by Lila Kane
I’d washed all my clothes after I’d returned from that trip, but I could still smell him. I didn’t know if it was just a memory or if he’d made his mark on me in another way. My clothes, my hair.
My heart.
Somehow he’d managed to touch a little of everything and no matter how I’d tried, I hadn’t been able to erase Ben Davis completely.
But I had managed to move on, and that’s part of why I was here. To prove that to him.
Once we reached the hotel where the dinner party was, Ben exited the limo and then held a hand out to me to help me onto the sidewalk. I glanced over to find a herd of additional limousines pulling up and spectacularly dressed couples forming a line to get inside.
I took a quiet breath and prepared myself mentally. I had to get used to this fast-paced lifestyle, with functions and money. I was, even if only temporarily, part of that now.
But that was part of my charm. I could adapt. I liked socializing and missed it from not working at the coffee shop. This would do just fine for now.
With that in mind, I stepped to Ben’s side. I even smiled up at him like we were falling in love.
It was scary how easy it was.
But that didn’t mean that I would ever, ever forget who the real Bed Davis was. Or that, in the end, he wasn’t the kind of person I’d end up with.
Even if my heart was trying to tell me otherwise.
11
This wasn’t good.
I mean, what Libby was doing was good. She was keeping up her end of the bargain and doing a great job of it. She was charming the partners and making it look like we’d fallen madly in love.
It was making me want to yank her into my arms and kiss her senseless before bringing her back home and taking my time making love to her.
That wasn’t the problem. The problem was that she was charming more than just me and the partners. She was charming everyone. More than once, I’d seen one of the associates in the office staring at her. Even the partners couldn’t take their eyes off her. And a couple waiters were watching her as well.
Everyone wanted to either stare at or talk to Elizabeth.
Right now, she held a glass of champagne, her second glass, and talked with Melanie and another associate from the firm. She wore a wide smile, one I wished was aimed at me because it was so sincere.
As though she could feel me watching her, she glanced over and met my gaze. Her eyebrow lifted and her lips curved at the corners just slightly.
Well, fuck. That wasn’t helping anything either.
She was doing such a good job pretending she was really my girlfriend, it was pissing me off that she wasn’t.
I wanted this to be our reality. I wanted to reach out and pull her into my arms whenever I wanted. I didn’t want an act, I wanted her.
You had your chance, I reminded myself. It was true. And I’d fucked it up.
But that didn’t mean it was over forever, right? I could still fix this.
And right now, I planned on taking the next step.
I grabbed a glass of champagne when a waiter walked by with a tray and then crossed the room, my gaze trained on Libby.
She laughed about something Melanie had said and the sheer joy in it hit me hard. I walked faster.
When I reached her, I put my arm around her waist. Was it just me or did she tense slightly? No worries. That couldn’t derail me. And I could be patient if I had to be.
“Why didn’t you tell us about Libby before?” the associate asked. “It would have been nice to meet her sooner.”
I gave him a polite smile. “It hasn’t been that long.”
“Libby said you met a year ago.”
I nodded, glancing at Libby. She mirrored my nod. “We did. But it hadn’t been right for where either of us were at in our lives then. Now, we’re both in the right place.”
And I wasn’t lying about that at all. I hadn’t been ready before—though she might have been. But things were different now. Both my heart and my brain were on the same page.
Bare minimum, I could handle a girlfriend—especially one like Libby. But I was starting to think I might be able to handle more.
When music started playing, I took her hand and pulled her to the dancefloor, giving her a smile I hoped she’d return.
“You want to dance?” she asked, her lips quirking. But the warmth didn’t travel to her eyes.
I nodded.
“Save one for me,” the other associate said.
I squeezed her hand and turned Libby around before she could answer. I didn’t want her dancing with anyone but me.
She still held her champagne in one hand, but the other curled into mine when we came to a stop on the dancefloor. She was a little taller in her heels, but still the perfect height to rest her cheek on my shoulder.
I already knew that we fit but this was just another reminder.
She looked up and met my eyes. “It’s a good party.”
“You having a good time?”
She nodded. “Yes. I didn’t expect to, but I am.”
I let the comment go. I hadn’t particularly expected her to have a good time either, just because it was forced, but Libby always surprised me. And she was social at heart, so this was in her comfort zone.
“You know, I think everyone here now thinks you’re way too good for me.”
She laughed, a genuine laugh that hit me in the gut. “I’m not going to argue with that.”
I joined in her laughter, relaxing slightly. We had to start somewhere, right? “No one seems to care about our backstory. They just want to talk to you.”
“I’m sure most of them already know your backstory, right?”
I looked down at her curiously as I moved us across the dancefloor. Her hips brushed mine and she stepped back immediately to put space between us. I kept my frown in check.
“You know,” she said, glancing up again. “Your history with relationships. The love ‘em and leave ‘em way you do things. Only take out the love part.”
