The Setup (Faking It Book 2)

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The Setup (Faking It Book 2) Page 8

by Lila Kane


  “Libby.”

  “Thank you for dinner,” she called over her shoulder as I stood to go after her.

  But she clearly didn’t want me to follow. She wanted space, wanted to get away from me, and she was making that clear.

  I ran a hand through my hair and cursed as the elevator doors opened and then closed with her inside.

  No, I couldn’t go after her. But damn if I didn’t want to.

  Tonight had been off to a great start and then…nothing.

  But she’d opened up to me. I had to remind myself of that. We’d progressed, and I couldn’t forget that.

  I could still be patient, and right now I had no choice.

  It might take the entire year, but I was going to win Libby over. I had to.

  14

  Stacy’s voice sounded cheerful on the other end of the phone, which was exactly why I’d called her. “You should come over,” she said.

  I paced to the windows in the living room, staring out over the collection of buildings and then down to the cars and people that passed by on the street. The rush of the city—one thing I still appreciated about living here.

  Before I’d moved here, I’d lived in a suburb and even though it wasn’t small, it didn’t feel alive like the city did. I loved it.

  And the view from where I stood right now couldn’t be beat.

  Despite that, I didn’t really feel like going out. And I told Stacy as much.

  “No worries,” she answered. “Stay in, have a drink, order some food. Spend some of the man’s money.”

  I smiled vaguely at her mention of Ben and then glanced down at the rum and Coke I already had. “Check to two of those.”

  She laughed briefly, but then her voice turned serious. “I know it’s hard, Libby. I’d come and visit if I could, but Mr. Chapman is being a royal terror.”

  “Like usual.”

  “Right. He won’t let me off early now that corporate is breathing down his neck.”

  And part of the reason I’d gotten fired. Apparently the company was making cutbacks and Mr. Chapman had been forced to let someone go. I was the best one considering what I’d done to Ben.

  Oh well. I couldn’t be too pissed off considering I’d landed on my feet. In a penthouse, no less.

  I sipped my drink and appreciated the healthy buzz I was already feeling. It was warming me from the inside out, and that was helpful considering I wanted to forget what day it was.

  The anniversary of my mother’s death.

  It was two years ago, but it felt like minutes. Cancer had taken her far before her time, and I’d been so angry for months, I hadn’t wanted to do anything but yell at the world.

  But it hadn’t taken long to remember all the things she wanted for me and all the things, like classic movies, that had bonded us. As a tribute to her, I decided to move to the city and after a few short months, I made it happen.

  “Fuck it,” Stacy said. “I’ll leave. I’ll just walk right out. Mr. Chapman can’t say a word because he can’t afford to lose anyone else.”

  “No. Stacy, no. Don’t cause a problem. Mr. Chapman is unpredictable anyway. He’d fire you just because he’s having a bad day. It’s fine.”

  “But…” I heard her sigh.

  I threw back the rest of the drink and then walked to the kitchen to make another. I knew Ben would be home in about an hour and I’d probably be terrible company then, so I’d just lock myself in my room and ride the buzz until I was tired enough to sleep.

  Besides, it was better to stay far away from him considering what had happened Saturday. And I hadn’t even been drunk then. I’d let him kiss me. And I’d wanted more.

  Damn him and his kind eyes. His questions about my mom. He’d truly listened to me and I couldn’t stand up to that.

  “I’ll order Chinese or pizza,” I told her, then smiled ruefully. “Or both. And then open a bottle of wine and mope. Just for tonight. Then I’ll be back to normal tomorrow.”

  “Are you sure?” she asked.

  “I’m positive.”

  Once I got off the phone with her, I checked the time again. Just enough to order dinner, open the wine, and hide in my room.

  But then I heard the ding of the elevator and froze.

  Dammit. Ben was here? No way. It was too early. He wasn’t supposed to be here for another hour, and I definitely wasn’t prepared to see him. I hadn’t had enough to drink for that.

