A Mess of a Man (Cruel & Beautiful #2)(15)

“Will this be one of those stuffy, formal things?”

The corner of his mouth curls. “Probably. But I can make it worth your while. I promise if you go, I will find some way to make it up to you.” His eyes quickly sweep over me and I know his promise has more to do with his sheets than anything else. “You name it, and I’ll do it. And I’ll guarantee you will love it and beg for more.”

The way he says those words makes my belly flop. I’m talking take a running jump off the diving board and hit the pool kind of flop. I think back to Trevor momentarily and he didn’t even make my toes get close to the edge of pool. “That sounds kind of risqué.”

Ben takes a step closer to me. “Samantha, it was meant to sound risqué.”

My eyes widen and I swallow the knot of desire that’s formed in my throat. “Um, o-okay. I’ll go.” My voice shakes as I answer.

He leans in and says, “You won’t be sorry. I promise.”

His fresh, clean scent that reminds me of the beach fans over me. When he straightens, I want to grab him and bring him back closer to me again. He’s stepped out of my personal space, and I inhale, trying to get another whiff of him.

“I’ll hold you to that promise, Ben Rhoades.”

He awards me with a smile.

“Oh, and I assume the attire is business?”

“Yes, that would be correct.” He takes my hand again and kisses it. “Until tomorrow. I can pick you up at seven.”

“Perfect. I’ll text you my address.”

“Until then, Samantha.”

I head for home only a few blocks away. When I get there, Lauren is waiting.

“Well, how was it?” She practically pants like a dog.

I offer her a secretive grin. “It was nice. Very nice. He’s the ultimate gentleman and every bit as sexy as he was in the produce section. It’s good to know I didn’t have this image built up in my mind, only to be blown to pieces by some douchebag idiot, you know?”

“Yeah, but tell me more. What did y’all talk about?”

“The basics. It was only our first get together. A little about work and stuff. That’s it. He’s so sweet, though.”

“Hmm. Are you going to see him again?”

“Yep. Tomorrow. Like we originally planned.”

Her tone conveys shock. “Really?”

“Yeah. Why?”

“That’s a lot for just meeting someone.”

I shrug. “Not if you like him. At least in my opinion.”

“You’re giving in too easily.”

I plop down on the couch. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You need to make him chase you. That’s what.”

“I’m not going to play that game crap, Lauren. If I like him and he likes me, and we want to see each other, then we’ll see each other.”

She groans. “This is why I want to shake you all the time. You never learn. Guys don’t want a girl who gives in so easily.”

I lean my head back and close my eyes. “Then fine. If he doesn’t want me the way I am, then he won’t want me. I am not good at this game stuff, and I won’t play them.”

Her arms wind around me as she hugs me. “Okay, but never fear. I’ll be here when you need me. And obviously I’m saying things you don’t want to hear, so don’t hate me.”

“I don’t hate you, you big goon. It’s just that I need to do things my way, you know?”

“I know.”

“I gotta run to the Yacht Club. I have an event tomorrow and I need to check on some things. I won’t be long.”

Monday is hectic at work, and by the end of the day, I’m wiped and having second thoughts about agreeing to my dinner with Ben. When I check the clock, I realize I only have forty-five minutes to get home and change. Luckily I only have a five-minute drive home.

I dress casually for work, so when I get home I take a quick shower and change into a black pencil skirt, royal blue sleeveless silk blouse, and black pumps. As an afterthought, I grab a light sweater as Ben arrives, just in case the restaurant’s air conditioning has me freezing during dinner.

“You look the picture of the high-profile corporate events planner,” he says.

“Thank you, I think. And you’re not so bad yourself.” He wears the traditional dark suit, crisp white shirt, and I have to laugh when I notice his royal blue tie. “Looks like we did some matchy matching.”

He doesn’t get it at first until he realizes what I’m talking about. “Oh, Dad will love this.” Then he laughs as he opens the car door for me. It’s a two-door sporty Jaguar the color of granite with buttery leather interior. I’m happy he didn’t let me climb in unassisted—Ben Rhoades has manners. We drive to the restaurant, and he displays every gentlemanly characteristic while I make sure to check each of them off my list. Helps me in and out of the car, escorts me by taking my arm, walks on the outside of the sidewalk, opens all doors, and stands until the host seats me at the table.

A stately couple stands and eyes Ben then each other. I get the feeling they had no idea Ben would be bringing me.

“Mom, Dad, this is Samantha Calhoun,” he announces, giving his dad a handshake and kissing his mother on her cheek. He says something to her I can’t hear.