I paused for just a moment as the words hit me. I couldn’t deny I’d been with other women since Libby, though not many. But they’d all been the same. A weekend fling. Something fleeting.
I turned her on the dancefloor again. “I guess I deserve that.”
She nodded her head in agreement, and then frowned as she looked at something over my shoulder. “Who’s that?”
“Who?” I followed her gaze and then stopped dancing again.
Oh, fuck. It was Lisa.
“Nobody,” I murmured, shifting Libby so she faced a different direction.
She stiffened, her feet staying put instead of starting up the dance again. Her gaze pierced mine. “Listen. I’m okay to go along with this ruse for your business associates and friends. It was our agreement. But if you lie to my face again, I’m out.” She threw back the rest of her champagne and then handed me the flute. “No, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to find the ladies room.”
She strode off before I could answer, leaving me alone in the middle of the dancefloor. Several pairs of eyes followed me as I walked after her.
Shit. She’d seen right through me again, and for the second time that night, I felt like she’d exposed me for who I truly was.
But the thing was, that wasn’t me anymore. We all made mistakes, she’d just unfortunately been the victim of mine.
All I could do was be honest right now and hope that was enough.
So I found my way to the ladies room. I waited outside, already preparing my small speech. What would hopefully get her to forgive me. But when she exited the room and saw me, all those words—the fancy explanation—fell apart.
“I’m sorry,” I said immediately. “The woman you were talking about is Lisa.”
She folded her arms but continued to listen.
“When she started working at the office, we went on a few dates.” I swallowed and stepped closer, lowering my voice. “I made it clear up front I didn’t want anything serious, but
I could tell she did. We didn’t even sleep together, but I knew she wanted to.”
“And then?” she asked, eyes still fused to mine.
A muscle worked in my jaw but I reminded myself that I needed to be completely honest. “And then I ended it. We’d planned on having dinner but I saw that she was more invested than I was. That she wanted more. So I’d called and told her that I couldn’t meet her and it was best if we both moved on.”
She didn’t respond right away, as if trying to decide whether or not I was telling the truth. Either way, it still made me look like an ass. The moment I knew Lisa wanted more, I should have said something, but I hadn’t. Even though she knew where I stood, that didn’t mean I couldn’t tell she wanted more. She’d been fine going along with it, but I knew that wouldn’t last and it would have been smarter not to start anything at all.
“I’m sorry,” I said again. Then I held out my hand. “Would you like to leave?”
She exhaled, and her gaze lowered while she thought. “No. Thank you for telling me the truth.” She set her hand in mine. “Let’s stay a while longer.”
Relief ran through me. I squeezed her hand and felt even better when she lifted her chin and smiled at me like nothing ever happened.
And it didn’t even look like an act.
Libby was the most amazing woman I’d ever met, and she was giving me a chance despite what had happened in the past.
I realized more than ever that I wanted to win her over.
That I wanted to make Libby mine again.
And I had a plan.
12
I lingered in bed this morning. I slept in and then rolled over lazily to stare out the wide, wide windows to see the expanse of the city. My new world.
My money worries were no longer worries, and it felt like the whole world was at my fingertips. I wasn’t concerned about rent or other bills and Ben was giving me a spectacular monthly stipend. And that went straight to savings.
I’d never felt this free in my life—or less burdened.
The theater was going to be mine soon. It was my dream and had been since I got here. No, before that. All the way back when I was taking care of my mom. We had a nightly ritual of watching classic movies and falling in love with the old stories. I had been teaching drama at the local college and it had instilled in me a love of the arts.
The theater was the final piece of the puzzle.
Last night, going to the dinner with Ben, was just a means to an end.
When I finally got up, I listened to see if I heard him around the apartment first before I made my way to the kitchen to get some coffee.
I found a note on the counter from Ben.
Thank you for coming last night. I really appreciate it. I’m going to the gym for an hour and then I’ll be back. Maybe we can grab a late lunch? I’m looking forward to spending more time together this weekend.
That was sweet of him.
I flipped the note over with a frown. No, I wasn’t supposed to be thinking that. The word “sweet” didn’t belong in a business agreement.
That was nice to thank me for last night, but that was where it needed to end.
Better to avoid him so I didn’t cause a scene. I hurried to get dressed and then dashed for the elevator. I grumbled when guilt hit me and turned back to write a note as well.
I didn’t have to spend time with him, but I didn’t want to be rude about it.
You’re welcome, I wrote. I have some classes at the community center so I won’t be home. See you later.
It was breezy but simple. Not rude, right?
I signed my name with a flourish at the bottom and then hurried to the elevator. I blew out a breath of air when I reached the lobby and didn’t see him anywhere.
An easy escape.
The doorman held the door for me as I walked outside, and I smiled at him. “How’s the family?”
“They’re wonderful. Thank you, Ms. Blume. Looks like we might get some rain.”
I glanced to the cloudy sky. “That’s what I heard. Stay dry.”
“Of course, miss.”
