“When it’s really bad sometimes I don’t leave the house,” Ben says.
“A man after my own heart,” I joke. “I don’t mind winter, I mean, I grew up here so I’m used to it. But when it drops below twenty-five, I want to throw in the towel and hibernate.”
He nods then flashes that grin. “I don’t go to the gallery when it’s bad. And by bad I mean snowing or really cold.”
“Lucky.”
“I can work from home, so it’s not a total day off.”
“Still lucky.”
“If you could work from home, what would you do?”
“Does it have to be a legit job, or can I get paid for just not destroying the world?”
His fingers slide down my shirt, inching the hem up. “Other than being paid to do nothing, what would you do?”
I shake my head. “I don’t really know. Come up with video games?”
He laughs. “That’s like doing nothing.”
“Hey now. A lot more work goes into that than you’d think. I’m sure I’d love almost every second of it, but it’s not like sitting down and playing.”
He nods. “I’m sure. I consider myself computer savvy, but I know there is more to it than I can even think of.”
“There is. Which is why I like it, and the field of technology is always expanding. It’s limitless and always challenging. What’s new and impressive now won’t be in five years. Hell, it won’t be in one year. And I love that.”
“I am jealous of your phone,” he says.
“Good, you should be. There are a few kinks to be worked out, but I like it much better over the current version.”
“It doesn’t come out until next fall, right?”
“Right. I might be able to score you a beta. Might is the keyword there though. I can try to pull some strings.”
“You don’t have to if it’s a hassle.”
“Nah,” I say and nudge him. “You’re worth it.”
The smile returns to his face. “Glad you think so.” His other arm goes around me, and before I know it, we’re kissing under the stars. Though, it’s not as romantic as it sounds, since mosquitoes and moths are buzzing and flapping around the porch light a few feet behind us.
Ben swats them away and takes his tongue out of my mouth. “Want to go inside and upstairs?” he asks. “I’m getting eaten alive.”
“Me too.” He stands and pulls me to my feet. “Maybe you can eat me alive once we’re inside,” I say it casually like a joke, but really, I’d love for him to go to down town on me again. He’s quite good.
He gets that I’m-gonna-fuck-you glint in his eyes and wets his lips. “I think that can be arranged.”
He calls in Harumi, who lazily runs over and jumps up the steps. Ben gives her a pet and opens the door, swatting at the bugs to keep them from coming inside with us. I fill my glass with water as he puts a scoop of food in Harumi’s bowl and locks up for the night.
I get a few gulps down before Ben’s arms clasp around my waist. I set the glass down and spin around to face him.
“Did I tell you, you look beautiful tonight?” he asks softly.
“You did, but I don’t mind hearing it again.”
His lips brush against mine, and a shiver runs down my spine. My eyes close and my breasts crush into him. “You’re beautiful.”
I run my hand through his hair, growing wet as he grows hard. He turns his head and kisses my neck as his hands drop to my waist, sliding forward and unbuttoning my jeans.
We never make it upstairs.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
“Somebody looks happy,” Mariah says to me at work Monday morning. A week has passed since Ben and I strolled the Statue Garden, and I stayed the night at his place. “Did you meet a boy?” Her eyes practically light up at the thought. She might live vicariously through other people’s love lives.
“I am happy and yes,” I say. “A very nice, handsome boy.” I lean across the small aisle. “One who knows how to please a woman. Multiple times.”
Her hand flies to her chest. “I remember those days. Enjoy them while they last,” she only half jokes and gives me a wink. “I’m happy for you. Is he going to be your date for the wedding?”
My heart skips an actual beat. I’d voiced my “always being seated at the single table” woes to her during the week, but hadn’t brought up Ben. I didn’t want to talk about this amazing man only to have him ghost away from me. But after the last two weeks, I’m pretty sure he’s not ghosting anywhere anytime soon. Or at least I hope not.