by Kristen Echo
She burst out laughing. His proposition was so out of left field, given the situation. Plus, if she didn’t laugh she’d be crying. “Kick him out, but I’m not getting naked with anyone.” Beth stared at Benny as she delivered those words.
“I’d rather stay. You’re right; I don’t deserve a second chance, but I want one. Believe it or not, I’m not here to cause problems.”
That was the problem; she didn’t believe him. “That remains to be seen.” She slipped off the stool and wobbled. It could have been the wine, but his declaration might have been the culprit. “I’m calling a cab. Thank you for dinner Joe. I’m sorry for… everything.”
“No worries, baby. We’re good.” Joe stood up and hugged her. “If you change your mind and want sex that could be arranged,” he whispered in her ear.
She pushed him away. “I think we both know that won’t happen.”
“A man can dream.” He winked and walked away with their dirty plates in his hands. “I’ll call the taxi.”
“What’s not happening?” Benny took her hand. “Don’t say us, without giving me at least an opportunity to explain.”
The warmth from his touch zipped through her like an electric current. “I’m not sure it matters because I don’t trust you.” She stared at their joined hands. “You should go.”
He lifted her hand and pressed his lips to the top. “I’ll earn it back. Goodnight, Elizabeth.”
Part of her never wanted to let go of him, but she let him walk away. Hanging out this evening had reminded her of old times, except so much had changed. They weren’t the same people. She closed the door behind him and rested her head against the frame.
“Joe, I’ll return your clothes another day.” When she turned around he was standing behind her. She jumped. “Don’t sneak up on people!” She clutched her chest.
He laughed. “You’ve been on edge all night. Now, I understand why. For whatever it’s worth, you two have a spark I don’t see often. Hear him out. I’m not saying this because I want to keep the peace on my team. It’s for your benefit.”
She leaned back against the door. “What do you mean?”
He ran his fingers through his thick mane. “Men like me and Benny don’t give up. We didn’t make it to the NHL by throwing in the towel. We chase our dreams with everything we have. That man wants you and I’m not getting in his way. You’re great, Beth, but I have to put the team first.”
“Of course you do. I wouldn’t want to get between you guys. Can we be friends?” It had been her intention to end things with him, and he’d turned the tables on her.
Oddly, she felt good about it. Though his words confirmed what she already knew about her relationship with Benny. Men like them never gave up. That’s why she shouldn’t forgive him. If he’d loved her back then, he wouldn’t have let her go.
“Your ride will be here any minute. Put on this jacket, it’s cold out there. Good luck. Feel free to return the outfit, but only after you’ve washed them,” he said, handing her a long woolen coat.
They hugged and said goodbye. She put on his coat and it grazed her ankles. At least she wouldn’t freeze between the building and the taxi.
The moment she stepped into the hall, she knew she wasn’t alone. His large frame left a huge shadow across the dark red carpet. She quickened her step to the elevator; she didn’t have the energy to take the stairs.
“I can’t let you leave like this.” Benny pounced, pushing her against the wall. It wasn’t painful but demanding. His large body pressed against hers as his breath caressed her cheek. He licked his lips, which drew her eyes to them. “I want you more than ever. I’ve never stopped thinking about you. Give me a chance. Let me back into your heart.”
“No.” Her statement lacked conviction, and they both knew it. She turned her face away because his lips were too inviting. Only an inch from hers and she recalled what they could do; the reaction they caused. How they made her tremble everywhere.
He touched her jawline with the tip of his fingers and the sizzle traveled through her. “Elizabeth, we belong together.” His lips hovered so close. “I’m going to kiss you.”
She wanted that so badly. But as he closed the distance, she turned her cheek. “You’re a real piece of work.” His lips brushed against the corner of her mouth, sending a cascade of desire through her.
“Let me explain. There’s so much that’s happened; so much I need you to know. Like I never stopped loving you,” he breathed into her ear.
Her body melted into him. “Love isn’t enough.” She reached around him and pressed the elevator call button.
The doors opened, and he moved out of her way. She instantly missed the heat. Her breathing became more labored as he followed her into the tiny space. The sexual energy crackled in the air. They didn’t speak. She could hardly swallow during their three-floor descent.
As soon as the doors reopened, she rushed out, making short work of the lobby. The moment the cooler outdoor air hit, their bodies collided. He twirled her around to face him, pulling her lower body against his. “Let me remind you what we’re like together.” His lips crashed against hers.
It started off soft and warm, but nothing about Benny was soft. She wished she’d been strong enough to push him away. She wasn’t. Her mouth reacted from muscle memory and opened for him. He tasted like an Italian feast and she couldn’t get enough. His tongue invaded in the most delicious way.
A euphoric high settled over her. His kiss was every bit as demanding as the man delivering it. He held her head in his hands, allowing no movement. Not that she tried to stop him. She clung to his shirt as he owned her mouth. He took everything she gave.
It was sensory overload. In that moment she would have done anything to keep feeling that good.
The cab pulled alongside them and honked. It snapped her out of the lust-filled haze. He pulled away, taking his sensual mouth with him. She’d been a split second away from taking his hand and going up to his place. It was wrong, but she didn’t care. It felt right. That’s the part that scared her the most.
