.”
It did? Why? Was he that uncomfortable around her?
She cleared her throat. “I know. And I will.”
“When?”
“I told you. After my dad is back to work.”
“That could take months.”
She lifted her chin. “So be it.”
“You’re afraid.”
Her gaze snapped to his face. She wished she could see what was going on behind those damn glasses. “I’m not afraid of anything.”
Other than something happening to her family and friends. She’d experienced enough loss, and the community had seen enough during the past decade. With each deployment, the pictures increased on the wall above the Fallen Soldier’s Table her father had set up in the corner of the restaurant to salute those who never made it home.
“Except what?” he prodded. “Come on. I can see it your eyes. You thought of something.”
She nodded and considered lying to shelter him from the pain she knew her answer would cause. But Ben despised liars, and she’d already fibbed to her dad today. Besides, he’d know if she made something up. Damn man was the best lie detector she knew. He should’ve been a cop like their friend Jeremy.
“Well? Spill it. You know I’ll get it out of you.”
She stared at her reflection in his glasses. “Except adding another photo to the wall at the diner.”
He stiffened, and after a second, gave her a curt nod, and the rest of the trip was made in silence. Not exactly a good start to the weekend, but this weekend was about truths, and they were not going to be selective truths.
A half-hour later, Ben pulled through the opened wrought iron gates to the colonel’s estate, and Lea admired the vast, manicured lawn, trees and shrubs that surrounded a circular drive with a working fountain in the middle.
“That’s…um…interesting,” she said, as he parked behind another truck. Lea was unsure whether to laugh or gawk at the bronze statue of a very well-endowed, naked man with water spewing from a plate he held in his hand.
Wyne and Dine (Citizen Soldier Series Book 1) Page 4
