No Strings

“Quite the coincidence,” Marcus says with a chuckle.

When I look over at Ben, he’s glaring at Marcus. There’s no way… He wouldn’t have…

“I asked Dad to invite you over for dinner tonight, but he said you were out,” Brody says. “My birthday is this weekend, and my friends and I are going to the arcade. It has laser tag and shit—I mean stuff… You should come.”

“That sounds like fun,” I tell him noncommittedly since I’m not sure where Ben and I stand, and I’m not about to make things awkward.

“We’re doing a family dinner for him Sunday,” Ben adds. “Lucas and Laura will be there…” His gaze flits from Brianne, to Marcus, then to me—skipping over Scott like he’s ignoring him. “You guys are welcome to join. We’ll be eating at Dragon Fusion.”

“Hibachi’s my favorite.” Brody grins. “Savy, you’ll come, right?” His features morph into a frown. “My mom can’t make it because Ted needed her back in Seattle.” He shrugs, trying to play it off, but it’s obvious his mom choosing her fiancé over her son has hurt his feelings. I’ve never been in her situation, and I hate to judge people, but I can’t imagine missing my child’s birthday. Maybe it’s because I spent too many birthdays alone, wishing my parents would simply remember, let alone actually care enough to celebrate.

“I’ll definitely be there,” I tell him, no longer giving a shit how things are between Ben and me. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

When his face lights back up, I know I made the right decision.

Everyone’s silent for a few seconds, and then the hostess walks over and tells Ben their table is ready. Of course it’s in the same area as ours, not just nearby, but close enough that we’re in direct line of each other and able to lock eyes.

Thankfully, our meal arrives, and I’m able to focus on eating my dinner. Several times, though, my eyes find their way over to Ben’s table and catch him looking at me.

Ben: I’m making pancakes for Brody’s birthday. Join us?

I stare at my screen, confused as all hell, but know I’m going to say yes. For one, it’s Brody’s birthday, and I got him the best gifts ever. I’ve been chomping at the bit to give them to him, and I won’t be able to wait much longer. And two, I’m curious to see how Ben acts around me. Aside from the brief conversation when they just happened to run into us at dinner, he didn’t say another word to me all night. Not even after we finished eating and stopped by their table on the way out to say good night.

When Brianne and I got home, she confirmed my suspicions. Ben had texted Marcus, asking him what he was up to, and Marcus replied that we were out to dinner at The Cove. Brianne proceeded to tell me that it was obvious Ben was jealous and making his claim on me, and while I totally got that vibe, I waved her off, saying that Ben isn’t the claiming type.

Me: Sure. What time?

Ben: 10:00 after I get back from my jog. He should be awake by then.

I climb out of bed and jump in the shower, then get dressed and do my hair. Once I’m ready to go, I wrap Brody’s present, then head up to their place. I knock once, then again when no one answers. He did say 10:00, right?

I’m about to text Ben to let him know I’m here, thinking maybe he’s still out for his jog when the door swings open. My jaw drops, and I’m almost positive drool drips from the corner of my mouth as I take in an almost naked Ben. His hair is shaggy and wet, and his shoulders and torso are dripping with fresh droplets of water. Around his waist is a plush towel slung low, revealing his happy trail that leads down, down, down to what’s become one of my favorite spots.

“Sorry,” he says with a knowing smirk, not sounding sorry at all. “I was in the shower. Have you been knocking for long?”

“No, I just got here. I take it the birthday boy isn’t up yet?” I step inside and try with everything in me not to let my gaze descend.

“No, not yet. I’m going to wake him up soon, though.” He eyes the present in my hand. “You didn’t have to get him anything.”

“I know, but the gift kind of fell into my lap. I mean, I had planned to buy him something. But then this happened.” I shake the box, giddy inside. “So, yeah.”

“All right. Well, I hope you didn’t spend too much. The kid’s already spoiled.”

“I actually didn’t spend anything.”

Ben eyes me curiously but doesn’t ask about it. “I have fresh coffee in the kitchen if you want some. I’m going to get dressed.” I expect Ben to retreat to his room, so I’m momentarily stunned when instead he closes the distance between us—his body so close to mine I can smell the fresh masculine scent of his body wash. “You look beautiful this morning.” He leans in and kisses my cheek. “I’m glad you came.”