by Diana Miller
“Can I get you another?” the bartender asked immediately.
“I’d love one,” she said. “Put it on Ben’s tab.” After dragging her here and then deserting her, he could damn well pay for her drinks. While she waited, she looked for Ben. He was still at the back table in deep conversation with the blonde, assuming any woman he found attractive was capable of deep conversation.
She turned to the bar just as Walt handed her another drink. She was halfway through it when a man sidled up beside her. “I thought I saw you come in with Ben Gallagher.”
“I did, but he’s obviously forgotten me.”
“That’s hard to believe.”
“It seems to have happened,” she said, giving the man a warm smile. He was good looking, with dark hair and a thick mustache on his deeply tanned face. No wedding ring either, not that he was any more likely to be her type than Ben was.
He pressed his hand over his heart. “My mother would turn over in her grave if I left a lady unattended. I’m in the middle of a game of pool, and I’d be honored if you’d be my good-luck charm.”
She glanced at Ben again. She might not care what he did or with whom, but his behavior was starting to piss her off. He’d come up with the girlfriend charade in the first place, then he drags her to a place she’d never have ventured within smelling distance of otherwise and immediately dumps her for another woman?
“I’d love to,” she told the man with another smile.
“Get the lady a refill, Walt,” the man said. “My name’s Sam Harris.”
“I’m Lexie.”
He took her hand. “I’m delighted to meet you, Lexie. Thanks, Walt,” he said as Walt set another drink and a beer on the counter. “The pool tables are in the back room.” Sam picked up both the beer and Lexie’s glass.
The table in the corner was empty now, and Lexie couldn’t see Ben anywhere, making her even happier she’d decided to go with Sam. She followed him through the crowd to a separate room with four busy pool tables.
“I thought you chickened out about finishing, Sam.” The speaker, a man with thinning sandy hair and a thickening waistline, waved a pool cue.
“Not when I’m winning. I got distracted. Lexie, this is Eddie.”
Eddie gave Lexie a friendly smile. “Pleased to meet you, Lexie.” Unlike Sam, he was wearing a gold wedding band. “Where do you hail from?”
“Kentucky. I’m here visiting Ben Gallagher.”
Eddie snorted. “Yet another reason the guy’s a lucky bastard. Not that Ben had any trouble getting women before, but I’ll bet he’s got his pick now that he’s going to be a multimillionaire. Not that you’re with him for his money,” he added.
“I was sorry to hear about Ben’s grandfather’s death,” Sam said. “And in an accident like that. It’s a damn shame.”
“Max was a great guy,” Lexie agreed.
“You met him?”
She recovered quickly. “No, but everyone I’ve talked to says that.”
“Well, they’re right,” Sam said. “He was one of the best.”
“Which is high praise considering Max didn’t trust Sam with his legal business,” Eddie said, sinking a ball in the corner pocket.
“You’re a lawyer?” Lexie asked.
Sam nodded. “But Max used some hotshot firm from out east where all the lawyers are specialists. Good thing, since as a small-town general practitioner, I probably would have screwed up the trust provision that makes everyone spend two weeks together to inherit.”
“You’re lucky you didn’t do it,” Eddie told Sam. “Everyone in that house would hate you for making them stick together for two weeks, especially Ben and Jeremy. And what if one of them lost out on a fortune because of it? I heard Dylan’s in debt to the mob, who’d be happy to break a few of your bones. The rest could probably take you out themselves. ’Cept maybe Muriel.”
“I came here because Ben was so upset about his grandfather’s death,” Lexie said, shifting the conversation to a more comfortable subject than her potential future bodily harm. “Even though it was a major hassle to get time off. Then he runs out on me.”
“His loss is our gain,” Sam said. “Like I said, I have a feeling you’re going to be my good-luck charm.”
“Maybe you should come over to my side so you can back a winner.” Eddie took another shot, missed.
“In your dreams, Eddie,” Sam said, picking up a cue.