  I glanced down. And shit, I was dressed like a slob. I wore sweats and a t-shirt that I’d gotten as a souvenir when I’d visited the city with my mom years ago. I barely wore any makeup and my hair was tossed up in a messy ponytail.

  Ben walked in before I could do anything but stare at him, wide-eyed. I spotted his suit—sexy­—and a few bags he held in his hands before I turned in the opposite direction at the edge of the kitchen.

  What in the world? Had he been out shopping? I thought he and work were inseparable.

  “Libby?”

  My step faltered, especially at the low timbre of his voice, but I didn’t turn around. “Hey,” I said, then cleared my throat because I could tell it was still full of emotion. “You’re home early.”

  “I am.”

  I still didn’t turn, even when I heard the rustling of the bags. I walked to the refrigerator to grab a bottle of water. Anything to keep me from having to turn around and face him.

  “That’s nice,” I said. I had to clear my throat again. “So, I’m just taking it easy. Going to hang out in my room—”

  “Libby,” he said again. “What’s wrong?”

  I threw a smile over my shoulder. “Nothing. Everything’s fine.” I waved my fingers. “Have a good night.”

  But he clearly didn’t believe me, because when I turned again, I barely made it one step before Ben was in front of me. His voice was full of concern.

  “Libby,” he said softly. He angled his head. “I know what today is.”

  I swallowed the sob that wanted to unlatch from my throat. “How do you know?”

  “Because of the way you sounded when you were talking about your mom the other night, and I know the reason you moved to the city, which was just after she died. And then I talked to Stacy to be sure.”

  My chin dropped. Shit. Stacy. Of course she told him. She cared. And from what it sounded like, Ben cared too.

  He reached out. “Come here.”

  I couldn’t stand against that. Against the promise of comfort from someone who truly seemed to understand.

  So I leaned into him, curling my hands up against his chest as I willed the tears to stay inside. But when I rested my cheek on his shoulder, a few tears dripped out anyway. I sniffed.

  Ben lifted my chin. “Please, baby. Don’t…” He looked almost helpless. “Tell me what I can do.”

  “You don’t—”

  “Please. Please let me help. I can’t stand to see you sad like this.”

  “I’m not,” I said, looking up at him. He lifted his eyebrows. “I mean—yeah, I’m sad. But not—not…” I swiped at my cheeks as they heated. “I remember a lot of good things about my mom, and I think that’s the hardest part. That she can’t still be here with me so we can enjoy them. It pisses me off, actually.”

  His eyes went soft, and they dashed across my face to take everything in. And I didn’t care. It was more attention than I ever wanted from him, but tonight I needed it. I didn’t want to lock myself in my room and be alone. I wanted someone.

  I wanted Ben.

  “I think I need a drink,” I said, only half joking.

  “Not a problem.”

  He captured my hand in his and pulled me back to the kitchen. He started opening one of the few bags he’d brought and pulled out two bottles of wine. Then whiskey, which made me laugh.

  “In case wine just won’t cut it,” he said with a smile.

  “Wow, I thought you were working today. Didn’t know part of that job was raiding the liquor store.”

  “Perks,” he said w
ith another smile. “I went into work early and made some stops on the way home.”

  “You left early from work,” I said.

  He nodded. “Of course. I needed to be here for you.”

  The words shocked me into silence and invaded my heart. What the hell was happening? This was the Ben I’d fallen for before, but even better. This was just supposed to be an arrangement, but instead my heart was getting involved.

  And I didn’t know what to do.

  Ben went for the next bag. “There’s more.”

  Then he took out cartons of Chinese food, which made my stomach grumble and him smile. He said, “Or we can order pizza. Or both.”

  Exactly what I’d been thinking, which just amused me more. And suddenly, I was grinning at him. Until he opened the next bag.

  The last items he pulled out made my heart swell.

  “I didn’t know your favorites,” he said, “but I got several.”

  In his hands, he held half a dozen class movies. 12 Angry Men and Roman Holiday, even Hitchcock. All of my favorites. All of my mom’s favorites.

