AINSLEY WAS LATE. Ben tried not to think about it. He forced himself to focus on Brody’s story about putting something together for the baby’s nursery, but he was bored. And a little worried. She had texted him about an hour ago apologizing for running behind. She’d had an emergency situation with a client, but said she’d be there soon.
He’d told her to just show up when she could, but now he was wondering if she would arrive at all. And that had to be okay, because she was doing him the favor. There was one problem, though—she had the CO’s gift.
He was about to text her again, when there was a commotion at the door. He glanced over the crowd to see long, feminine arms holding a gigantic present wrapped in gold, with a big red bow in the doorway.
“Excuse me, guys,” he said to the little group around him. “That’s Ainsley. I’ll be right back.”
“I can’t wait to meet her,” Matt’s wife, Chelly, said. “Mari says she’s gorgeous.”
Clarissa beat him to the door. Great. Who knew what the brat would say.
“Wait, you’re here for Ben?” Clarissa asked as he stepped up to the door. He took the heavy package from Ainsley and then blew out a breath.
She wore a red dress that fit her figure perfectly. It had crisscross wide bands across her chest, and then flared out at her tiny waist. And she wore the red shoes from the other night.
“When people talk about stealing their breath, they’re looking at you,” he said honestly.
Her cheeks turned a deep shake of pink. He wanted to ask her to go back to her place and beg her to take him to bed. But he had to remember where he was.
“Thanks,” she said. “I’m sorry I’m so late. I actually had to drive up to San Antonio to get the gift. It didn’t arrive today like it was supposed to. Some mix-up at dad’s office. And then I got stuck in traffic. But I’m here.”
“So, I was the problem client,” he said.
She smiled. “Yes. But I didn’t want to worry you.”
“I’m sorry you had to go through all of that for me. We could have picked another gift.”
“Oh, no. It’s fine.” This time the smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. He didn’t know her well, but something had happened today that bothered her.
“I understand you’re really busy and that was four hours out of your day that you probably didn’t have to spare.”
“Maybe you should let her come inside,” Clarissa said. “That Chanel dress is terrific and it looks like it might rain.” He stepped back so Ainsley could come in. The back of her dress swooped down, exposing most of her beautiful back. He shifted the present to hide just how much that turned him on.
“I remember you from the charity event. Wasn’t your sister in charge of that?” Clarissa asked.
“She was the chair, yes. Hi, I’m Ainsley.”
“Clarissa.” They shook hands. Then she glanced over at him. “Looks like you’re dating up,” she said.
That woman. She was right, but you didn’t make those sorts of comments in public. She had no filter, which inevitably made everyone uncomfortable at some point. He’d talked to her about it numerous times. He was one of the few people whom she actually listened to.
Occasionally.
“Clarissa!” he said. “Just because you think it, doesn’t mean you should say it.”
She rolled her eyes. “Whatever, Mr. Polite Manners. I simply meant that she’s pretty and rich. You could do worse.”
He sighed.
Ainsley was laughing, and this time the sound was genuine. “Thanks,” she said. “But if anyone is dating up, it’s me. This guy.” She squeezed his arm. “Best man I have ever known. I’m definitely the lucky one. And he cooks. What kind of guy looks like him and can cook? I feel like I’ve won the lottery.”
She sounded genuine. That gave him a sense of pride—that she enjoyed spending time with him. From what he’d heard about her dating past, she’d been connected with a fair number of jerks.
Before Clarissa could say something else controversial, Ben broke in and said, “Let me put the CO’s gift by the tree, and then I have some people I’d like you to meet.”
She waved goodbye to Clarissa and followed him. The house was very modern and stark, much like the CO. He preferred things to be neat, ordered. Most Marines did, but he took it to the extreme. The best part was the view that looked out onto the beach.
After dropping off the present, he introduced Ainsley to his friends.
“So where did you two disappear to the other night?” Jake asked.
The guy had not given him a break for leaving him the night of the auction. He’d been so caught up in Ainsley that he’d forgotten that Jake had hitched a ride with him to the hotel.
“Dude, I told you she wasn’t feeling good so I took her home,” Ben explained, trying to stop the conversation before it went much further. He didn’t want everyone knowing his and Ainsley’s business.
Before Jake could mention that he had to take a cab to Ben’s house to pick up his truck, Ben whisked her away...and right into the CO.
“Sir,” he said.
The CO smiled. “Welcome. So, who’s this, Major?”
“Sir, I’d like to introduce you to my date, Ainsley Garrett.”
The CO held out his hand and shook hers. “Are you having a good time?” he asked her.
“Yes, thank you. It’s nice to put names and faces together. Ben’s been talking about everyone.”