Chapter 7
She tossed and turned, getting only a few hours of sleep. Each time Beth closed her eyes, she’d see his face; his strong jaw with a hint of new growth that framed his full, luscious lips. Spending an evening with her ex had been agony. Not because he’d been mean or condescending, but because she’d enjoyed it. Benny was a blast to be near. His gregarious personality had been what sucked her in years ago. He was also damn easy on the eyes. She hadn’t been able to stop staring. It bothered her how badly she wanted him.
All the pain and tears he caused weren’t enough to stop the onslaught of desire. He’d requested a chance to talk, and she hadn’t given it to him. She rolled around, wondering what he could say to make it right. It seemed she’d finally drifted to sleep when her alarm went off.
Finals were right around the corner, and she couldn’t afford to miss any classes. Her grade-point-average wasn’t high enough yet to secure the scholarship she needed. The inheritance she’d received from her father’s death had been enough to pay for her first-year tuition and living expenses. Unfortunately, there wasn’t enough to cover much else. That’s why she worked nights at a downtown pub. The meager pay and tips became her contingency fund.
Beth dragged her feet out of bed and traipsed to the showers. A lukewarm splash of water helped to wake her. She stood under the gentle flow for several minutes too long. By the time she’d dressed, and grabbed her books, she was late for her first class.
The professor didn’t care, but she did. Showing up thirty minutes into the lecture threw her off. She’d have to borrow notes from someone else, and she hated having to ask for help. The door slammed behind her, announcing her late entrance. She smiled awkwardly as she scanned the full room. All the good seats near the front were taken. Professor Kindler spoke so softly the microphone rarely helped. Taking a seat in the back, she cursed Benny for distracting her from what mattered. Once upon a time, s
he’d let him take over her life, following his dreams instead of her own. His career had been her priority, but those days were over. She had her own life to live.
The rest of the day was more of the same. She was off her game. Her notes were a mess, and she’d been unable to concentrate. She even spilled ketchup on her favorite sweater at lunch; all because of Benny and that kiss. She’d kissed plenty of men since they broke up. A few of them were exceptional kissers, but none of them made her knees weak. None of the other men made her delirious. Only Benny.
All day she’d been unable to get him out of her mind. She’d been on the verge of calling him at the end of her last class, but she refused to give in to temptation. Still, she clutched her phone in her hand as she ran across the campus to the next lecture hall. The cold February air helped cool her raging hormones. She had one class to get through. One more lecture before she could call it a day. Then she could decide what to do about him.
Her feet halted as she neared her class. A foggy image of Benny appeared before her. Had she conjured him? No, that wasn’t possible, yet there he was. She removed her glasses, and it was really him all right. He stood close to a head taller than most of the students, and his large build occupied much of the hall. It was impossible to miss him or the large bouquet of purple bell-shaped flowers.
She could hardly believe her eyes. Benny Wilder was in her school, surrounded by a handful of girls. He’d gone out of his way to find her. The man she remembered would never have done anything so romantic.
“Are you sure this is the right place?” His sultry voice reached her ears, making her shiver.
Beth zipped around a corner to remain out of view. He’d never chased her before. Being pursued by him was all new. They had hit if off effortlessly after they met years ago. It was almost too easy. She’d been too easy. Things were different now, and she didn’t appreciate his not taking no for an answer. Even though, she didn’t hate seeing him.
The noise in the hall increased. She hung back and watched him. He scanned the halls waiting for her. The girls from her class all vied for his attention.
One girl whose name she didn’t know slipped her number in his pocket. Whether he noticed or not, he did nothing. Jealousy flared. Beth itched to storm down the hall and rip the paper to shreds. It was ridiculous to feel that way when he wasn’t hers. She’d told him as much, but that didn’t stop her fists from clenching or her heart from racing. It irked her she even cared. He was free to date or to fuck anyone. But the image of him touching anyone else made her sick to her stomach. She wrapped her arms around her torso.
It was wrong to hide and gawk, but she didn’t know what else to do. As the minutes ticked by it became clear, he wasn’t leaving and she couldn’t hide forever. If she watched him any longer, she’d be late. Mustering all her courage, she marched towards the crowd.
“Elizabeth,” he said, and a smile covered his face.
She didn’t respond and kept walking. He tried to get near her, but she raced by him, disappearing into the classroom. Other students followed behind her. As she settled into her seat, she prayed he wouldn’t stick around. If he thought one mistaken kiss absolved him, he was sorely mistaken.
The seat next to her squeaked, drawing her attention. Her eyes widened when she saw who it was. Benny. “What the fu—”
“I can’t stay, and I wouldn’t want to interrupt your learning. Nice glasses by the way,” he whispered, leaning closer. “When you’re done, I’d like to take you out. Will you let me?”
She took off her reading glasses and stared at him in shock. “You can’t be here.”
“I know, but you walked right by me in the hall. Give me a chance to at least explain the past,” he said and his big brown eyes implored her to listen.
“Mr. Wilder,” Dr. Hinklen boomed into his mic as he walked towards them. “You are not a student in my class, and I’m not interested in letting you audit. Is there something you needed?”
