“Posters in the other towns? I don’t think they’ve done that before. Oh.” He nodded his head in understanding. “Your idea.”
“Denise thought it was great. After all, a local hospital would help those towns, too,” she suggested. “They’d come to see you instead of traveling to the next doctor.”
“What next?”
“The Diner.”
Ben couldn’t help laughing. “It was a rhetorical question.”
“I know it, but I answered, anyway. Denise thinks it would be great if it could be revived.”
“Cori, I hate to bring this up again, but your ideas need money. Something, you may have noticed, Farrington doesn’t have a lot of.”
“But if everyone worked together, there’s no reason why costs couldn’t be cut in half,” she argued. “If anyone with construction skills donated labor and the hardware store donated lumber and materials.”
“Homer donate something? That would be a miracle in itself. Look, I just don’t want you to feel disappointed.”
“I only will if you don’t support me on this.”
Ben took a deep breath. “Do you think we could put this on hold for the evening? This is the first time we’ve actually gotten away and I want you to enjoy it.”
“Truce for the evening. That’s fair,” she agreed, snuggling up to his side.
Cori’s eyes widened with delight when Ben drove up to a drive-in restaurant with the neon sign declaring it to be Beanie’s.
“This is great!” She watched the car hops, dressed in denim shorts and red T-shirts, running around to serve the many cars parked around the circular restaurant.
“Yeah, it’s real popular over here.” He drove up and accepted a menu from a teen waitress who affixed a tray to his car-window opening. He handed it over to Cori. “What looks good to you?”
She visually devoured it. “Everything. Oh, I’ll have a chili cheese dog, large order of fries and a large Diet Coke. No, make that chocolate shake.” She handed him back the menu.
“Heartburn city,” he murmured before turning to the waitress and giving her their order. “Good thing I brought along antacid for you.”
Cori rolled her eyes. “That one time.”
“That one time lasted half the night. No more onion dip for you after that.” He tapped the section of the seat next to his thigh and she obligingly slid over until her bare thigh brushed against his. “So have you ever necked at the drive-in movies?” he whispered, nibbling on her ear.
“I’ve never even been to one,” she confessed. “Unfortunately, they went the way of the dodo bird out there.”
He noticed she didn’t call California home. And took heart.
“Then you’re in for an experience.”
“Terrific. More than six months pregnant and you’re talking necking at the show.”
“Why not? Pregnant or not, you’re still a sexy lady.”
Cori made a face. “You get up in those stirrups and tell me how sexy you feel.”
He laughed. Seemed he was always laughing when Cori was around, he thought.
Dinner continued in the same vein as they bantered back and forth. Cori literally glowed under Ben’s attention. He wondered what kind of dates she’d had in high school because if anyone looked at her right now they’d think she was still back there.
“I’d love another shake,” she decided.
Ben leaned over and whispered in her ear, “I hate to say this, hon, but you’re starting to get a little pudgy. Are you sure you want to take a chance?”
“Aw, c’mon, let her live it up,” the waitress said cheekily, obviously overhearing him. “After all, it’s your fault she’s eating for two.” She laughed merrily as she bounced off with empty containers and to fill Cori’s order.
Ben felt the silence the moment they were alone.
“I guess it’s natural anyone would think that,” Cori said quietly. “I’m sorry if she embarrassed you.”
This was the opening he’d been waiting for. He plunged right in.
“Wrong. If anything, I wish what she said were true.” He leaned over and placed his palm against her bulging tummy. “I’ll be honest, Cori. I wish I was the man who had placed that baby inside you.”
Cori blinked rapidly, holding her tears back. “Oh, Ben, don’t make me cry,” she murmured with trembling lips. “You know my overactive hormones get in the way at the worst times.”
Ben smiled as what felt like a tiny foot pushed against his palm. “Soccer?” he guessed.
She smiled through her tears. “Ballet.”
“Maybe hockey.”