The CO shot him a glance. “He has? I hope it’s been all good.”
She laughed and nodded. “Absolutely. It’s fascinating what you are doing on the base. Certainly, he doesn’t tell me everything. But it’s interesting that your squad is working with other branches of the military.”
“Have you told her all of our secrets?” The CO smiled as he said it.
“No, sir. She’s just a good listener.”
“Clarissa tells me that your dad is Ed Garrett.”
Her smile disappeared. “Yes, he is.”
“We’ve been in a few charity golf tournaments together. Known him for years. In fact, I was going to hit him up for that new putting prototype he was talking about the last time he was here.”
Ben glanced at Ainsley and did an inner hallelujah. That was the first gift she’d shown him. She was very good at what she did.
She smiled. “Hmm. Call it a guess, but I have a feeling that when you open your present from your staff, you’re going to be very happy.”
The CO’s eyes rounded. “Really?”
“It was Ben who asked if we could get one for you. And it’s hard for me to tell him no. I drove to San Antonio today to pick it up from the factory.”
“Good call, Ben. Come on. Let’s open it,” the CO said. Never had he seen the CO behave this way. He was like a little kid.
They all shared a laugh together.
“Excellent suggestion,” he said to Ainsley as they followed his commanding officer across the crowded living room. “And thanks for giving me all the credit, which you deserve. This might keep him off my ass for a day, maybe even a whole week.”
He slipped an arm around her shoulders.
“It’s my pleasure,” she said. But she didn’t smile this time. Something was bugging her.
Ten minutes later, much to the chagrin of Clarissa, they had the new putting machine set up in the middle of the party. All the guys were trying it out.
“You did good,” Ben said. “I’ve never seen him this happy or relaxed. The guys and I owe you.”
She frowned. “It’s no problem.” But it didn’t look like it.
“What’s wrong?” He was genuinely concerned. In the short time he’d known her, he’d never seen her do anything but smile.
She shook her head. “Nothing. Sorry. Just thinking about today. We can talk about it later.”
He glanced around and noticed everyone was focused on the CO’s new toy. “Want to grab some air? The deck is covered, and he has a great view from there.”
She twisted her lips and glanced nervously through the windows. “If that’s what you want.”
What was going on?
The rain had stopped, but the wind had picked up. He took off his jacket and put it over her shoulders. “Thanks,” she said.
“You want to tell me why you’re upset? I really am sorry about you having to take so much time to get the CO’s present.” They might be just friends, but he wanted to help if he could.
“No. Because this is nice. The party is great. Your friends are fun. I like the way you covered with Jake. Thanks for that. It’s been a long day, and I want to focus on what’s going on right now. Nothing else matters.”
So there was something.
“I wish you would go ahead and tell me whatever it is that’s bothering you. I know this is temporary, but I don’t want secrets between us. Did you meet someone else? It’s okay if you’re having a hard time telling me.”
He wasn’t sure where that had come from, but it would explain why she was acting so uneasy. But his gut churned and maybe he didn’t want to admit how much the idea unsettled him. A lot.
She sighed and leaned her hands on the railing. “No. It’s complicated. I told you that I had to go to San Antonio to pick up the gift because the shipped one wasn’t going to arrive on time. I’m not sure what happened with that. We ordered it in plenty of time and, hello, it’s only an hour away. And after what’s occurred with my dad, I’m not so sure he didn’t have something to do with it.”
“I really appreciate that you did that. I know how busy you are.”
She nodded. “One of the main reasons I was late... Dad insisted I have lunch at the club with him. And, of course, being my dad, he had this guy he wanted me to meet. I felt...weird. Like I was cheating on you. I mean, I know all of this is supposed to be temporary. We only met a short time ago. But I really like you a lot. And it just seemed wrong being there with him.”
Dang if Ben didn’t feel like throwing his arms around her. Okay. This was supposed to be casual, easy, but the truth was the last few days he’d been thinking maybe they should look at spending more time together. He wasn’t exactly sure what more was, but he couldn’t get her out of his head, and he had a feeling that wasn’t going to change anytime soon.
“I like you, too,” he said. “But it’s not like you initiated the date, right? And even if you did, I’d have to accept that. We aren’t really dating.” It was hard for him to say, he realized.
“Yes, but I should have anticipated my dad doing that. And what bothered me the most was it did very much feel like I was cheating on you. I can’t, that’s... I’m just so confused. This thing between you and me, we’re having fun, right?”
“Absolutely.”
“But it feels, I’m not sure how to explain it exactly. I almost wanted to call you from the table and say, ‘Hey, I had no idea this was going to happen. This guy is pretty much a blockhead. I’ll be back as soon as possible.’”
