Page 10 of A Simple Love

“Well, I knew I wanted to be a teacher since I was five. I remember the first day of kindergarten, how I fell in love with the classroom, the books, the limitless knowledge to be acquired. As I got older, I became a tutor for kids who needed help and seeing the look on their faces when they finally understood something after being confused for so long was the most exhilarating experience. Seeing the lightbulb come on for someone else is life-changing and a feeling I knew I never wanted to live without, so I quickly knew that teaching was what I was meant to do with my life.”

Ben smiles over at me across the table. “You light up when you talk about it, so it must be important to you. I have to say, I never thought watching someone speak so eloquently about their job would be a turn on,” he chuckles before taking a sip from his glass of wine as our salads are placed in front of us.

I laugh back at him. “Thanks, I guess? I just can’t wait to make my own safe haven for kids to learn in, to feel vulnerable and secure enough to make mistakes and challenge themselves. I have so many ideas already.”

We continue talking about my impending job, the decorative ideas I have for my classroom, and what grade I plan on teaching. Ben listens intently, nodding and probing me with questions when appropriate, even offering to help me set up my room when the time comes. Our meals are served when he starts to tell me more about how he enjoys working at the bar and Mic’s garage occasionally, even though he can’t wait until he doesn’t have to get his fingers dirty anymore. I remain open to the idea of more with him, a successful businessman with poise and refinement, but there’s a nagging feeling in the back of my mind the entire evening that I can’t seem to shake.

“That was delicious, Ben. Thank you. I don’t think I’ve ever indulged in a meal like that in my life!” I exclaim as I literally throw in the towel, the napkin from my lap making its way on top of my plate.

He chuckles at me while he follows my lead and places his napkin similarly. “You’re welcome. Thank you for the company. A fine meal is meant to be enjoyed with a fine woman.”

I look down at my lap, trying to hide the blush overcoming my cheeks. I’ve never had a man be so open about his attraction to me. I mean, I’ve had to fend off creeps here and there, but never a guy who was genuinely interested in me and could compliment me with finesse.

“Well, it was very enjoyable,” I reply with a smile, motioning to stand and gather my clutch. “I’m going to use the ladies' room really quick. I’ll meet you up front.” He nods and stands as I leave, the heat of his gaze on my backside forces me to keep my head held high and fight the urge to turn around and catch him ogling me.

Ben’s head pops up from his gaze on the ground as I make my way back to him by the front door, his smile genuine, his eyes blazing with allure. He likes me. Just me, plain old Victoria Baker, the daughter of a factory worker and a grocer, the much older big sister, and the first-grade teacher-to-be. I feel wanted, desired, and the feel of his hand on my back as we make our way back to the car tells me he’s serious about letting me know that.

After we get situated inside and Ben finds the highway again, our evening turns quiet while soft country music wafts through the speakers of his car. “Do you listen to music?” Ben breaks the silence as he turns the volume down so we can talk.

“Oh yeah. I’m a big country music buff. My mom and dad used to play all the old stuff while I was growing up, but I’m into the newer stuff more now. In fact, I think I might look up a concert or two this summer I’d like to go to. I haven’t been to one since high school.” I shake my head at the thought of all the things I’ve sacrificed while earning my degree. The idea of going to a concert warms my heart and instantly puts a grin on my face.

“Well, let me know what you decide and if you’d like the company. I’d love to join you if you’re up for it.” Ben reaches for my hand again, this time I make the move to intertwine our fingers while we finish the drive back to Hopetown.

When we arrive at my house, Ben kills the engine, then turns to me in his seat. “I had a really nice time tonight, Vic. You are beyond beautiful, smart, and funny. I was serious about the concert, too. But besides that, I would love to take you out again sometime.” His thumb caresses the back of my hand while he anxiously awaits my answer. I know I enjoyed our time tonight too, and surprisingly, I do want to go out with Ben again. But I also know that I need to be honest with him about my dating predicament.

“I had a wonderful evening with you too, Ben. And yes, I would love to do this again. But I need to be honest with you about something.” I stare into his deep blue eyes that instantly filled with concern.

“Okay,…” he trails off, expecting a bomb I’m about to drop on him.

“I’m dating someone else right now, too.”

Ben stares at me long and hard for a moment before a small smile tips up on the corner of his mouth. “Is that right?” He chuckles. “Who?”

I take a deep breath before answering. “Michael Kelley. He approached me after you did the night of my graduation party and insisted I let him take me out as well. I’m sorry, but I figured it was only fair since you kinda beat him to the punch.”