  “Ben,” I started, emotion clogging my throat again. “I don’t…”

  He looked at me, mixed emotions on his face. Like he wasn’t sure to hope or despair.

  So I stepped forward and put my arms around him. “Thank you.”

  He returned the embrace, holding me close as I breathed in his scent. Something like cedar. Like a dark forest outside a cozy cabin. Like nooks and crannies I wanted to explore.

  And I wanted even more. His mouth against mine, our bodies pressed together.

  My cheek brushed his when I lifted my head. Ben’s hands ran up my back, soft and strong at the same time.

  “I’m glad you’re here,” I told him quietly.

  His gaze dropped to my lips and I felt it between us, the hardness of his cock as it swelled near my hip. “Me too.”

  I brushed my thumb on his cheek, running it over short stubble. My eyes locked on his mouth. I just wanted one kiss. One distraction.

  His lips parted, and I leaned in, my mouth softly brushing his. He breathed out but didn’t move otherwise.

  “Libby,” he said quietly.

  “Yes?”

  He gathered my hands and held them against his chest in a soft grip. “Why don’t we get some dinner?”

  I blinked and then nodded automatically. “Sure. Of course.”

  He was being a gentleman and trying to feed me. That was a good idea, because he could probably tell I’d already been drinking.

  “Right,” I said, stepping back. Trying not to regret that he wouldn’t just snatch me into his arms and take me right there on the floor. “Chinese is good.”

  He took my hand and pressed a kiss to my knuckles. “Good. Chinese. And how about you pick a movie?”

  A different kind of distraction, but it would work for now. I sorted through the movies while he pulled dishes from cupboards and poured wine into glasses for both of us.

  He moved swiftly around the kitchen, almost like a dance, and I couldn’t help but watch him. I’d seen him move like that around me as well. He was smooth, and right now I wanted to see that smoothness aimed at me.

  Rum. That was the problem. I’d already had too much and now my mind was betraying me. Along with my body.

  Because wasn’t I supposed to be staying away from him? I knew I was, I just couldn’t quite remember why right now.

  Not when he was here for me and trying to help me. Not when I wanted arms around me and Ben’s arms were the ones they should be.

  He brought our plates to the living room and we sat together on the couch while stars twinkled like lights outside the window. Ben set up the movie while I sampled the food.

  “It’s good,” I told him.

  He glanced over from the movie he was holding. “Good. Is this one your favorite?”

  Singin’ in the Rain. “It was my mom’s favorite,” I told him. “We watched it for the first time when I was ten and she gushed over Gene Kelly and how well he could tap dance. We always joked that he cured all worries with a quick song and dance.”

  Ben smiled at me and came back to the couch. “If only it was that easy in real life.”

  “For sure.” I sipped more wine.

  He looked at my plate. “Not hungry?”

  “I am.”

  “Then please eat.”

  I grinned at him. “Or what?”

  He laughed. “You really want an answer to that?”

  Kind of. I kind of wanted to see that old Ben again, the one who had consumed me. Who had taken over and claimed my body as his. Being assertive wasn’t exactly a bad trait in my opinion. Especially when it was in bed.

  Ben had a wild spark in him, and he’d brought it out in me as well when we’d gone to the B&B. I couldn’t help it. We’d been crazy for each other. Nothing could satiate us. We’d spent the entire way there with our hands linked, eyes roaming. That much sexual tension had to be unleashed somehow.

  The moment we stepped into the room, we couldn’t stop from touching each other.

  He couldn’t stop touching me. And I’d wanted it. I couldn’t forget the image of him lying naked on the flower comforter, abs strong and toned, thighs muscular, and his hands reaching for me. He’d pull me close, his cock resting between my legs, waiting to take me, and kiss me senseless.

  I swallowed the rest of my wine to moisten my throat. But that didn’t dash away the images.

  “You okay?” he asked, eyes on my face. Then they dropped to my glass. “More wine?”

  I held it out for him. “Yes, please.”