Benny stood up and smiled. “I found what I was looking for. Accept my apologies for the interruption sir.”
“I assume those hyacinths are for one of my students. Kindly deliver your late Valentine and be gone,” he said, dismissing Benny and returning to the front.
“Right.” Benny handed her the bouquet. “Except these aren’t Valentine flowers. It’s the first step in saying I’m sorry. I’ll see you after class.”
In the blink of an eye, he was gone. A room full of eyes were on her and her cheeks turned crimson. The blush traveled all the way to her toes. She cast her eyes down to avoid the ongoing stares.
Crystal took the seat Benny had vacated. “What’s going on between you and Hottie-McHockey-Star? I thought you were seeing Joe Larson?”
Benny’s arrival did nothing for her reputation. Many of the students thought she was a puck bunny and slept around. Even Carly had suspected her of being promiscuous. It wasn’t anyone’s business.
“We’re just friends,” she answered.
“Who’s your friend, beefcake number one or two?”
“Both. I guess.” Her tone was snarkier than she intended. Beth put the flowers on the floor by her feet and pulled her tablet from her backpack. “Sorry, I’m having a rotten day. I need to concentrate and talking hockey won’t help.”
“Whatever.” Crystal shrugged her shoulders and ignored her for the rest of the class.
Once again, Beth couldn’t focus on the information. She recorded it and hoped to make more sense of it all later when she wasn’t reeling from an encounter with her ex. The sweet aroma of spring wafted her way throughout the lecture, making it impossible to forget him. Not that she could forget his promise to see her later. That more than anything had her sitting on the edge of her seat counting down the minutes.
When the classes ended, and she collected her things, she debated leaving the flowers. She didn’t need the reminder of his romantic gesture. He did nothing without expecting something in return. Benny Wilder was a man on a mission, and she was his prey. Except it all felt like one giant manipulation. She wanted no part of it.
True to his word, Benny waited outside the doors for her. Beth stomped passed him, on her way to the library. “You have five minutes. Talk,” she said, grinding her teeth.
He followed into step beside her. “Not like this. Can we sit down? Let me buy you a coffee or something.”
“I want nothing from you.” She exited the building and the blast of cold air hardly registered.
“I made a mistake.”
“So you’ve said. Anything else new to convey? I really need to study before my shift,” she stammered between heavy breaths. It had nothing to do with the pace of their steps and everything to do with his closeness.
“Where are you working? Another fancy panty shop?” He all but growled. “I remember every sexy little number you owned. Gawd, I loved how you modeled them all for me.”
She’d loved showing off for him too. His eyes would turn a darker shade of cognac when he got aroused. She’d dance and tease him, but he never kept his hands to himself for long. Working at the lingerie store had been fun, but retail didn’t pay as well as bartending. Money mattered more than frilly underwear these days.
“I work at O’Rig—” she stopped herself before giving him the name. The last thing she wanted was him showing up at her place of employment. School was bad enough. “A pub downtown. Your time is almost up.”
Two strides later and he planted himself in front of her. “I need more time. Where are we going? It’s fucking freezing out here.” He stuffed his hands into his leather jacket pockets.
She laughed. “You’ve been in LA for too long and forgotten what Canadian winters are like.”
“Two years too long. I never should have left. But the west coast never gets this cold.” He exhaled and his breath lingered like a puff of smoke around them, making his point.
“You get used to it. The library’s over there. You can warm up before walking back to your car.” She pointed tow
ards the building with the wall of windows.
He grabbed her hand, and they hurried towards the warm shelter. She laughed at his urgency. “It’s too cold to laugh,” he said, sprinting the last few steps.
“Spoken like a non-Winnipegger.”
“You’ll have to help me acclimate,” he replied, opening the door for her.
She walked under his arm and inhaled. Damn he smelled more alluring than the flowers she had stuffed in her backpack. “You’ll do fine on your own.”
Benny held her hand, preventing her from stepping further into the library. “I don’t want to be on my own anymore. I came here for you, and I won’t stop trying until you realize we belong together.”
“Fine. You owe me an explanation, but I can’t promise it will change anything.”
His smile took over the room. “That’s all I need. Thank you, Elizabeth.”
“Don’t thank me. I’m not dating you again; I’m giving you a chance to explain why you dumped me the way you did. We had something special. At least I thought so. I deserve to know why you fucked that up.” She pulled her hand away and marched towards a group of tables.
“We’ll see about that.” His self-assurance had once been a quality she admired. Today, she rolled her eyes.
The place was busy as expected, but they found an empty table in the corner. Having this discussion at the library wasn’t the greatest choice, but it was now or never. She’d been waiting for over two years for this moment. Yet, as she settled onto the hard-plastic chair, she found it difficult to catch her breath. It was too hot in there. She removed her coat and cringed when she looked down at her stained attire. Beth crossed her arms over her chest to hide the red marks, and to stop her hands from shaking.
They sat there for a moment, staring at one another. His nose had been broken numerous times and a permanent bend remained near the bridge. It only added to his ruggedness. But she couldn’t let herself be swept away by his handsome face. Good looks didn’t change the fact he was an asshole.
