Page 9 of A Simple Love

“Wow, Vic. You look incredible.”

I look down at the ground shyly before flicking my eyes back up to him, taking a moment to appreciate his attire as well. “So do you. Who knew you cleaned up so nice,” I tease, which makes him grin back at me.

“Are you ready? We have a little bit of drive ahead of us.”

“Yes, let me just grab my purse from my room.” I saunter down the hall, asking myself whether I’m going to last all night in these heels as my pinky toes rub on the inside. I decide to change into a more comfortable pair before making my way back down the hall with my clutch in hand.

“Well, you two have fun. Be safe.” My dad pulls me in for a hug, kissing my head before releasing me. His eyes show hesitation as he frees me, and Ben takes my hand instead.

Even though I’m twenty-five, I will always be a daddy’s girl. He’s always been so protective of me, so watching him absorb the fact that I’m going on a date tonight is a critical moment for us. Reluctant to let me date at all, I was sixteen before I was ever allowed to mention the idea of seeing a boy outside of school, preaching to me the only thing I should focus my energy on was my education. I’m extremely grateful to him for hammering that notion in my head though because it was his voice of reason and encouragement on some days that pushed me to keep going when I felt like giving up.

When I finally had my boyfriend in high school, my dad was always working when he picked me up from the house occasionally, so now the sight of me walking away with my hand in another man’s for the first time has to be fearsome for him. He knows I’m an adult and he wants me to be happy, give him grandchildren one day, and find a love like he did with my mom. But he has no reason to hold me back anymore, my education now complete, my twenty-five years of age a huge factor in why Ishouldbe dating. I’m not getting any younger, obviously.

“See you tonight,” I yell back behind me as Ben leads me to his car, opening the passenger door for me as I slide inside. He shuts the door once I’m seated and runs around to his side before making himself comfortable and taking off for the highway.

“Vic, I still can’t get over how beautiful you look tonight. I mean, I’ve always thought you were gorgeous, but tonight, I’m speechless.” He looks over at me as we’re cruising on the highway, taking his eyes off the road for just a moment to glaze over my entire body. The action alone makes my insides heat, his perusal one I’m not used to receiving.

“Well, thank you. It’s not every day I get to dress up like this, you know? There’s no way I could work a shift at the diner in these heels,” I joke, warranting a laugh from him.

“Well, good thing you won’t be working in that diner for much longer, huh?” His question seems innocent, but it strikes a chord with me, my defense instantly rising.

“I actually don’t mind working at the diner. It’s definitely not a job I want for the rest of my life, but it’s honest work that helped me pay my way through school. And Hayley and her dad have been nothing but supportive of me and accommodating with my class schedule. In all honesty, I’ll probably miss it a bit once I start teaching.” My words are strong, my reaction not entirely bad-mannered but confident enough to make sure that Ben understands my lack of shame for the job that has allowed me to pursue my dreams.

“I’m sorry, Vic. I didn’t mean to offend you. I just mean you must be excited to start your career finally, right?” I can see the concern on his face, his fear that he’s insulted me, which makes me feel bad for assuming that he was trying to be an ass.

I let out a sigh. “Yes, I am. Sorry, I don’t know why I was being so rude.”

His hand reaches over, intertwining our fingers together on my thigh, the feel of our hands touching making my stomach turn a bit, whether it’s out of nervousness or excitement, I’m not sure. “It’s okay. Just try to relax. I know I’m nervous about this date too. It’s been a while for me,” he chuckles. “What about you? When’s the last time you went on a date?”

I turn to gaze out the window, contemplating my answer. The last time I even attempted to go on a date was the night Mike stood me up five years ago. Before that, my boyfriend in high school was the last boy I allowed to take me out, which didn’t even constitute real dating in my opinion. I opt for half honesty in my answer.

“Well, it’s been five years since I’ve accepted a date, but really…. I don’t know that I would admit to being on an actual date before. Ever.”

He turns to me with wide eyes and tall eyebrows. “What? Really?” I nod, looking away sheepishly.

“Hey, don’t hide. It’s nothing to be ashamed about. In fact, I’m honored now that I get to be the one to take you out on your first real date then,” he smirks, tightening his hold on my hand as we continue to drift down the road towards Lincoln, a drive I’m all too familiar with. “And I hope it lives up to the hype.” He brings my hand up to meet his lips, pressing a light kiss to my knuckles before returning our clasped palms to my thigh. The warmth of his skin puts me at ease a bit as we finish the drive to the restaurant.

Taking the exit off the highway, Ben weaves through town until we arrive at an old house which apparently is now a five-star dining establishment. Billy’s Restaurant, also known as the Noble-Dawes House, resembles an old colonial home from the 1800s. The olive-green wood paneling covers the exterior while dark brown eaves and trim frame the windows and doors. Ben finds a parking spot in the lot next to the house, exiting his side before opening my door for me and grasping my hand as I stand from my seat. I’ll give him credit, at least his manners are up to par. He extends his arm to me, folded at the elbow, as I weave my arm through, and he guides me up to the house.

“Have you ever been to Billy’s Restaurant before?” He asks as we make our way up the porch stairs. Ben opens the heavy wooden door for me before guiding me through with his hand on my lower back.

“No, I haven’t. But what a place,” I whisper as I take in the view of the room. A small doorway behind the hostess station leads into an open room full of tables covered in white linens, soft candlelight flickering atop each surface. Chandeliers hang from the ceiling, complete with large wooden beams to support the structure. It screams rugged romance and is far fancier than any restaurant I have ever experienced in my life.

Ben Paxton is used to this kind of establishment. His family owns Paxton Timber, a prospering lumber company in Lincoln, so as we follow the hostess to our table, we’re greeted by several people who recognize him. He introduces me as his date, the way a gentleman should, but the unwarranted attention doesn’t sit well with me. I see the shift in his demeanor, his sweet and confident side transforming into cocky and arrogant. I feel like more of a prize than a person; the uneasiness taking over my body before we finally sit down at our table and I feel like I can breathe again.

“Are you okay? You look a little flushed?” Ben reaches across the table for my hand, clasping his fingers around mine while I steady my breathing.

“Yeah, I’m fine. This place is beautiful. And you seem to know quite a few people in here.” I play off my apprehension, reaching for my napkin and placing it over my lap.

“Yeah, part of the hazards of being my father’s son. In a few more months though, I’ll be in his shoes.” He leans back in his chair, oozing self-assurance as he unbuttons his jacket and takes a drink from his water glass.

“His shoes? Are you going to take over the company?” I realize at this moment there is so much I don’t know about Ben, information I should really find out, not only as his date but also as his friend.

“Yeah. The agreement was that when I turn twenty-five, the company would go to me, my dad stepping down to Vice President so he’s still involved, but I would be President finally and running things.” The smug smile that casts over his face concerns me as he continues. “Dad wanted me to work menial jobs, appreciate the value of a dollar before I was handed the reins to a multi-million dollar company. And I respect that. But I also can’t wait to be in charge, be the one making orders instead of taking them.” His speech is interrupted as the waiter comes by to take our drink order. I rarely drink much, but Ben suggests a bottle of red wine that would complement our meals, so I accept.

I never got the idea before that Ben felt his work was beneath him. But then again, I haven’t been paying attention to him at all up until last week. He obviously feels he deserves the position in his father’s company, but whether he’s earned it is questionable.

After we place our orders, he turns the tables on me. “So teaching, huh? What made you decide that you wanted to do that for the rest of your life?” His question is harmless, but there’s an underlying tone of inconsideration. I take a sip of wine before I lay it all out there.

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