He chuckled. “I get it,” he said. And he did. They’d only spent a short time together, but they’d spent every night since Monday in her bed. Whether they wanted to be or not, they were connected. “If it makes things any better, I’m as confused about what’s going on between us as you are. But in a good way.”
She glanced up at him. “Really?”
He nodded, and then he turned so he could wrap his arms around her. “This thing between us is kind of intense.”
“Kind of?” she asked.
He smiled. “Okay, it just is. So we see it through, right? Neither of us has much experience with relationships, or at least long-term ones. We don’t have the time to maintain them. But we hang out, enjoy each other and see where it goes. Deal?”
“It’s an exclusive deal, right?”
He thought for a minute, trying to figure out what she meant. “As in we only date each other as long as we’re together?”
“Yes.”
He shrugged. “I kind of thought that was implied.”
Then she hit him with one of her devastating smiles. “Good,” she said. “I was about to read the riot act to Clarissa. See how she kept looking at you like she wanted to eat you up? The only person who can look at you that way is me. Got it?”
Smiling, she poked his chest with her finger.
He smiled back.
“Wow. Who knew Ainsley could get jealous? I kind of like this side of you.”
“That woman rubs me the wrong way,” she said as she wrapped her arms around his waist. It was crazy how she fit him so well.
“She does that to a lot of people. You don’t have to worry about her. I’m more worried about these surprise dates your dad keeps setting you up on. Now every time you go to San Antonio, I’m going to wonder.”
She sighed. “You don’t have to worry, either. You already know how I feel about all of that. And today, that guy, Todd, I think he was blindsided, as well. I doubt he had a clue what my dad was up to until I got there. He thought he was there to talk about a business venture. I felt bad for him. But he was a blockhead. He was nice to me, but only when my dad was looking. Not a very genuine type of person, to put it frankly.
“Have I mentioned my dad has really bad taste in men, when it comes to picking out one for me? Fortunately, that was the last time, until the Christmas party in a few weeks, that I’ll see my dad. I now have the world’s best excuse and I’m really good at using it. Work is crazy! Which reminds me, I’ll be late tomorrow night. We’re wrapping all the presents for Clinical South.”
“At the house?”
“Yep.”
“I could make you and Bebe dinner? I’m the world’s worst wrapper, but I can provide sustenance.”
She kissed his chin. “You’re the best. As you find out more about my family, you’ll see I’m not like them in a few ways. They love me and I love them. But I’ve felt like an outsider at times. Like I don’t belong or I’m playing a part. That world isn’t who I am. I’m just a girl who runs a business, and is into a really hot guy.”
He squeezed her tight. “And I’m just a Marine. I’m kind of a ‘take me like I am’ dude. But if you can deal with that, I can deal with the fact that your dad might not see me as a prime candidate for his daughter. I won’t fit in that world, either.”
“That’s funny. Clarissa commented about my dress. But it didn’t even register who made it. You told me the other night that you liked the color red, and I wanted to wear it for you.”
This woman was special, truly. “Ainsley, you were wearing red the other night when I said that. I love any color you’re in.”
“You say the sweetest things,” she said. “Oh, I actually do have a favor to ask you.”
“Name it. I’m yours.”
“Be careful with that,” she said and winked at him. He loved when she did that. “This is more physical.”
He couldn’t help his smile. “Even better. I’ve proven getting physical is my specialty.”
She giggled. “You are so bad. That’s not what I mean.”
He pretended to frown, and she rolled her eyes.
“When I was looking for ribbon earlier today,” she said, “I found a box of Christmas lights and holiday lawn ornaments I’d forgotten about. I love having things all done up and festive, so I was wondering if you might put up the lights and decorate outside for me? I’d do it, but I’m afraid of heights. Bordering on ‘having a breakdown’ fear of heights.”
Right. Well, the last thing she needed to be was on a two-story ladder. “I’d be happy to do it. I’ve got the Toys for Tots drive in the morning, but if the weather clears I can do it tomorrow afternoon or Sunday.”
“You are my favorite person,” she said and then her lips were on his. Kissing her was nothing but sunshine. He couldn’t get enough.
He lifted his head just as thunder hit. She jumped a little and he held her tighter.
“Are you cold?”
“Are you kidding? Every time you touch me I feel the heat. I’ve never—”
His lips were on hers before she could finish speaking. That heat burned within him, as well. The storm raged around them, but they were lost in their own world.
“Hey, Major, you know how the CO feels about PDA,” Brody said.
She jumped away and then giggled. “You scared me,” she said.
Their quiet alone time was over. They both turned to look at Brody. Ben’s frown was for real.
“We’re just talking about putting Christmas lights up on the house. Uh, Ainsley’s house,” Ben explained. There was no way to salvage the situation. They’d been caught.
