Cowboy Casanova (Rough Riders #12)(96)

“Ben. Fancy seeing you here,” Joely said.


“Poor Ben was roped into bringing me into town. Ginger and I haven’t had a chance to

catch up with girl talk forever so we’re meeting when she gets off work.”


Ainsley didn’t miss Joely’s wistful smile that she hadn’t been included in Libby’s

girl-talk time.


“It was no bother,” Bennett said keeping his eyes on Ainsley. “I had another matter

I needed to tend to tonight anyway.”


Her heart raced. She’d probably be tending to her own burning butt cheeks before the

night was over, if the hard look in his eye was any indication of his mood.


And didn’t that just thrill her?


“Ben, do you know Ainsley?” Joely asked.


“Yes, Ainsley and I have crossed paths a few times,” Bennett drawled.


“Right, probably about Chase’s event.”


“Speaking of Chase’s event, Ainsley, I’d like to run a couple of ideas past you.”


Her mouth and brain were frozen.


“I’m gonna snag that table in the back,” Libby said. “Nice seeing you, Joely. Nice

to meet you, Ainsley.”


Bennett said, “Either of you ladies need a drink while I grab a beer?”


“No. I’m good. Ainsley?”


She shook her head.


“I’ll be right back. Don’t go anywhere.”


Damn man, bossing her in public.


As soon as Bennett left, Joely leaned across the table. “Bad poker face. You are

totally banging him. The elusive, sexy Ben McKay is your local hook-up, isn’t he?”


“What?”


“Don’t deny it. Up top.” Joely held her hand up for a high-five. “Kudos to you for

getting some of that hot cowboy ass while the getting is good.”


Ainsley slapped Joely’s hand. “This is so far under the radar it’s underground.”


“No worries. I live my life under the radar.” She slipped out of the booth. “Thanks

for an entertaining evening. I hope we can do it again soon.”


She said, “Me too,” and meant it.


“I’ve got your number, you’ve got mine. Let’s set up something fun once the bank

business is out of the way.”


“Deal.”


Ainsley waited for Ben to return, feeling resentful about his command. In public. Then

she thought, screw it, and started to leave.


But he blocked her in. “I wondered how long you’d sit there before showing your

insubordination.” He swigged from his beer. “Or should I say more insubordination.”


“We didn’t have plans tonight.”


“You sure? Did you call me to double-check?”


She refused to back down. “I wasn’t aware I needed your approval to have a business

dinner with a bank client.”


“Which is true. So your bank business with the doc is done?”


Say no.


Bennett leaned close enough to get her attention. “You really gonna lie to me?”


“We just finished. I’m going home.”


He shook his head.


“You were serious about discussing Chase’s event?”