While I'd known Ben a long time, he rarely stopped by just to chat. "What's up?"
"Brody's back in town," he stated. "And he brought my niece with him."
"Um, okay?"
Ben grinned, both dimples popping. "When I told him about your shop, he seemed very interested in bringing her by. I just wanted to warn you."
I didn't understand why he thought I needed a warning. "Why?"
"I just wanted to make sure you wouldn't be too surprised."
I crossed my arms over my chest and stared at him without a word.
Ben sighed and shook his head. "Still don't like my sainted brother much do you?"
"I never disliked him, Ben. I just get annoyed by his constant poking and prodding. It's like the man can't be in my vicinity without trying to get a rise out of me."
"Well, you are kinda cute when you're mad."
Ben and I might not be kids anymore, but I was definitely willing to sacrifice some maturity and sock him on the bicep for that remark.
"Hey," he said, rubbing his arm.
"No whining. When you say sexist things, you get frogged. You know that."
The fake frown on his face vanished immediately and his eyes gleamed with mischief and humor. He was up to something, but I had no way of knowing what it was.
"Yes, ma'am," he drawled, making sure his accent was nice and thick. "No disrespect intended."
I sighed. "Thanks for stopping by."
Ben gave me a side-arm hug. "You're welcome. I'll be back later for a milkshake."
"You do that," I replied, hugging him back.
"Sierra, nice to meet you. I hope I see you again while you're here." He accompanied his statement with a wink and a devilish smile.
"Only time will tell," Sierra countered.
Ben's grin widened and he released me. "Y'all have a good day now," he drawled, giving us both a wave as he sauntered down the street and turned into the local diner.
Sierra turned to me and fanned herself. "Woman, why didn't you tell me that they grew men like that around here? I would have come back earlier."
"Ben's cute but he's kinda wild. Well, he used to be. And we haven't spent a lot of time together since he came back to town."
Suddenly, Sierra giggled.
Worried, I studied her. "Are you okay?"
She nodded, still giggling.
"Okay, I'm confused. What's so funny?"
Between bursts of laughter, Sierra managed to say, "He'll be back later for a milkshake."
I continued to stare at her, which made her laugh harder. She bent over, smacking her thigh with her hand as she whooped. "Sierra! What is so funny?"
Wiping her eyes, she straightened and grinned at me. The moment she opened her mouth, it clicked. I knew exactly what she was about to say.
"Your milkshake brings all the boys to the yard."
Without a word, I turned and marched off in the direction of my car.
"W-W-Wait for me," Sierra sputtered. "I may not be a boy, but I want a milkshake too!"
And now everyone on the street was staring at me.
Shit. No doubt I'd be hearing from my mother about this.