Lexie leaned against the wall. She felt as if she’d stepped into a bad movie—city girl gets stuck in the country, drinks too much, watches a couple of locals play pool, and finds true love with one of them. The only differences were she wasn’t drinking too much or falling in love. Actually, most of those movies also had a bar fight scene—she’d prefer to skip that part, too.
“I assume Ben plans to go ahead and expand his garage the way he wanted. Now that he’s inheriting a fortune,” Sam said.
“He’s planning to expand?” Lexie asked.
“Double it in size. Last winter he had the plans drawn up and hired me to handle the legal issues. Everyone knew about it, so it’s not like I’m violating any attorney-client privilege talking about it.” Sam took a shot. “Ben planned to do it this spring, but then decided to delay indefinitely.”
“Why?”
“He said he needed to resolve a few things first,” Sam said.
“Sam’s using his attorney double-talk,” Eddie said. “Everyone knows Ben had to drop it because he couldn’t come up with the cash. That won’t be a problem anymore, if he’s even gonna work at all now that he’s filthy rich. I sure as hell wouldn’t.”
So she’d found out something useful tonight after all. Of course, Ben’s business must be good if he was considering doubling it in size, and how much money did you need to live well in a place like Rockville? But living in Rockville gave Ben opportunity, and he now had a possible motive. She wasn’t about to accept he was innocent just because Max had made him her co-investigator. Maybe Max had done that because he suspected Ben and assumed that if he and Lexie spent enough time together, Ben would inevitably give himself away.
Sam knocked in another ball. “How’s Nevermore, Lexie? Seen any ghosts?”
“Not yet, although I wouldn’t be surprised. The place is spooky.”
Sam shot again. “You got that right. Damn,” he said when the ball skimmed the side of the pocket but stayed on the table.
“You’ve been there?” Lexie asked.
“I think everyone in town has driven up there to look at least once, though I’ve never been inside,” Sam said. “Eddie has.”
“Just on the first floor. I do glass repair, and Max called me in to fix his front window after some kooks shot it out.”
That’s right. “You’re a friend of Seth’s, right? He mentioned you.”
“Yeah, we were tight back in high school,” Eddie said. “I haven’t talked to him in a few years, though.” His shot bounced off the side, landing a few inches from the pocket.
“Side pocket,” Sam said, then sank the eight ball. “I told you that you didn’t have a prayer, not with Lexie on my side. Another game?”
Eddie shook his head, handing Sam a folded bill. “I’d better get home or Miranda will have my ass. It’s been a pleasure meeting you, Lexie.”
“Do you play pool?” Sam asked as Eddie walked away.
Lexie shook her head. Technically she played billiards, so it wasn’t exactly a lie. She certainly couldn’t play anything in a bar like Walt’s.
“Do you want me to teach you?”
On the other hand, Lexie the cocktail waitress would definitely play pool in a bar, and she needed something to do while she waited for Ben’s return. “I’d love to learn.“
After Sam had instructed her in the basics, Lexie awkwardly positioned the cue behind the ball. “Now what do I do?” she asked.
“Slide the cue so it hits the ball. Try it.”
She intentionally missed the ball and jabbed the table, then turned an
d made a face. “I don’t think that’s exactly right.”
His smile made him even more attractive. “Not exactly. Let me help you.” He moved behind her and leaned over her, putting his hands on hers. His body was warm, his scent of beer and spice. With his help, her shot landed in a corner pocket.
“I think I’ve got it,” she said, moving away from him. She positioned herself and shot. This time she topped the ball, propelling it only a few inches.
“Try again. This time focus.”
She hit the ball, landing it exactly where she intended—a couple of inches from the pocket. She was getting tired of being pathetic, but she couldn’t suddenly become Minnesota Fats.
She turned toward him. “I did it. Almost.”
“You’re a natural.”
“What the hell are you doing?” Ben was suddenly beside her and glowering as if someone had scratched his precious motorcycle.