“Maybe we’ll let her decide.”
“Maybe he doesn’t want ballet lessons,” he teased, gratified to see her tears were quickly disappearing. “You know, if you want to find out, we could do an ultrasound. I haven’t suggested one before since you’re not at any risk.”
She shook her head. “No thanks, I’ll do it the old-fashioned way and be surprised.”
“Here’s your shake,” the waitress interrupted them. She flashed Ben a saucy grin as she passed over the shake and the bill. “Have a good evening, you two.”
“What movies are we seeing?”
“I forgot to check the paper today,” he admitted. “When I looked last night, it was two comedies.”
She nodded. Her cheeks hollowed out as she sucked on her straw.
When they reached the drive-in theater, the lot was about half-full. Mindful of Cori, Ben parked in the rear near the concession stand and the rest rooms. Except he parked the truck backward with the truck bed facing the screen.
“Is this a new way to watch the movie?” Cori asked. “I thought going to the drive-in meant you sat in the car and watched the movie.”
“Call it an alternative to the back seat. I put an air mattress, a couple of large pillows and blankets in the back so we could be more comfortable,” he explained, helping her out of the truck. He uttered a low grunt when he lifted her onto the truck bed. “From now on, you lay off the chocolate shakes.” He picked up the speaker and looped the cord over the side of the truck.
But Cori was busy watching animated popcorn containers, soda cups and candy packages dance across the screen.
“Red licorice,” she said suddenly. “That sounds great.”
Groaning, Ben pulled himself up onto the truck bed. “You have got to be kidding!”
“No.” She turned eyes, now a limpid navy blue, on him. “Please, Ben?”
He was ready to say no. Ready to remind her that while she might be eating for two, she still needed to watch what she ate. He opened his mouth to do just that—except a pair of blue eyes and a delectable mouth stopped him.
“Oh, hell,” he muttered, pushing himself off. “I suppose you want a Coke, too?”
She quickly nodded. “And popcorn, with butter.”
“Popcorn, no butter.” He pointed his forefinger at her. “Fine, I’ll be back.”
Cori sat on top of the blankets with her knees drawn up. At least as far up as the baby would allow. She rested her arms on her knees and watched Ben walk toward the concession stand.
He was tall, dark-haired and sexy, had a wonderful personality and was the owner of an incredible body she lusted after. Not to mention, explored every chance she got. Ben was the kind of man any red-blooded woman would appreciate. She knew she did.
And then it hit her—hard.
“I love him,” she said, almost in wonder. “Oh, my God, I love him.”
For a moment, she was positive she couldn’t breathe.
She thought about the way she kept adding little touches to the cottage to make it more her own. And her lack of desire to return to California. She remembered Denise warning her pregnancy would bring out a strong nesting instinct. Were her feelings due to pregnancy or were they all thanks to Ben?
The more she thought about it, the more the truth loomed at her. It was Ben who instilled these feelings.
Now all she had to do was figure out how
to break the news to him and hope he wouldn’t take off running the moment he heard.
Not to worry, Courtney Peyton, a part of her heart whispered, if anything, he’d run right into your arms.
Her thoughts instantly brightened when the object of her contemplations appeared bearing snacks.
As he handed them to her, he ticked off each item she had requested.
“Milk Duds!” Her eyes lit up at the remaining box in his hand.
He held it out of her reach. “Hands off. They’re mine.”
“But, Ben.” She got up on her knees and looped her arms around his neck. “Didn’t you ever learn to share?”
“Don’t worry, you have something else to look forward to.” He held up a plastic bottle he had hidden under the blankets. “Riopan for when you’re finished.”
Making a face, she sat back on her knees. “You think you’re so funny.”
“I try.” He pulled her back onto the blankets. “Come on, let’s get comfortable.”
“Do you realize we’re the only people here who are over the age of twenty-one?” Cori commented after glancing at the variety of cars and trucks before them. “In fact, we might be the only ones here over the age of eighteen.”
