Page 62 of Friends With Benefits

“Hey, don’t be sorry. That’s just the way he is. I can’t believe he’s going to do it again.”

“It’s his life, Mitch.”

“Ha. Itwashis life. Now he’s having another kid. Jesus Christ.” He thrust a hand through his hair. “I wonder if my mom knows about this. She must be killing herself laughing.”

Mitch’s family was certainly unique. Which was why he’d been so determined to remain single. Was he worried he was going to end up like his father, with multiple divorces yet pathetically afraid to be alone? It wasn’t surprising that he had some odd ideas about marriage.

“My stepmother is younger than I am,” he said. “And I’m going to have a brother or sister young enough to be my own kid. That’s just sick.”

Kerri put a hand on his back and rubbed it up and down. “Well, it’s unusual.” She gently rubbed him, felt some tension release. “You need to spend more time with my family. So you can see what a real marriage is like.” He gave her a look and she smiled at him. “Seriously. My mom and dad will adopt you. They love you.”

He laughed. “Hey, I love them too. And I’ve seen their marriage, and believe me, it’s not like my family.” He smiled at her, and she could tell he was calmer and more accepting of his father’s choices. “You got a class tomorrow?”

“Yes. My kids’ class. At ten o’clock.”

He hesitated. “You want sleep? Or can I come in?”

Sleep? Who needed sleep? “Come in.”

Later, they lay in bed, her head on his chest, hands stroking him, his fingers tracing little patterns on her shoulder. “What happened with all that oil you made?” he asked idly. “Did Sela find out about it?”

“God no. But Amanda loves it. She’s been using it on her clients. She tried the ginger oil on a couple of guys who’d just run a triathlon and they swore it helped. She says the lavender one almost puts people to sleep, it’s so relaxing. She wants more.”

“Jesus. You’ll have to open a factory.”

She laughed.“That’s a good idea. Then I could try all the other ideas I have for skin care—cleansers, scrubs—all natural stuff that makes you feel good and look good.”

“You sound like an entrepreneur.”

She lifted her shoulder a little. “Iama businesswoman. Nobody ever seems to recognize that.”

“Hey.” He sounded surprised. “What are you talking about?”

She concentrated on his chest. “My parents think Sela is the businesswoman in the family. She’s so successful, making mega bucks, plus she has a husband and kids. She’s superwoman. She can do it all. On the other hand, I have some little yoga thing that I play around with. They don’t take me seriously at all.” She tried not to sound too bitter.

“I’m sure that’s not true,” he said. “I know your parents are proud of you.”

“Even you,” she continued accusingly. “You’re always so impressed with Sela.”

“I am not!”

“Yes, you are!”

“Well, I do admire her success, but that doesn’t take away from anything you’ve done. You’re a great businesswoman, Kerri,” he said. “Even with all that flaky woo woo new age stuff.”

She gave a little gasp of laughter. “Flaky! I amsonot flaky.” But his compliment warmed her, surprised her.

He laughed too. “I know you’re not deep down, but sometimes you seem that way when you start talking about chakras and transfiguration and spiritual fulfillment.”

“Well. I’ll show you. I’ve been studying up on some things and you’re going to love it.”

“Hmmm. Now you’ve got me intrigued.”

“Saturday night. Be ready.”

“You have to tell me what it is. You can’t just drop that little teaser and leave me hanging.”

“Oh yes I can. The anticipation is all part of it.” She grinned. She’d had the idea for a while, but didn’t know exactly when she was going to do it. Saturday night they planned to go out for dinner and then see a movie or something after. So this would be the “or something”.

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