Five Ways to Fall (Ten Tiny Breaths #4)(45)

Ben has the decency to look a little sheepish as he sucks back a gulp of water. “So, is that why you came out here, Mama?”

She gives him a pointed look but then says, “I really need you to take a look at that tractor before you go.”

“Sure,” he offers, pulling his phone out to check the time, and heaves a sigh. “I didn’t realize how late it was.”

“Well, maybe you should just stay for dinner.” I hear the hopefulness in her voice. She really likes having her son here. I’m betting she’d love to have her other children here, too.

“Yeah, I’m sorry, Mama. But I’m just learning the ropes at work. I’ve already lost a lot of time today.”

By the tone of his voice and his sincere look, I can tell he’s disappointed. I guess I didn’t really help with that, given the change in plans I forced this morning, all in the name of revenge. “We’d love to stay,” I interrupt, elbowing Ben gently in the ribs. “I’m already stuck with you all week. I guess they’ll be long days.”

He peers down at me for a moment, an unreadable look on his face.

And then he winks.

Chapter 14

BEN

“I’ll remind you of this the next time you mock me for taking her cooking home.” I give Reese’s ass a playful slap as she passes me on the porch, her arms laden with leftovers.

“I didn’t. I mocked you for being a mama’s boy, and that still stands,” she clarifies, sticking her tongue out at me.

Since my bold move earlier today, out in the grove, I’ve been itching to get my hands on her again. I’m seconds from chasing her down the steps when my mom appears with a box of her homemade jams and preserves. “These are for Reese,” she clarifies, shoving it into my chest. “Carry them for her, darling.”

“There’s enough for me, right?” I ask, counting out eight jars.

I get a smack upside the head for that—I don’t know how Mama, at five-foot-one, always manages to reach me, at six-foot-three, when she needs to do that.

With her arms free, she meets Reese at the bottom of the porch. “Don’t you be a stranger now, you here? We’d love to see you here again.” Pushing a strand of fallen hair off Reese’s face, she grasps the girl’s shoulders and leans in to lay a kiss on her cheek.

I’ve only ever seen Reese unnerved twice—the day we ran into each other in her office and yesterday, running into her ex. Now, though, she’s peering up at me with wide, questioning eyes, looking as stiff as a tree. That doesn’t dissuade my mom, who rubs her back as she adds, “And the ‘we’ includes Ben.”

Oh, hell. Why’d she have to go and say that? It’s true, but, still.

Caramel eyes flash toward me, a sudden wicked gleam in them. “Only if Ben lets me drive that dune buggy out next time.”

“Oh, Ben. You didn’t let her drive?” Mama scolds, a stern furrow in her brow.

Of course, Reese hams it up, her bottom lip pouting out just enough to look sad without seeming pathetic. “I begged, but he said something about women not belonging behind the wheel.”

My mouth drops as Reese scampers away with a howl of laughter, just as I get a second—gentle—smack upside the head. “I think you’ve met your match,” Mama murmurs, adding, “I like her.”

“That’s because she humored you by going through my baby album.”

“And I’ll be sure to dig up your awkward years for next time,” she retorts, beaming.

I shouldn’t let this go on. “She’s just a friend, Mama,” I remind her.

“Yes, I heard you before, son.” Her voice is light and airy. Dismissive.

“I’m serious. Don’t go booking any ceremonies with your pastor. Reese is the stepdaughter of my boss and if I get caught with her as anything more than just friends, my ass is gone from Warner. You don’t want me getting fired, do you? I’ll end up settling fishing disputes in Alaska.” I pull her frail body toward me, remembering a lifetime of car rides to football practice before the sun was up, when she was struggling to balance running this place and five kids in their teenage years. The woman has given me so much. “Then who’s gonna come out here and take care of you?” Sure as hell none of my brothers. They’ve all but washed their hands of this situation.

“You don’t worry about me. I’d rather see you happy.”

“I am happy.”

“With a wife,” she clarifies sternly.

“Well, I can guarantee Reese isn’t looking to become a wife again anytime soon.”

“Again?” Mama repeats, her brow arched.

“Yeah.” I give her a knowing look as I add, “Until her husband cheated on her.”

Mama makes a tsking sound. A pause, and then she murmurs wryly, “You didn’t seem too worried about losing your job out in the grove earlier today.”

I open my mouth but she hushes me with, “Oh, Benjamin. I’ve watched you chasing girls since you were six years old, so don’t pretend otherwise. I can only imagine what you’ve been up to all these years, working in that club. This one’s different, though, isn’t she?”

“No.” The bells. The f**king church bells are ringing in her head. I just know it.