  Right now, wine was magic. Actually, the whole night was. One of my favorite movies was on screen and I felt more relaxed than I had in days. Ben had known exactly what I needed and given it to me.

  I ate most of the rest of the food on my plate while the movie started and drank another glass of wine.

  With Gene Kelly singing on screen, I turned to Ben, feeling bold.

  “Remember that restaurant by the B&B? That one we ate at on Saturday?”

  His eyes narrowed slightly on mine. “Yes.”

  He was cautious, and it almost made me laugh. He probably thought I was trying to trick him, but I was too relaxed for that. I just wanted conversation. And maybe a little more.

  “Remember that flatbread? I still want to try to make it.”

  “It was good,” he said in agreement. “You bake?”

  “I’d try if it meant being able to make that flatbread.”

  He laughed and set his plate aside. “I’m sure we could find a place here that makes something similar.”

  “It wouldn’t be quite the same, though. Not with the same memories.”

  “True.” He nodded. “It’s a good memory.”

  “We might have to go back and visit sometime.”

  “Or you could call and demand their secret.”

  I chuckled. Was he trying to avoid the topic? Or just joking? It was like he wasn’t sure what to do with a conversation. I wanted him to relax and realize we were okay right now. After what he’d done for me tonight, he could be open and honest.

  “You think they’d just give it to me?” I asked.

  “It’s possible. Not everyone is as guarded as you think.”

  I smiled. “You are. I haven’t figured you out.”

  “Me? Doubtful. I’m an open book. No secrets.”

  “No way.” I reached out and ran my fingers on the back of his hand. I watched his gaze drop to the point of contact and then come back up. “There’s a lot you’re not telling me.”

  “Really? Like what?”

  Everything, I wanted to say. He wasn’t telling me if there was a bigger purpose to why we were here. What things would look like after it was all over. Like why he was trying so hard to get to know me if this was all just a ruse.

  But that sounded like a downer, and I really didn’t want to make this night miserable.

  “Why you are the way you are.” I gri
nned. “Or any other secrets you want to tell me.”

  I eased over and my thigh touched his. I didn’t miss his hard swallow or the way his eyes flashed with something like heat.

  “Careful,” he murmured.

  It sounded as much like a warning as an encouragement. Like he knew exactly what I was after and the idea thrilled him as much as it thrilled me.

  “Doesn’t sound like a good idea tonight,” I said.

  With that, I stood and stepped in front of him. He didn’t take his gaze off me, only leaned back on the couch to make space. I still had my wine glass in hand, but I eased between his thighs, throwing caution to the wind.

  I could feel the warmth of his skin through his slacks. He still wore his work shirt, but his jacket and tie were long gone. I could see hair peeking out from the vee of his shirt and wanted to unbutton it so I could see the rest.

  So I straddled him, carefully lowering myself onto his lap. His hands came out automatically to help steady me.

  When he exhaled, my stomach jittered with anticipation. We were really doing this. Soon his hands would be all over me, and I could lose myself tonight.

  I met Ben’s gaze again, noting that his pupils were dilated. His eyes were fathomless right now, full of heat and wonder and something else I couldn’t pinpoint.

  “Libby,” he said softly.

  I took another sip of wine, loving when his fingers flexed on my hips to hold me there. “Yes?”

  “What about the movie?”

  “I’ve seen it before.”

  His lips moved in a small smile. “I haven’t.”

  But I could tell that wasn’t what he’d wanted to say. He probably just wanted to be sure that I was sure. And to prove it to him, I shifted on his lap. I felt his erection through both layers of our clothes and knew he wanted me as badly as I wanted him. My nipples tightened into buds when I leaned in.

  Ben groaned and then exhaled again. “If you don’t want to watch the movie, what do you want?”

  I gave him a wide smile. “You.”

  15

  It was just one word, but it consumed me. She consumed me. The dreaminess in her eyes, the softness of her voice, and her smell. It wrapped me up and made me want to get lost in the happy world she seemed to be living in right now.

 

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