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He shakes his head, a smile tugging at his lips. We often joke about his direct approach with women. The funny thing is that it works more often than not. Women seem to appreciate that he’s not playing them or promising more than he delivers. No bullshit, as Ben would say.
“I don’t have time for games, Lainey. I’m not interested in them. Either they want what I’m offering or they don’t.”
“Well,” I say, still looking back at the blonde. “It looks like she’s done playing games. Judging by the way she’s looking at you right now, anyway.”
“Probably because I’m with another woman and she realises she’s lost her chance.”
“Whatever the reason, she’s coming over right now.”
Ben looks over at the woman sashaying towards us and then back at me, clearly uncomfortable because I’m there and he doesn’t want to abandon me. That’s fine. I’ll leave him to resume his flirting. I knew I wouldn’t have his attention for long.
“I’ll catch you later.”
“No.” He puts his hand out to stop me. “I abandoned you before. I’m not leaving you to feel like a third wheel again just yet.”
“But won’t she think that we’re...?”
“What?”
“Going home together?”
“So what if she does?”
I gulp as I imagine her thinking of me as one of Ben’s one-night stands.
Ben sees the look on my face and grins. “The first rule of not giving a shit, Lainey, is pretending not to give a shit.”
“Right,” I say, feeling my heart rate increase.
“Watch me in action, Padawan.”
“Did you just reference Star Wars?”
“Nope. Don’t think I did.”
“Oh my goodness, are you a closet geek, Ben Armstrong?”
“I’m no such thing. Star Wars is a classic.”
I’m laughing as the blonde comes to a stop next to us.
“Hey, Ben.”
“Penny,” he returns, looking at her but not moving an inch. His body language is completely open to me, but closed off to her.
Uncomfortably aware of just how it must look, I try to move away, but Ben grabs my arm again, holding me in place. Actually, he pulls me a little closer and my whole body flushes from the heat of him so close.
“So,” she tucks her short hair behind her ear and gives him a coy smile. “I was wondering if your offer from earlier still stands...”
“I haven’t decided yet. Right now, I’m talking to Lainey.”
I don’t think I’ve ever felt so embarrassed for myself and someone else at the same time. Poor Penny. I’m probably red enough to stop traffic, and so is she.
Her face falls before she forces a smile and attempts to take back her pride. “Well, let me know if you change your mind,” she says, then walks away.
When I look back at Ben, he’s grinning down at me. “See, easy done.”
“Some might call you a pig,” I say. “I haven’t decided yet? I’m talking to Lainey right now? You treat them like they mean nothing.”
