“Your brother said you were tired of getting blisters.”
I guess I wasn’t the only family member that could fib. I’d never told my brother the truth, but deep down, I think he sensed my heartache. I shook my head. “When my brother was on a date, I came to surprise you, and I saw you getting cozy with Marcia Lewis in the back office.”
“Marcia Lewis was the reason you stopped coming around?”
“I gave you an easy out, and you took it, Ben.” And that fact still stung.
He gave a slow nod and took my hand, leading me off the floor and back to the door. “You never told me that was the reason why.”
Well, hell, maybe we should have had this conversation back at the condo. We could have bypassed this trip down memory lane.
“It wouldn’t have mattered. It doesn’t matter now. It’s all in the past.”
“I wish you would have told me. We might be in a different place now.”
“I love my life,” I countered. It was true, for the most part. I had a career I excelled at, friends and family who loved me, and a beach view to die for. “I wouldn’t change a thing.” No way was I about to complain about the dinners for one, but maybe I did miss having someone to share my life with. It had been awhile since my last date.
“I’d change several things.” He slipped his phone out of his pocket as Jerry walked us to the door. “Our next stop is waiting.”
“You aren’t ready to call it a day?”
He chuckled. “Not hardly. If anything, I’m more determined.”
“So, what’s next? Are we going swimming in your parents’ pool? I hate to break it to you, big guy, but I didn’t bring a suit.” Then again, seeing him shirtless again might make swimming in my bra and panties worth it.
“That hasn’t stopped us before, but sadly, no, that’s not next. Although I’m sure my parents would be pleased to see you again.”
Ben and I both got into the car. The air between us changed, something more sobering, more electric, unlike the fantasy he’d been showing me since I woke up.
“I’ll pass. I can still remember the way she acted like she almost had a stroke when she caught us making out in your room. How many candles did she light to save your soul?”
“She’s never stopped,” he answered, hooking his seat belt. “Enough of the past.” He turned a disarming smile in my direction. “How about we visit the present?”
“What’s after that? The future? That should be interesting.”
“Well, Iamsaving the best for last.”
“I hate to break it to you, but Christmas already passed, and I’m not Mr. Scrooge.”