He supported Kallie as she climbed over his knees again, then turned back at Amy. “Are you okay?”
“Of course. Why wouldn’t I be?” She didn’t meet his eyes as she helped Kallie over her legs.
“You seem... distracted.” Did it have something to do with Lance? Or was it the attraction sparking between them? He hoped it was the latter.
“I’m fine. I have...”
“A lot on your mind?” he asked. “Still? Is it something I can help with?”
“No.” He suspected the word came out faster and louder than Amy intended. “I just need time to sort some things out.”
Did she regret sending Lance away? Or maybe it had to do with Lance’s accusation about some other guy being Kallie’s father. No. Amy’s anger toward Lance told Ben she’d never been unfaithful to the jerk.
A glimmer of hope surged in him. Was Amy trying to sort out how she felt about him?
“Well, while you’re sorting things out, will you go out with me?” Ben held his breath.
Amy’s head jerked up. “What?”
“On a date. You know, where two people spend time together to get to know each other better? It usually starts with dinner, then maybe—”
“Why?”
Ben chuckled. “Well, I find you attractive, and I enjoy spending time with you. Don’t get me wrong, I love this little monkey...” He caught Kallie as she toppled over his knees and nuzzled her neck with his chin until she squealed and struggled to escape. Ben released her, and she raced to the kitchen seeking Nana’s protection.
Good.He had Amy’s undivided attention. He turned back to her. “But I want to have you to myself for a change.”
Amy sucked in a sharp breath, then her brow wrinkled. “What about Wid—” She blushed. “uh... Debbie?”
Ben scowled. “What about Debbie?” The woman had become a nightmare, constantly calling about the most ridiculous things. He’d taken to walking to his parent’s house—entering and leaving by the back door—so she wouldn’t know he was here.
“I’ve seen you going over to her house a few times.” Did he detect a hint of jealousy in Amy’s words?
“A few times?” Ben ground his teeth together. “If I’d known what a nuisance that woman was, I never would have rented her my house.”
Amy’s jaw dropped. “Yourhouse?”
“My parents gave us the land as a wedding present, hoping we’d someday come home. When Melanie and I moved back to Providence, we built a big house hoping to fill it with a large family, but...” Ben shrugged, fighting the grief that sneaked up on him.
He cleared his throat. “So, will you go out with me?”
Amy hugged her knees to her chest. “Ben, you don’t really even know me.”
“Hence the reason to go on a date.” When Amy rolled her eyes at him, he said, “Fine. I know you’re a wonderful mother, a hard worker, and a great cook.” Grinning, he added, “You’re stubborn and independent. You have great aim, a powerful right hook, and aren’t very graceful.”
Amy’s breath came out in a huff, and she slapped his arm. “What I mean is, two months ago I was a waitress, living with a musician.”
Dread tightened Ben’s chest. “Are you still in love with him?” He dropped his gaze, fearing her answer.
“No,” she said without hesitation. “Honestly, I’m not sure I ever was. I think I was in love with the idea of having someone love me.”
Ben’s relief was short-lived. Why didn’t Amy want to go out with him then? “So... you think because you were a waitress, I shouldn’t want to go out with you?” He couldn’t hide the confusion he felt from his expression.
Amy shifted to face him. “You were raised differently than I was. You were raised with two parents in your home who cared about you. They made religion an important part of your life. You’re educated. You’re a lawyer, for goodness sake.”
“You say that like being a lawyer is a bad thing.” Ben debated whether to take offense.
“No. We’re just... different.”
