‘Ahhh.’ Ben smiled. ‘That’swhere I put them!’
The cuffs weren’t the only thing that I spotted. There was also a mini vibrator that looked brand new because it was still in the box, a blindfold, a feather tickler and other saucy accessories.
‘I’ll just put them back with this other stuff,’ I said. ‘And I better wash my hands too.’
Ben grinned, not even the least bit embarrassed.
I couldn’t really say that I was surprised. His reputation for being a playboy preceded him, so if he was as promiscuous as he made out, I guessed it made sense that he had a box full of sex toys.
My stomach tightened as I thought about all the women he’d probably bring up here.
Anyway, it was none of my business what he did. He was young and single, so why shouldn’t he enjoy himself? Just becauseIhadn’t slept with anyone for what felt like forever, it didn’t mean that everyone else had to do the same.
‘This one has tools in it?’ I frowned as I looked at the chisel set, spirit level, tape measure, clamps and other items.
‘That’s just…’ His voice trailed off. ‘Stuff for when I help out at sites.’
‘Oh.’ My frown deepened. ‘I didn’t realise you got your hands dirty!’
‘You can leave that box.’
‘Okay,’ I said, moving to the next one. When I opened it up, I smiled. ‘Awww! I didn’t think you were into teddy bears!’ I held it up in the air. The brown bear had one arm hanging off and the stuffing had come out of its head. The poor thing was in a right state.
Ben’s face fell.
‘That… that was a teddy that my mother got me before she… before she passed away.’
‘Oh my God!’ I winced. ‘I’m so sorry.’
I remembered Jess mentioning that he’d lost his mum.
‘Thanks. You weren’t to know. I was very young, so it was a long time ago, but I found it hard, and so having Snuggles—which is what we called it—made me feel close to her. It got hugged a lot—that’s why it’s very worn now. Sometimes I think I should get it fixed but—it’s silly.’ He shook his head dismissively. ‘There’s no point doing it now. Anyway, you can leave that box too.’
My heart squeezed. I really felt for him.
Ben avoided my gaze and I sensed that he was feeling emotional; I wanted to give him a hug, but somehow it felt too personal.
Maybe it was best if I left before I said or did something else to upset him.
‘I’m getting a bit tired. I should go.’ I stretched my arms up in the air. ‘Unless you need me to stay to, er… talk or finish unpacking?’
‘No, don’t worry. It’s going to take ages to get all this stuff organised. I’ll deal with it another day. But thanks for everything. You’ve been a big help.’
‘You’re welcome. Where are you off to this week with Theo?’ I asked.
‘We’re looking at some sites in Kent and then we’re heading up North.’
‘Cool. I hope it goes well and you and Theo find what you’re looking for.’
‘Fingers crossed. We’ll know it when we see it. So, obviously we can text nearer the time, but do you want to meet in front of the library around eight on Friday morning and catch the train to the airport?’
‘Yeah, okay,’ I said, picking up my bag and heading towards the door.
‘Great. See you on Friday.’
‘See you then,’ I said, closing the door, then leaning against it and blowing out an anxious breath.
I hadn’t banked on travelling to the airport with Ben too. I’d assumed that he’d get some sort of chauffeur-driven car or taxi there and just meet at the airport.
