Page 139 of Theirs to Take

“Well, I’m Mina’s date for lunch today,” he said. “Ben,” he said, grabbing Eli’s hand and shaking it. “Good to meet you.”

“Thanks,” Eli grumbled, not returning the pleasantry. She shot Ben a look and he just smiled and pulled her into his side, wrapping his arm around her. Her friend was putting on a show for her boss and from Eli’s scowl, he was buying Ben’s performance.

“I won’t be too long today,” she promised. Mina almost hated that he believed she was going on a date with Ben, but then, if it was making Eli jealous, it might be worth it.

“Take all the time you need,” he said, pasting on his best fake smile. “Have a nice date,” he said. Mina almost wanted to laugh at how forced his pleasantness seemed, but she didn’t dare. She was going to grab her purse and walk out of there while she still could, dignity intact. Then, she planned on reaming Ben out for putting her in such an awkward position. She could tell that things were going to be different with Eli now, and that was the last thing she needed.

Ben took her to their favorite deli around the corner and she sat at their regular corner booth, pouting until the waitress walked away to get them their drinks. “What the hell was that?” she whisper shouted at him.

“I’m not sure what you’re talking about,” he lied. He always smiled when he lied to her.

“Don’t be an ass,” she spat. “You let Eli believe that we’re on a date right now.”

“I did,” he said. “And I’m not seeing what the big deal is.”

“The big deal is that you know how I feel about him. I’m trying to convince him that dating me won’t hurt our working relationship and now, he thinks I’m dating you.”

He shrugged, “I’m still not seeing a problem, Mina,” he admitted. Mina growled out her frustration and he had the nerve to actually laugh at her. “Listen, sometimes a man doesn’t know what he wants until he doesn’t think he can have it.”

“Well, up until now, you thought that Eli was gay. I’m guessing that’s changed then,” she asked.

“Yes,” he said, “he’s definitely not gay. But I do know a bit about jealousy.” He did too. Ben had been involved with a man who she thought would be the one for him. But then, Ben wasleft heartbroken when things didn’t work out. She tried to be there for him, but things got pretty crazy when Ben found out that his ex was already living with another guy. It was a colossal mess. She hoped that her friend would be able to find love again, someday, but for now, he seemed good with sticking his nose into her business.

“You don’t honestly believe that he’s jealous about us, right?” she asked.

“If you couldn’t see that, you’re blind, Mina,” Ben said. “He was totally jealous. I’m sure that if we can make him think that we’re together, he might become jealous enough to act on his feelings for you.”

“He does not have feelings for me,” she insisted. “That’s ridiculous.”

“Oh, he most certainly does have feelings for you, honey,” Ben disagreed. “He’s smitten.”

She giggled, “You do know that no one talks like that anymore, right? It’s like you’re not even from this decade.”

“Thank you,” Ben said, “I’m going to take that as a compliment.”

“It wasn’t one,” she grumbled. The waitress brought their drinks and took their orders.

As soon as she disappeared from the table again, Ben leaned in closer to whisper to her. “Let’s just see how Eli feels about you, Mina. I say we make him jealous and then when you have him all worked up, you can dump my ass and jump on his.”

“How romantic,” she drawled. “I don’t think that it’s a good idea to play with my boss’s feelings like that. I mean, what if he figures out our game and fires me? What do I do then? I kind of need this job to pay my rent, you know?”

“He won’t fire you for making him jealous. I’m pretty sure that would go against the rules, and as you’ve already pointed out, he seems to be the kind of guy who likes to follow the rules.How about you trust me to help you and just sit back and enjoy the results? I can promise you that you will be kissing your Prince Charming in no time, Mina.” She wanted to believe Ben, really she did, but she worried that she was setting herself up for heartbreak.

“I don’t think my heart will be able to take it if this doesn’t work,” Mina said. “I really like Eli,” she said. “I thought that we had made a connection during Carrie and Evan’s wedding, but I guess I was wrong.”

“Well, then, let me prove you right. Give me a shot at helping you, Mina. You’re my best friend and I want to help you find happiness,” Ben said.

“What about your happiness, Ben?” she asked.

“I had my shot at happiness, and he walked away from me. I can’t see myself trusting anyone again, any time soon. Let me help you, Mina.” She knew Ben, and if she told him no, he’d just keep bugging her until he could change her mind. She had no choice but to agree to his crazy scheme now, or forever be tormented by him.

“Fine,” she grumbled. “You can be my pretend boyfriend.”

“Aww—now, that’s romantic,” he teased.

“You’re an ass,” she mumbled.

“But now, I’m your ass, Mina,” he joked. She was sure that this stupid plan was going to come back to bite her in the ass, but she was willing to give it a shot if it meant that someday, she’d be able to call Eli hers—fingers crossed.

---