“She really sat in this seat.”
“For about two hours.” I refill his whiskey without being asked. “Working on the fundraiser. Looking stressed. Eating fries she didn’t order because I brought them anyway.”
“You brought her fries.”
“She forgot to eat. Someone had to feed her.” I shrug. “She’s been running herself into the ground over this Valentine’s thing. I’m helping her wrangle four guys for the auction, but she’s still got one spot to fill.”
Ben’s hand tightens on his glass. “She mention who?”
“She’s hoping you’ll stop hiding long enough to say yes.” I watch his reaction. “Come on, man. It’s for the community center roof. One evening of your time. Tessa would owe you a favor.”
“I’m not doing the auction.”
“Why not? You’re not seeing anyone. You clean up decent when you try. Mrs. Henderson would probably bid on you just for the free oil change.”
“Still no.”
“Ben—”
“I said no.” There’s an edge to his voice now. “Drop it.”
Interesting. I try a different angle.
“Fine. But you should know—I’m planning to make her bid on me.” I keep my voice casual. “Figure if I win, I can take her somewhere nice. Get her to actually relax for once.”
Ben goes very still. “You’re into her.”
“Have been for a while.” I meet his eyes. “She’s smart, she’s driven, she’s beautiful. What’s not to like?”
His jaw tightens.
“She doesn’t date,” he says flatly. “She’s married to her job.”
“Maybe she just hasn’t met the right person yet.”
“Or maybe she knows what she wants and it’s not—” He stops himself. Takes a long drink of whiskey. “Whatever. Good luck with that.”
“Thanks.” I study him. “You sure you’re not interested? Because if you are?—”
“I’m not.” He says it too fast. “She’s a client. That’s it.”
“A client whose scent you can’t stop smelling. Who you gave your truck to. Who you’ve apparently been avoiding for six months according to your sister’s color-coded flow chart.”
“Bea exaggerates.”
“Does she?”
Ben finishes his whiskey and stands, pulling out his wallet. “What do I owe you?”
“On the house. Consider it compensation for the entertainment.”
“Watching me complain about barstools is entertainment?”
“Best show in town.” I grin. “Now go home. Get some sleep. And Ben? If you change your mind about the auction, let Tessa know. She could use the help.”
“I won’t change my mind.”
“If you say so.”
