The accusation stung because it felt true. “You don't know me well enough to psychoanalyze me, Ben.”
“You're right. I don't.” Ben leaned forward. “So tell me. Help me know you.”
“Why do you care so much?”
“Because you interest me. Because you're strong and stubborn, and beautiful.”
“Stop saying that.”
“Which part?”
“Beautiful. I'm not... That's Dani. I’m the practical one.”
“You're both. You're practical and beautiful. Strong and scared. Stubborn and kind.” He smiled slightly. “You contain multitudes.”
“You're quoting Whitman at me?”
“My grandfather was a reader. Spent winter evenings making me read poetry while we worked on furniture.” He paused. “That's something about me that isn't work. I read poetry.”
Despite herself, Kate was intrigued. “What else?”
“I can't sleep without the sound of the ocean. I make terrible coffee but excellent pancakes. I'm allergic to cats but I feed three strays behind my workshop.” He grinned. “I've been half in love with you since you told me to stop looking at you like a wounded bird.”
Kate's chest tightened. “You can't be in love with someone you don't know.”
“Then let me know you.”
“I don't think I know myself anymore.”
The admission slipped out before she could stop it. Mrs. Fletcher appeared with their food, lobster for him, scallops for her, saving Kate from having to elaborate.
They ate in silence for a few minutes before Ben tried again.
“What makes you happy? Not content or satisfied, but genuinely happy?”
Kate thought about it. “Ice fishing in the early morning when no one else is on the pond. Hot, steaming coffee. The way Pop's face lights up when he remembers all our names. The quiet before guests wake up.” She paused. “Working on Mom's chairs in your workshop.”
“That made you happy?”
“It made me feel... useful in a different way. Creating something instead of just maintaining.” She looked at him. “What makes you happy?”
“Right now? This. Dinner with you when you're not running away or looking for exits.” He held up a hand before she could protest. “You've checked the door three times since we sat down.”
Kate hadn't realized she'd been doing it. “Habit.”
“Or escape planning.”
“Maybe both.”
“That’s why I included food. I figure, even if you want to run, you wouldn’t leave behind a perfectly delicious dinner.”
Kate laughed in spite of herself.
They talked more over dinner, safe topics like the renovation plans, the best spots for fishing, whether the Bruins had a chance this year. Kate found herself relaxing despite her determination to stay guarded. Ben had a way of making conversation easy, not pushing when she deflected, offering bits of himself without demanding reciprocation.
It was over dessert, blueberry pie they shared, that he brought up her family.
“Your brothers are protective of you, and I assume, Dani. I think that’s nice.”