“Can’t imagine why. The comedies listed didn’t look like something that would appeal to teens.”
“Unless—” she snuggled up against his side and slipped her hand under his shirt “—they’re not here for the movies.”
He arched an eyebrow. “And you thought we were?”
“Not after I saw all the blankets.” She slid her hand up higher, pushing her fingers through the mat of hair. She halted and looked around. “Andy won’t suddenly show up here, will he?”
He traced a pattern across her bare knee. “Not his jurisdiction.”
“Good.” She exhaled a warm puff of air in his ear.
“Yeah, I think we’ve shocked him enough.”
Cori turned her head just enough to glance at the cartoon characters racing across the screen. “Bugs Bunny wins again.” She turned her attention back to Ben.
By then, darkness shrouded them with secrecy as they indulged themselves in salty popcorn kisses.
“The movies were never this fun in high school,” she whispered.
“It does seem to improve with age.” He slid his fingers under her bra and gently caressed her breast. He smiled at her soft moan as his mouth covered hers in another soul-thrilling kiss. His tongue delved inside, curling around hers.
When Cori first heard the scream, she worried it came from her. Except she then realized there wasn’t any way, at that moment, she could have screamed.
She turned her head in the direction of the sound. Her eyes widened with shock as she watched the grisly scene being played out on the screen.
“Texas Chainsaw Massacre? You brought me to see Texas Chainsaw Massacre?“ She stuck her finger down her throat and made gagging noises.
“Considering the state of your stomach at times I wouldn’t advise you do that.”
“This is a horror film. You brought me to a horror film!”
“You love horror movies, so why should this one bother you?”
“Yes, I love them. At home, with a blanket wrapped around me and the lights on. Not out here where a homicidal maniac could appear at any time and chop us to pieces!” She reached past him and grabbed a handful of popcorn. “So be prepared to protect me.”
“No problem there.” He pulled her back against him. “Just remember that popcorn is for both of us.”
Cori took a kernel and rubbed it against his mouth until he parted his lips. She nudged it inside, following it with a kiss.
“Popcorn never tasted so good,” Ben murmured, inching his fingers under her blouse again. “More.”
Pretty soon, kisses weren’t enough as they lay on their sides facing each other.
“Too bad drive-ins aren’t popular anymore,” Cori whispered, unsnapping Ben’s jeans. “They offer so many wonderful opportunities.”
“That they do.” He walked his fingers up her spine.
“And the blood and gore on the screen along with those blood-curdling screams add so much to the atmosphere.” She feathered kisses along his jaw.
“True.” He reached down and dragged one of the lightweight blankets over them.
She smiled as she felt her shorts being pulled down slightly. “You must have been a wild teenager.”
“Nope, you weren’t around to be wild with.”
It could have been that point of no return for them if a familiar voice hadn’t intruded. They immediately froze.
“Hey, Doc, Cori, how ya doin’?” Andy drawled as he walked past the truck with a popcorn container in his hands.
Chapter Thirteen
Farrington Craft Show
He watched her fondle tacky little knickknacks, caress colorful afghans and outrageous patchwork quilts—even look longingly at Mrs. Peabody’s infamous ceramic cats. And all the time Ben wished it was him that was the object of Cori’s rapt attention.
It had been that way all week. She was so wrapped up in the craft fair that she seemed to spend every moment conferring with Denise or courting the women in town to encourage handmade donations. He looked around the church basement: the tables were laden with items for sale, and what seemed like half of Farrington and the surrounding towns oohed and aahed over them. He had to admit, Cori had found her calling.
Last night, he’d come close to speaking what was on his mind all week. Over a pot-roast dinner at Myrna’s, in the back booth, he’d almost told her that he was in love with her. But by the time the words came to his lips, Charlotte was back with a refill on Cori’s milk and the moment was lost.
