A Mess of a Man (Cruel & Beautiful #2)(38)

“Whoa. That’s a strong statement.”

“Yeah, well, he deserves it.” I give her a very brief rundown on that crazy situation.

“Okay, then if not Trevor, who?”

I waggle my eyebrows, saying, “Someone new.”

“Is that his name? Someone New?”

I laugh at her little joke. “No, his name is Ben Rhoades.”

Her face gets this look of horror on it. “No, tell me I didn’t hear you right. You didn’t say Ben Rhoades, did you?”

“Yeah, I did. Why?”

“Oh, Sam, be careful. Promise me. I’ve heard some pretty bad things about him.”

“Like?”

“He plows through women like a John Deere tractor.”

I wave my hand through the air. “Yeah, I know all that. But after Trevor, I’m not interested in a relationship. I’ve discussed this with Ben. It’s all cool.”

Nancy squints at me. “Is this Sam Calhoun I’m talking to?”

“Yep, and I’m just a girl who wants to have some fun.”

“Okay. I hear you. But be careful nonetheless. I don’t want to see you hurt.”

“And I appreciate that. I really do. But a girl has to break out of her mold sometime and let herself free, you know.”

She taps that pen against her lips again and then nods. “I think I do know.”

After work I go home and I’m a combination of excited and nervous. The mixture has my stomach in one giant knot, so I’m unable to eat a thing. Instead, I take a quick shower and check out my closet for something cute yet sexy to wear. I opt for a dress that hits both and by the time I’m ready, it’s seven-thirty.

Lauren is in the kitchen when I come out. “Where are you off to?”

“To Ben’s.”

The size of her eyes tells me all I need to know. I didn’t share what I did earlier today. I’ll have to fill her in later.

“Where does he live?”

“In Mt. Pleasant,” I say.

“Nice. I can’t wait to hear all about it.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll give you the scoop later.”

She gives me a little wave, saying, “Have fun, but Sam, please guard your heart.”

“I will. I promise.”

When I pull into his driveway, I have to say I’m impressed. It’s a large two-story house for a single guy. Now it’s show time. Will he really be naked? Guess I’ll find out. Pulling a tank load of air into my chest, I force my shaking body to calm down.

As I walk up to his front door, I’m happy as hell I wore flats and not the heels I originally eyed, because my legs feel like noodles. My hand goes for the doorbell when I remember what his text said. So I push down the latch and am happy it gives way. With a huge amount of trepidation, I open the door and step over the threshold. Closing the door behind me, I hear him say my name. The room is dimly lit and at first I’m not sure where his voice is coming from.

Then I hear, “Lock the door, and follow the hall into the great room. You’ll find me in the kitchen.”

I do as he asks and take the time to notice that Ben’s house is an eclectic mixture of modern and traditional. The furnishings look comfortable and inviting and the walls are graced with an interesting array of artwork. When I get to the kitchen, he stands behind the island and asks if I’d like a glass of wine.

“I’d love one.” I keep walking. He’s shirtless and from what I can see, he’s absolutely beautiful. My feet carry me with no thoughts at all. I stop when I reach the island and stand opposite him, since it’s the side closest to me. He hands me my glass and I take a huge gulp.

“Thirsty?”

“I am.” But not for wine. I want to get this part out of the way, so I take another huge drink and drain my glass. I can’t even tell if it’s good or bad. I could be drinking vinegar right now and not know the difference.

“Looks like it,” he says, taking in my empty glass. “Care for another?”

“Not really.” I step away from the counter and move around to him. “Well, I know one thing.”

“What’s that?”

“You were serious about the naked thing.”

“I told you to count on it, didn’t I? Only it doesn’t seem fair I’m the only one naked.”

He grabs something from the counter and covers his dick before I get to see. “Eyes up here. What is it with women who can’t keep their eyes above the equator?”

The mirth in his eyes causes me to giggle. I feel nervous and invigorated at the same time.

“Strip, Sam.” The amusement is still there, but there is a seriousness to his tone.

Suddenly I’m in the spotlight as his eyes bore into me. I can’t seem to remember how to get the damn dress off. My hands shake but he takes a hold of each of my wrists which means whatever he’s been holding is gone. He’s bare and his heated skin warms me as he pulls me close.

And I can’t wait any longer. My hands land in his hair and his end up fumbling with the hem of my dress. Our mouths crash into each other with a teeth cracking sound before we stop a minute, laughing.

“I’ve …”

“You …”

We both start talking at the same time and laugh again.