Page 7 of The Truth in My Lies (Secrets of Suburbi 1)

"You people? Wow. Okay. You're awfully condescending."

"The company you work for has a truck that literally says lawn care. Grow a pair and stop being so sensitive about your line of work."

He smiled and set down his glass. "First of all, it's my company. And second of all, you didn't bother to read the rest of the sign. It's a landscaping company. We do more than just mow lawns. And I can assure you that I already have a pair."

I gulped. Stop thinking about his balls. I tried to focus on the rest of his words. Landscaper? Huh. How had I missed that? Probably because I was too busy staring at his abs.

"Well, I’m not the only one in this room with flaws," I countered lamely. "It's way too early to drink. Is this a habit of yours?"

He laughed. "No. I was just trying to keep you company until your friend came. No one should have to drink alone." He set down his glass that was still half full.

I glared at him. The word alone was bouncing around in my head. I was alone. My days were consumed by nothing but my own thoughts. Why was I snapping at him? All he had done was help me. He could have been a complete ass. He could have laughed at me when I crushed the bags and the leaves went everywhere. Instead, he had helped me to my feet. He had given me whatever was in that glass. Which made my head slightly fuzzy. No, it wasn't like all the times I had met him in my dreams. In my dreams he never called me ma'am. But at least he was a gentleman.

"Thanks for not leaving me out there." It came out as a whisper. I wasn't sure why.

He raised his eyebrows, probably as shocked by the change of gears as I was. "Of course I didn't leave you out there. What kind of person would do that?"

I bit the inside of my lip. I know one. I studied his features. "How old are you?" I said instead, hoping to change the subject. He looked younger close up. The whole model facade made him look older. Or maybe I was usually just not looking at his face. Plus I had never been fortunate enough to be close to him before.

"That's rather forward." He put his elbows on his knees and leaned closer to me. "You haven't even asked me my name."

"Okay, smartass, what's your name?"

He laughed. "Ben."

"Ben..." I needed to know his last name too. One syllable wasn't enough.

"Jones."

Ben Jones? His name was too average for his looks. I had imagined his name was Noah Hays. I had screamed that name in my dreams too many times to count. But as I stared at him, Ben Jones grew on me. Ben. Benny. Benny boo. What am I doing? "It's nice to meet you, Ben Jones." I liked the way his name felt on my tongue.

He put his hand out. "The pleasure is all mine..."

He was waiting for my name. I was tempted to lie. To tell him my name was something common like Jane. Jane sounded good with Jones. Jane Jones. I almost laughed at the thought. I knew him for a few minutes and I was already imagining us getting married.

I cleared my throat, trying to rid myself of the fake name that wanted to escape. "Adeline." It sounded harsh. It always sounded harsh when I told people my name. That was one of the many reasons I hated it.

He reached forward and took my good hand in his. "Adeline. Such a unique name. It's beautiful."

No, it was just plain odd. But I guess that suited me. "Not as beautiful as Ben." What is wrong with me? Had I really just said that out loud?

He laughed.

Yup, I had drunk too much. I was starting to be embarrassing. I could feel the alcohol as it spread to my limbs. My arms felt heavier. My mind felt...giddier. I laughed.

"What's so amusing?" he asked.

"It's been a long time since I've had anything to drink. And this bourbon already made my arms feel heavy." I laughed again.

"Made your arms feel heavy? I haven't heard that one before. Also," he said and leaned forward to snag my glass away, "it's scotch. And I think I should cut you off."

"Right." I dropped my voice and added, "We wouldn't want anyone to know we drank some."

He raised both his eyebrows. "Mhm. You've definitely had too much to drink."

Maybe. I leaned forward. I wanted to be closer to him. Just for a second. I wanted to smell him again. I wanted his hand to be back on my waist. He didn't realize how desperate I was. How much I truly needed this moment.

"You're right about me, Ben."

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