“Sam’s teaching me to play pool,” Lexie said.
“Not anymore he isn’t.”
She raised her chin. Where did he get off, telling her what to do? “I’m not quitting right when I’m getting the hang of it.”
“If you want to learn how to play pool, I’ll teach you,” Ben said.
She didn’t want to do anything with Ben, but if he wasn’t going to leave her alone, she might as well enjoy herself. “I don’t need any more lessons. Sam’s an excellent teacher. But I’ll play against you.”
“I don’t think so,” Ben said.
“Afraid I’ll beat you?”
“Right.” Ben took down a cue. “I’ll spot you two balls and let you break.”
Lexie picked up her cue, and then remembered. “You have to break. I haven’t had that lesson yet.”
Ben broke. “Since I spotted you two balls, you can take them off the table before you take your shot.”
“I need more to aim at.” Lexie positioned her cue and took her first shot. A solid-colored ball went into a side pocket. She didn’t stop until she’d cleared the solids and shot the eight ball into the corner pocket.
“Beginner’s luck, I guess,” Lexie said, giving Sam a warm smile. “I told you Sam was an excellent teacher.”
“I’m not that good,” Sam said. “Where did you learn to play?”
“In my parents’ billiard room, of course.”
Sam chuckled, clearly thinking she was joking. “Why did you pretend you didn’t know how?”
“Because I was enjoying my lesson.” She returned her attention to Ben. “I assume you came to tell me I need to find my own way back to Nevermore.”
“I’ll be happy to drive you there,” Sam said.
“For God’s sake, I’m driving you,” Ben said.
“I’d rather go with Sam,” Lexie said. Especially since Ben now looked as if his motorcycle had not just been scratched but totaled. “He was nice enough to entertain me while you were busy with another woman.”
“I’ll entertain you now,” Ben said.
Ben being entertaining was about as likely as her becoming a professional pool shark. But she couldn’t see any way to avoid going with him, short of making a scene, and Barringtons never made scenes. Rule Number 14. Who knows, Ben’s ego might even demand one of those damn bar fights.
Lexie gave Sam a rueful look. “Sorry, but I think Ben and I need to talk.” She picked her drink off the wooden table she’d left it on when she’d started her pool lessons and took a sip. The ice had melted, and the small amount of liquid remaining tasted like warm Kool-Aid. She returned the glass to the table.
“That was embarrassing as hell,” Ben muttered when Sam was out of earshot.
“Being beaten at pool by a girl?”
“Having my girlfriend hanging out with the biggest lech in the state.” His voice was so low Lexie had to lean toward him to hear.
“I didn’t realize anyone could hold a candle to you in that regard,” she shot back, not nearly as quietly. “Besides, you left me to talk to that overinflated blonde. Where is she, by the way?”
“She left.”
“Waiting for you at her place,” Lexie said, nodding. “Just make sure you show up at Nevermore before one, like the trust requires. No matter how attractive, I doubt she’s worth losing a fortune over.”
“She left because I told her I wouldn’t be seeing her anymore now that you’re here,” Ben said. “Not that Amber and I were dating seriously, though she apparently thought otherwise.”
“I’m sorry I interfered with your relationship.”
“Don’t be.”
Lexie rolled her eyes. “I was being sarcastic. And unlike your real girlfriends, I know what that means. This charade wasn’t my idea.”
“I meant that it was time to call it quits anyway,” Ben said. “Eight weeks of a woman is about all I can handle.”
“Maybe if you hadn’t sworn off women with careers and intellect you wouldn’t get sick of them quite so fast.”
“I wasn’t complaining,” Ben said. “I like variety. Did you really learn to play pool in a billiard room?”
“I made my brothers teach me.” Lexie suddenly felt a little light-headed, and she grabbed the table edge to steady herself. “Don’t tell my mother. She doesn’t think ladies play billiards.” Her tongue tangled on her words.
Ben put his arm on her back and urged her toward the main room of the bar.
