Page 110 of Stick Side
Ben put his knife and fork down on his plate and gave her his full attention.
“How . . . ?” Ben’s voice trailed off before he’d fully voiced his comment, but his question was clear.
Melody bit down gently on her bottom lip. “Nolan swung by The Winchester a few weeks ago to see his grandpa,” she explained. “We exchanged numbers then.”
Ben appeared to be trying to keep his cool, but it was apparent he didn’t love what he was hearing. She could practically feel thediscomfiture seeping into his body. His facial expression wasn’t thunderous, but despite his efforts, it had definitely become a little cloudy.
“It was the week you were in San Jose,” Melody was quick to explain. “Before our first date.”
Ben nodded his understanding. And was that relief she read in his faintly upturned lips?
Guilt and uncertainty churned in Melody’s gut. Should she tell him that she and Nolan had already gone out—albeit in a group setting—and she’d agreed to a second date, or was it irrelevant given that she was no longer planning to go?
“Are you still planning on going out with him?” Ben asked softly, but directly.
She could tell he was trying to keep his voice level, but he wasn’t fully achieving it.
Melody sent Ben a reassuring smile. “I’m not interested in dating anyone else. Her words were honest, but hedging. She may have agreed to a second date, but things were different now. Different enough that she was no longer planning on going.
Melody could see some of the tension release from Ben’s shoulders. Likewise, the muscles in his face visibly smoothed out. She hadn’t realized he’d been clenching his jaw until she saw it unhitch. And did he actually just roll his shoulders back?
“I’m not interested in dating Nolan, but I wouldn’t mind being his friend,” Melody admitted. “He seems like a really nice guy, and I can always do with making more quality friends.”
“Thank you for telling me,” he voiced. “I’ll return your honesty by saying that I don’t love the idea of you spending time with other men—especially those who might see you in a romantic light. But that’s my issue to deal with, not yours.” Ben looked down at his hands before returning his gaze to hers. “I might not like it, but I do appreciate you being honest and up front with me. Thank you.”
Contrition weighed heavy in her stomach. “You’re welcome?” Melody returned, wondering if he heard the question in her tone. She wasn’t sure what else she could really say under the circumstances. At least she could rest easy knowing she truly did plan on having a monogamous relationship with Ben. She might not have been fully forthcoming about what had gone on with Nolan, but now that she and Ben had taken their relationship to the next level, she really did only want to pursue a friendship with Nolan. Hopefully, that was something Nolan would be on board with. And that Ben could accept, too.
“Are we good?” Melody asked cautiously.
Something inside of her settled under the tender look Ben directed her way. “We’re more than good, love. Come here,” he said as he stood up and pulled her unresisting body against his. He looped an arm around her waist and used the other to brush the hair back from her face. “It will take far more than another man being interested in you to scare me off. Okay?”
Melody loosed a deep breath and savored the feeling of simply being held. “Okay.”
From her current position in the circle of Ben’s embrace, it was hard to believe she could have ever considered dating another man. Nolan was a great guy, but there was just one problem: He wasn’t Ben.
Chapter 54
Melody
Melodywokeupwitha smile on her lips and a lightness in her heart. She felt enrobed in a sense of contentment so deep and perfect that she was almost afraid to blink for fear it might blow away on the most gentle of breezes.
After finishing dinner and treating her to another round of dessert featuring his supremely kissable lips, Ben had given her a tour of his house, which turned out to be just as gorgeous as she suspected it would be. The tour had concluded in his bedroom where she was still acquainting herself with his glorious king-sized bed and sumptuous silk linens.
Melody snuggled into her pillow and breathed deeply, enjoying the way Ben’s scent seemed to engulf her. She’d heard of women enjoying their partner’s scent, but she never could have imagined that someone else’s smell could appeal to her so completely.
Her lips relaxed into what she imagined must look like a dreamy grin. Somehow, she just knew the clean, woodsy aroma would forever evoke intimate thoughts about Ben. His scentwas a blend, but she could pull out the sweet, earthy notes of sandalwood.
She might have to see about borrowing one of his sweaters. She wondered whether his long stretches of away games might be at least a little more bearable if she could literally wrap herself up in his arms—well, his shirt sleeves—and breathe in his scent.
Melody drew her hand up to capture a yawn before giving in to a big stretch. One of her hands encountered paper. A gentle rustling sound was audible as she reached for the note.
If such a thing were even possible, Melody felt convinced her smile grew even bigger and brighter. She’d led a good and happy life before meeting Ben, but there was something about him that elevated her joy to the next level.
Melody propped herself up onto her elbow and leaned over to look more closely at the area where the note had laid. Her hair spilled over her shoulder, forcing her to brush it back.
She spotted both the promised items easily. Her lips pulled up into a smile at the familiar chocolate wrapper, but it was the key chain that really captured her attention. She couldn’t help but laugh as she picked up the small metal ornament and smoothed her thumb over the embossed surface. It was a Hershey’s Kiss. That made the alarm code he’d assigned her all the more perfect.
Melody shook her head and bit down on her bottom lip as she put the key chain back where she’d found it. What on earth was she going to do with this man?