Ben shakes his head while smiling. “Of course he asked you out. Anyone would be an idiot if they didn’t see the way he’s looked at you for years. But Vic, I’m serious about you too, please believe that.” He’s pleading now, his entire demeanor shifting from playful disbelief to stern honesty. “I wouldn’t have asked you out if I was only interested in one thing. I like you and I understand that you’ve been putting off dating for years to focus on your goals.” He takes a deep breath before continuing. “So, if you feel you need to date us both for a while to make an informed decision, then I fully support that.” His confidence and reassurance are so sexy at this moment. I have to force myself not to launch my body at him and cover his mouth with my lips.

“Are you sure? I don’t want to make you uncomfortable, but I do like you Ben. More than I thought I would honestly,” I joke, but look up at him beneath my eyelashes in suggestively.

“I’m glad to hear it, Vic.” He leans into me over the center console, my body instinctively meeting him halfway before his lips lightly brush mine in a soft and reverent kiss. Surprisingly, I find myself pushing forward to deepen the caress, but Ben doesn’t shift his pressure to meet me. Instead, he pulls back to keep it sweet and innocent. No tongue, no heavy petting. Just a sensual meeting of lips, touching and nipping in a kiss that leaves me breathless despite the lack of exertion.

When we part, my eyes flutter open to see Ben smiling down at me, my face instantly mirroring his. “Good night, Vic. I’ll call or text you soon.” He kisses the tip of my nose before I find the door handle and exit his car, slowly walking up the pathway to my front door, turning around to offer a polite wave as Ben drives down the driveway and onto the road. I let out a rush of air, a breath I didn’t realize I was holding as I ponder what just happened.

This man that I had never given any attention to whatsoever, just made my heart flutter in my chest and my stomach flip in a matter of hours. Is this what dating is supposed to feel like? If so, now I can see the appeal. I make my way inside, change into pajamas and clean my face off before brushing my teeth and falling into bed. A smile rests on my lips as I succumb to sleep, but the dream I have isn’t of Ben. It’s of the man who’s yet to take me on a date. The fact that Mike was the man in my dreams awakens the nagging feeling I had all evening. I feel like this game is just getting started.

Chapter 8

Mike

The week crawls by even though I’m busier than hell. Order after order has come in, the business welcome, of course. My assistant Tim has been working overtime with me since he’s on summer vacation from school, which has helped the completion of the orders in record time. Tim is going into his senior year of high school but needed a job to help his family financially around the time I started my business. I offered to teach him the ropes, slowly showing him the techniques of woodworking in the evenings after school. He’s caught on quick and now the kid has outworked me some days. His help has been monumental in my business, and I’ve paid him handsomely for his dedication.

Despite the hustle of finishing pieces all week, the business still hasn’t distracted me enough from the anticipation of my date with Victoria. When I called her to make plans, she told me she was going on her date with Ben that week. I’m not going to lie. That evening I was a mess, fuming and taking out my aggression on wood as I thought of the bastard touching her, kissing her, and making her laugh. I’ve known Ben for years; we’ve been friends and have spent many a night drinking and hanging out together. He’s a good guy as far as I can tell. But the moment he asked out Victoria Baker, he became enemy number one on my list.

I’ve struggled with knowing how far Ben would be willing to go to win her over, his money a tool he will use in his favor for sure. But I have an edge that he doesn’t. I have Victoria. She may not be mine officially, but she has been mine for years. I know her, inside and out. I know how she appreciates the simple things in life, like her US Weekly magazines and cool ranch Doritos. I know she would do anything for her friends and her sister. I know how she lights up when she talks about teaching and having children of her own one day. I know her love of country music and her unhealthy obsession with reality television. I know that she’s the most beautiful, thoughtful, and intelligent woman I’ve ever met. And now, I just need to show her that I know all those things.

“So tonight’s the night, huh?” Tim yells across the shop, the scratch of sandpaper on the wood just loud enough to warrant the volume of his voice.

“Yup. And it's gotta be perfect.” Tim has become my confidant about Vic, more so out of obligation than necessity. When he saw me lose it on a table that was half finished the night of her date with Ben, I felt compelled to explain my behavior. Turns out, we have something in common. Tim has been pining after Mary Beth, a girl his age in school for years, never mustering up the courage to ask her out. We’ve spent several nights since then discussing strategies, ultimately both deciding we should see how this thing pans out with Vic before he follows my lead and we both end up miserable.

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