Lexie stumbled against him. “What are you doing?”
“We’re leaving.”
She planted her feet. “I don’t want to go yet.”
Ben reached down and squeezed her butt. “Even with a stick up it, you have an excellent ass.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re thanking me for a rude remark like that?” He chuckled. “I knew it. How much did you have to drink while I was gone?”
“A couple more of Walt’s specials. But they’re almost all fruice. I mean fruit juice,” she said, enunciating more carefully. “It must be jet lag.”
“It must be Walt’s special. He waters down the other drinks, but he takes pride in his special. It’s almost all booze. That’s why I told you to drink it slow.” He moved his arm around her shoulders. “I think we’d better go. I’ll pay you tomorrow, Walt.”
The room seemed to be moving. Lexie leaned against Ben, who kept his arm around her and steered her to his pickup. He half lifted her up onto the seat, fastened her seat belt, and she promptly fell asleep.
# # #
Nevermore was dark and Lexie was still sound asleep when Ben pulled his truck to a stop. He looked at her for a minute, shaking his head. Grandfather had been right—Lexie needed to loosen up. She was a lot more fun when she did. He’d never in a million years have guessed she played pool or that she’d condescend to play in a place like Walt’s, no matter how much she’d had to drink.
Ben got out of the pickup and walked around to open the passenger door, then unhooked Lexie’s seat belt. She still didn’t stir.
“Lexie, you need to wake up. I don’t think I can carry you upstairs.”
“You had enough trouble with my suitcase.” Her eyes were still closed. “Maybe you should call Igor.”
“I don’t think that’s such a good idea. Stand up.”
Fortunately, the night air seemed to revive her, and the house was silent. Ben had gotten Lexie up the stairs and down the hallway to the door of her bedroom when Jeremy stepped out of his room.
“I’m going to kiss you,” Ben whispered. “Go along with me because Jeremy’s watching. Then we’ll go into your room for a while, just for show.”
He moved his lips to hers without waiting for an answer. He’d intended to give her one of those closed-mouth movie kisses, but that intention evaporated when Lexie opened her mouth and flicked her tongue over his closed lips. He deepened the kiss, pressing her against the door.
“We should go inside now, right?” she murmured when he moved his lips from hers.
“Right.” He got the door open and her inside, then started kissing her
again, his tongue caressing hers. He pulled her close, holding her so tightly there wasn’t room for anything but body heat between them.
She pulled his shirt from his jeans, then moved her hands underneath and up his back. God, he wanted to feel her hands stroking him everywhere like that. He maneuvered her so the bed was against the back of her knees, his mouth still devouring hers.
“I’m really glad we left Walt’s.”
At the sound of Lexie’s voice, Ben froze. Jesus, he’d been so lost in lust he’d forgotten who he was with and what he was doing. “I think I’d better leave.”
EPISODE 3
CHAPTER 7
“Why?” Lexie asked.
“I never take advantage of a woman who’s had too much to drink.” As he answered, Ben somehow forced himself to remove Lexie’s hands from under his shirt, to pull away.
Her arms circled his neck, and she rubbed her body against his. “I think I’ve drunk just enough.”
Summoning up an even bigger shot of willpower, he extricated himself again. “You’ll regret this in the morning, and that will make it impossible for us to work together.” A nice speech, although to be honest, he’d probably have been willing to ignore those potential complications if she weren’t drunk.
“Sleep well, Lexie,” he said, and then raced out of the room. Once inside his own room, he leaned against the door, his breathing not the only thing that was hard.
What had he been doing? He didn’t even like her, and he was old enough that he had some standards when it came to women. Worse yet, he knew exactly what he’d be in for if he slept with her. She’d screw up his life the way only a smart woman could, using both sex appeal and brains to manipulate him. He was never having sex with Lexie. Hell, he shouldn’t even be thinking about having sex with Lexie.
He just had to make sure his own brain remembered that. Because he had more than enough problems already.
