Bring Me Back

I wrinkle my nose. Collector’s item or not, I would never spend that much on a car.

Another car is brought out and with it my lids begin to lower. Ben might be fascinated by this, but it’s one big snooze fest for me. I stretch out on the couch and rest my head on his leg. He rubs his fingers through my hair and then rests them against my neck where he begins to massage it. I’m pretty sure I start to purr like a cat.

Before I completely fall asleep, he turns off the TV and I sit up.

“You look tired,” he comments.

“Thanks,” I reply sarcastically.

He chuckles. “I didn’t mean that in a bad way.”

“I’m pretty sure there’s no way to say that and have it sound good.”

He ducks his head. “Okay, you’re right. I take it back.”

“Nope, too late now.” I stand and frown at him. I’m not upset about the comment at all, but this is how we are. Always messing with each other.

He takes my hand, and with puppy dog eyes, says, “Tell me how I can make it up to you.”

I shake my head. “You can’t make this better, Benjamin Carter.”

He winces. “The whole name. That hurts. Gunshot straight to the chest.”

I press my lips together to suppress my laugh. “You deserve it.”

He dives at me suddenly, and I squeal when he picks me up and I land over his shoulder. “And you deserve this.” He slaps my ass and jogs up the steps carrying me.

I laugh so hard that tears fall from my eyes. “Ben, put me down!” I plead.

“Shhh—” he smacks my ass again “—my mom’s sleeping.”

I slam a hand over my mouth, mortified that I forgot about his mom.

Ben opens the door to his childhood bedroom and drops me onto the bed.

His room is painted a shade of blue that almost looks gray and the walls are littered with posters of sports figures and trophies. His old helmet from high school football sits on a shelf along with other memorabilia from that time period. Basically, his room is a time travel to the decade before.

His bedspread is a navy blue, but the best part is his sheets covered in footballs. They make me laugh every time I see them.

Ben stares down at me and there’s a glint in his eyes. One that tells me I’m in trouble in the best possible way. He lowers, covering my body with his, and I shiver.

“You’re a bad girl.”

I raise a brow. “Am I?”

“The worst.” He grins and kisses me. I melt into the kiss, but just as quickly as he started it, he ends it. He stands and declares, “Bedtime.”

Jerk.

I pout. “But—”

He shakes his head and grins at me.

I stand and shrug. Fine. Two can play at this game.

I kick off my shoes and remove my sweater. I then wiggle out of my jeans, purposely swaying my hips. His eyes follow my movements and the hunger in his eyes grows.

Gotcha, I think to myself.