“Hmm. That’s interesting that you can still talk when your lips were together like that. Hey, I have an idea. If you help me with my lights,” Brody said, “I’ll help with yours. I had to buy new ones because suddenly Mari doesn’t like all white, now she wants blue on everything. I can’t keep up with her. She’s nesting, and by nesting I mean she decides she wants something and then it’s up to me to make it happen.”
They all laughed. “Better not let her hear you say that,” Ben warned.
“Say what?” Mari asked from behind Brody. “Step aside, Marine, I need some air. Look at that storm.” She went to the railing and gulped in the fresh gulf air. “It’s stuffy in there. Oh, hey, Ainsley. I didn’t know you were here.”
“Good to see you again,” Ainsley said and let go of Ben so she could shake hands with Mari.
“Same here. That dress is gorgeous. Chanel, right? So amazing. Man, makes me miss my waist.” Mari patted her pregnant belly, which was twice the size as it had been at the high school craft fair. Though Ben knew better than to say anything like that.
“Oh, you look gorgeous,” Ainsley said. “Pregnant women have the most beautiful skin and hair. Even in the dim light out here you’re radiant.”
Brody came up, put his hands on Mari’s shoulders and kissed her cheek. “She’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”
Mari sighed. “And that’s why I keep him around. Never mind that he had to help me put my shoes on tonight because my belly is so fat I can’t see my feet anymore.”
“Just more of you to love, baby,” Brody said.
Some good-natured teasing ensued.
“We’re saved, honey,” Brody said. “Ben’s agreed to help me with the Christmas lights if I return the favor and help with Ainsley’s house.”
“Oh, that’s nice of you guys. I worry about him out there on the ladder by himself. He won’t let me be his assistant.”
“No way,” Brody said. “You’re getting nowhere close to a ladder, even if it’s only to hold it.”
“No prob,” Ben said. “Happy to help out.”
“Toasts are about to begin,” Jake called to them from the patio doorway. “I should have known you guys would all be here making out.”
“Jake!” Mari said. “We’re talking about holiday lights. Would you like to help the guys tomorrow?”
Jake’s jaw dropped as he realized he’d just walked into a trap. “Uh, I’m busy?”
“Too late,” Mari said. “Brody will text you the details. Once you finish at my house, you’re going to give a hand to Ainsley with hers.”
“Fun times. Does anyone ever say no to you?” Jake asked Mari.
“Nope,” she said. “And you’re not going to start. I’m pregnant, so it’s totally against the law to even think about saying no.”
Everyone roared with laughter.
They traipsed back inside, but Ben claimed Ainsley’s hand before they joined the others. They’d been interrupted. Well, technically, their kiss had been. It was a strange night, and he needed to make sure she was okay.
“We’re good, right?”
She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him. “We’re great,” she said. “We’ll be even better when you get me home and out of this dress.”
Ben hissed out a breath. “You can’t say things like that to me, especially in public.” He pulled her against him so she could feel his erection. She wiggled into him.
“This is work, Marine, and you should probably be responsible and mingle. But I really wouldn’t mind if in twenty minutes or so we said our goodbyes.” She slipped her arms around him. “This dress is suddenly feeling way too tight. I can’t breathe. I might be feeling faint. How are you feeling?” She slipped her hand between them, rubbing up and down his cock.
Yes. Yes. Yes. This was happening.
Desire crowded out any rational thoughts in his head. He couldn’t think, period. They had to go. Like yesterday. “Goodbyes be damned. We’re leaving.”
“But my car,” she protested, laughing. “I can’t leave it here. That would look bad for both of us.” The wind was whipping her hair. And the dress outlined her curves.
“Give me your keys.” He sounded like he was ordering one of his students to do something. “Please. Sorry. Those words came out of your mouth and now I can’t think about anything else.”
She kissed him again and handed him the keys.
He leaned his head inside the doorway, noticing the party was in full swing. “Brody,” he said because he was the closest.
“Yeah?”
Ben held out the keys. “Jake has to get Ainsley’s car to my place. I’ll pick it up tomorrow. Tell him he owes me. He owes me like ten times over.”
Brody frowned. “Okay, what’s up?”
Crud. He wasn’t expecting an inquisition. “Uh, she’s got a work thing, so I’m taking her home.”
Brody glanced at Ainsley, no doubt noticing her flushed face, and then gave him a knowing look. “Right. She has a migraine. Got it.”
They both smiled.
“You’re a good friend,” Ben told him.
“Yep, remember that tomorrow afternoon when you’re at the top of that ladder sticking lights on my house.”
Ben didn’t care about tomorrow. All he wanted was to get Ainsley naked as quickly as possible.