Myrna’s might not have been the most romantic of places, but Ben was tired of trying to manipulate her into the moonlight. No, he decided, he just had to take her aside and tell her.
Gathering his courage once more, he pushed off from the wall and strode determinedly across the church hall. Cori was busily arranging more crafts on a far table when Mrs. Peabody beat him to her.
“Courtney, my dear.” One of the first things Mrs. Peabody had ever told Cori was that she didn’t believe in nicknames. She was the only one in town who insisted on using Cori’s full name. “Looks like we’ll make some money today to help build Dr. Cooper’s hospital,” she said, patting her hand.
“We sure will. Thanks to your kitties.” Cori had personally sold several of them. With Mrs. Peabody’s attention, this seemed like the perfect opportunity to talk to her about opening the craft boutique. She’d spent most of the morning doing just that with the talented women of town. As she launched into her spiel once again, she spied Ben walking over.
He had a strange look on his face and a purpose to his stride. He was probably upset with her for overdoing it again. All week he’d been lecturing her about the importance of rest and diet, and constantly trying to get her to stop for a picnic or take a drive out to the lake. But there was never any time.
Cori looked at Ben and just the sight of him distracted her from her sales job on Mrs. Peabody. All week she’d been just as determined. With all the planning for the craft sale, she’d never found the time to tell Ben what she finally realized at the drive-in. That she loved him. There had always been one more detail to cover, one more person to contact. It had gotten so bad that she even invited him over for a home-cooked meal one night, just to be sure they’d have some time alone. But then he got called out on an emergency. Probably just as well; she laughed to herself. After eating her cooking, the last thing Ben would want to hear was that she loved him and wanted to stay in Kansas with him.
But after today, the fund-raising was over. She’d find the time to sit quietly and bare her soul to Ben.
But first Denise had one more job for her.
“Here.” She plopped a stack of paper in Cori’s hands. “We voted you to be the person who stands at the door and hands these out.”
“Why me?”
&nb
sp; She chuckled. “Because when you smile, the men tend to lose their minds and will do anything we wives tell them to. So smile a lot.”
Cori did just that. She handed out flyers to the incoming and reminded each and every visitor that the proceeds would go to the Farrington hospital building fund.
“Hey.” Dan sidled up and spoke out of the side of his mouth. “Meet me by the snack bar in five minutes.”
Cori looked curious. “Why?”
“It’s important.” He held his finger against his lips to indicate silence and walked off.
Five minutes later, Cori was able to pass the job on to someone else and quickly made her way to the snack bar where Dan, Zeke and the others were huddled together.
“You really think you could do something with the Diner if it was hauled out of Dawson’s field?” Dan asked.
It took Cori a moment to realize the significance of his question. She didn’t hesitate in answering. “Yes, I do.”
“With the right equipment, there would be no problem in towing it,” Zeke chipped in. “All we’d need to do is find some land to sit it on. We think we have a way to get that.”
Cori leaned forward so she wouldn’t be overheard. “Really?” Excitement colored her voice. “How?”
He nodded. “We’re working on it. You know, a lot of people miss that old place. Oh, Myrna’s is fine for us old folk, but the younger ones need something that’s all their own. And the Diner holds memories for a lot of us. I proposed to my wife there.” His faded eyes warmed with memory.
“We think if we got the Diner up and running again, there’d be no reason for the people to argue against the idea of that craft store you’re tryin’ so hard to get people interested in,” Dan explained.
Cori unconsciously placed her hand against her bulging abdomen. She wasn’t sure if it was a foot or a hand pushing against her palm. The baby had gotten so active she couldn’t remember the last time she had had a full night’s sleep.
“Time is starting to work against me,” she murmured. “Why don’t we talk about this during our next walk?”
All four nodded and walked off.
“What are you five cooking up now?” Ben came up from behind and draped an arm around her shoulders, drawing her against his side.
Mommy Heiress (Accidental Dads #2) Page 18
