She’d clearly surprised him. She’d shocked herself. This was not like her, and though her first inclination was to let go and retreat as fast as she could, she had a feeling Ben needed some human contact.
Ben’s fingers curled around hers and his grip tightened.
Warmth radiated up her arm. Amy loosened her hold and stepped back into the shadows, hoping he couldn’t see the flush that heated her cheeks. She’d enjoyed the brief contact more than she should have.
He smiled, the first real smile she’d seen since meeting him, and that dimple creased his cheek.
“You’re welcome.”
Then he was gone.
Amy drew in a deep breath, inhaling the scent of the roses—sweet, heady, and perfect. The scent provided a balm to her troubled soul. Everything was going to be okay.
* * *
Ben’s thoughtslingered on Amy as he drove home. She’d surprised when she grabbed his hand, but he’d enjoyed it, brief as it was. Not because she was an attractive female, but rather because of the sincerity of her gratitude. Being on the giving end—instead of the receiving end for a change—felt good.
From the things Amy said at dinner, she deserved a break. If he ever got the chance to meet Lance, he’d probably give him a well-deserved punch in the face.
Despite hearing about Amy’s problems, Ben had enjoyed dinner. Usually, he dreaded time spent with his family. Their concern for him was stifling. He hated being the focus of their well-meaning intentions.
Just like he’d had good intentions when he’d lied to Amy.
Watching Kallie filled him with a painful longing for his Cassey. Who played with her and put her to bed each night? Did they sing to her and rock her to sleep like Melanie used to? Thinking about such things put him on a dangerous path and would only continue to drag out the pain he’d endured for almost a year, but his daughter was out there, somewhere.
He knew it.
Everyone was concerned about him. At times he was concerned about himself, but he couldn’t bring himself to do anything different than what he’d done for the past year.
Which was to hide away with his pain.
Was that why it felt so good to help Amy and Kallie?
