Page 44 of Four of Hearts

“I did. Had I known you’d be here, I would’ve gotten you something too. I can make you a quick something upstairs though.” I felt bad for not having anything to eat for her.

“I already ate back at the office. What did you get?” she asked, looking excited as if she had gotten the food herself.

“Ramen soup for Ben and curry rice for me. I also got some sushi. Are you sure you don’t want anything? I can run back there and get you something.”

“I’m okay, really. I had two chicken breasts and a bunch of grilled veggies. I’m full.” She smiled up at me and squeezed my arm gently. “I’ll help Ben upstairs.”

“Alright. Thanks, sweetheart.” I pressed a kiss to her head and watched as she walked back to Ben’s room. My eyes dropped to her ass, and when she felt my eyes glued on her, she turned around and gave me a wink.

She was such a flirt.

I chuckled and headed upstairs to unpack the food, and while I was grabbing three glasses to fill with water, Ben walked upstairs looking like a damn zombie.

“Shit…you look unhealthy.”

“I feel unhealthy.” His voice was thick and raspy. “Did you get me a soup?”

“Yeah, right here.” I pointed to it, then I watched as Lola led Ben to his chair. “What did the doctor say? Is it just a flu or is it something worse?”

“Yeah, just a flu. It hit me harder than expected, though. I got meds and I’ll be better in no time.”

“Maybe you shouldn’t speak so much though. Sounds like it hurts to speak.”

Ben looked at me and chuckle. “Hurts like hell.”

“Aren’t you worried you’ll get sick too?” I asked Lola.

“I’ll be fine. You two start eating.”

We all sat down, and while Ben and I ate, Lola told us about her morning. “I was busy, but I got done with everything at eleven. I had my lunch, and after that, I just needed to get out. So I walked all the way here. I’ll take the bus back to work.”

“No need. I can drive you,” I assured her. “Are you still coming to the show tonight?”

“Of course. I can’t wait. How will it work now that Ben won’t be dancing?”

“We changed the choreography. Most of the show will stay the same, but we did have to cut out Ben’s dance and replace it with another group dance. You’ll love it,” I promised her with a smirk.

“Well, I can’t wait.” She smiled back at me before turning her head to look at Ben. “I hope you will get better soon.” She put a hand on his shoulder and squeezed it gently.

We continued to eat, and after a moment of silence, I looked at Lola to tell her the news I knew she’d be happy to hear. “Kline put up a sign in the bar. No more smoking in there. And I’ll stop smoking. For good.”

She studied me carefully, letting everything I said sink in. “For me?”

“Yes, for you. We figured if it affects your health, we don’t want anyone to smoke in there. We want you to come watch our shows, and that’ll make your experience better.”

“That’s very sweet and I really appreciate that, but I meant…you’ll quit smoking for me?”

Ben had his brows raised. He didn’t need to speak to tell me what he was thinking. He was impressed by my decision, and though he would never admit to it, he was proud.

“Yes, for you. Leo and I talked this morning, and I was having a hard time accepting this new rule, but then he said something that made me think. I said giving up a drug was hard, and he told me to simply replace it with another. A better drug. You are the better drug.”

They both stared at me like I was crazy, and while Ben was amused, Lola couldn’t stop smiling. “That’s so sweet, Watson. You know I don’t expect you to change for me. I’m still very much into you.”

I chuckled. “I’d hope so. But if there’s anything I can change to make you feel more comfortable, I will. And smoking isn’t something I need.”

Her smile brightened, and she leaned over to kiss my cheek, and before moving away, she whispered, “Thank you, handsome.”

My cock was the one reacting first by throbbing hard in my pants, but when my heartbeat started to pick up speed, it was clear that there wasn’t just sexual tension between us. No other woman had ever made me want to change anything about myself.

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