I grinned at him and then zipped my gray hoodie to start my walk to the community center. It wasn’t quite the dazzling dress I’d worn last night—and I wasn’t taking a limo this time—but I felt comfortable both ways. I didn’t have to change Libby too much to fit into this world. At least not yet.
The walk was further than it used to be, but I enjoyed it. It gave me time to think and time to get perspective about the reason I was doing all this.
Better than being distracted when I was trying to teach my classes.
I loved working at the community center. It had been one of the first places I’d visited after moving here and I’d gotten a job there shortly after. I taught several classes each week, both for adults and teenagers.
I was working with the kids today, and our current project was Romeo and Juliet.
I typically liked to let the kids choose, and they usually went for something familiar. Popular. And, often tragic. I’d done Romeo and Juliet so many times I knew every single line by heart, but I still loved it.
Acting was a passion and I loved seeing the kids enjoying themselves doing something creative.
Which was why I wanted that theater space with all my heart. They’d have a stage. They’d be able to perform. It was going to be amazing.
Before the kids started arriving, I arranged chairs in a circle around the room so we could all face each other. We were working on the second act today.
Once the kids started to arrive, I stood by the door and greeted each one by name. They shared quick stories, some about productions their schools were doing, and another about helping his grandmother rehearse for a play at her retirement home.
When the last one was inside, I reached out to pull the door closed. My breath caught when a hand reached out to stop it.
I glanced up, heart racing when I saw Ben standing there, his dark eyes crinkled in a smile.
“Hi, Libby,” he said.
My mouth dropped open, but I had no idea what to say.
He smiled again, glancing into the room like he expected me to let him in.
“I thought…uh…” I took a breath and composed myself. “I thought you were at the gym.”
Even though it had been more than the hour he said he was going to be gone. After my walk and seeing the kids, I’d put Ben out of my mind, which was how it was supposed to be. But now he was here.
And I could tell he’d showered because I could smell him. Shaved because his face looked soft enough for me to want to reach out and touch it.
Ben’s eyes crinkled again. “I was. Then I came home but you were already gone.”
I glanced back to the room. A few kids were watching us, clearly curious. A few giggled or snickered.
Another whispered, “boyfriend” loud enough for everyone to hear. My cheeks flushed, which just made Ben smile wider.
“I’m sorry,” I told him. “Class is about to start.”
“Can I join? I already talked to the lady up front and she said if you were willing, I could be a guest for today to see if I want to join the class.”
“But…” I felt helpless. Half of me wanted to say yes just because he was trying. In fact, more of me wanted to say yes. “This class is supposed to be for teens.”
One of the girls stood up behind us. “Let him in!”
The rest of the class chuckled and there were a few murmurs of what a beautiful Juliet he would make in the play.
I couldn’t help but laugh. I looked back at Ben, and it hit me how happy I was to see him. Especially somewhere I was in my element. He’d even dressed the part. He wore faded jeans and a simple Henley I was surprised he had in his wardrobe.
Ben nodded. “I’ll play Juliet if that’s what it takes.”
I blinked. He wanted this that badly? It was sweet, and I wasn’t in the mood to dismiss that kind of gesture.
I opened the door wider for him and gestured
inside. “All right. Have a seat.”
His smile appeared again. “That’s your seat. I’ll grab another one.”
He strolled to the stack of chairs in the corner and easily pulled one from the top while I watched. Something flickered inside of me—something I hadn’t felt once since I moved in with Ben.
It was hope.
Maybe he was really different like he said.
Or not. I couldn’t give in like that. It was a bad idea.
But when he came back and set his chair in the semi-circle, there were butterflies in my stomach. He was trying to be more than friends.
I told myself to focus and stepped in front of the group. I cleared my throat. “All right, thanks for being patient. We’re ready to start rehearsing the balcony scene, which everyone came prepared for?”
Several kids nodded and a few held up their scripts to indicate they’d read the scene before they got here.
The girl who sat next to Ben pointed to a spot on her paper. He took the page and scanned it while I asked, “Who’s our Juliet?”
Monica, a girl who I’d known from my beginner class, stood up. “Me. This is the part I’m going to audition for in the winter play at my school.”
I nodded. “And Romeo?”
My eyes locked on Ben’s. I wouldn’t make him play Juliet this time, but I did want to see him out of his element for a bit. To see if he fit in as well here as I had at the function last night.
And maybe it was just to see him squirm a little.
His eyes widened, but he stood and came to where I was at the center of the circle.
“You ready for this?” I asked.
His smile was fast and wide. “There’s a first time for everything.”
“Good.”
I pointed to a few chairs I’d set up to be a row of bushes while Monica stepped on top of several boxes like she was on a balcony.
A few of the girls were watching Ben and giggling together. I couldn’t blame them. He looked pretty handsome playing Romeo. He looked pretty handsome all the time.
“Okay, so…” I looked at Monica. “Now, really put feeling into it.” I smiled at Ben and gestured for him to begin. “Romeo.”
