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The truth of it rings throughme.
Static on the line distracts me. “Where are you? The reception’sspotty.”
“Driving to rehab to get a few things Mom forgot before moving home. I froze you out. I didn’t like the idea that you were close enough to see something I didn’t. I'm sorry I took it out on you. I’m not used to having people in my business. But I like you in my business. I like youbeingmybusiness.”
My insides are warm, and it’s not from the heat of thespa.
I care about him, so damnmuch.
I could wait all day to hear his laugh. A single one of his easy grins makes everything okay. The possibility that Ben has feelings for me that go beyond our chemistry, that he wants me and could actually want more, has a bubble of hope expanding in mychest.
I lift the doll out of the tub and set it on the tile nearby before perching on the edge, sticking my bare calves in the hot, soapy water, and leaning my head against the wall. “You can put your pain on me. Just don’t push me away when you doit.”
“Deal.”
I scan my surroundings, my gaze landing on the bottle. "The tequila really wasunnecessary."
"I'm new toapologizing."
"You did it pretty well," I admit, and I imagine I can hear himsmile.
“If I did, my girl would be sending me apicture.”
I grin. “Don’t push your luck. I wish you could fix this lost client thing just aseffectively."
“Is this client you lost bigger thanVane?"
"No. You know Vane would be our biggestaccount."
"So why aren't you on the phone with him,darling?"
"Because you kidnapped me for your nefarious spa plan and sent me on a date with HenryCavill.”
“Soundsterrible.”
It’s not. It’s reallysweet.
I groan, rubbing my face. “I know if I call Richard, force his hand, there’s a good chance he’ll shoot me down.” That’s why I’ve been biding mytime.
Ben’s low chuckle warms my stomach. "If he does, he’s not as smart as I thought hewas.”
His confidence warms me more than the steam from thebath.
"You're right. I have togo."
I hang up, careful not to drop the phone in the tub, and call Richard Vane's direct line. “Richard. I hope you received the draft article thismorning?"
"Idid."
“And?”
“They got in the soundbites about the company. Though I would’ve hoped the couple would sound more… enthusiastic about the upcomingnuptials.”
Normally I’d do everything I could to make him comfortable. Maybe it’s hanging around with Ben that has me leveling with him. “You should speak with your son about that. He’s the one gettingmarried.”
To my surprise, he laughs. “Perhaps Ishould.”
Emboldened by his response, I square my shoulders. “The reason I called is that I said I’d do this PR thing as a favor. I want to discuss an ongoing relationship with your business. My team is equipped to grow this brand foryou.”
