And as much as I knew I was better off without him, there was still that voice niggling away telling me that I wasn’t worthy of love. That if I couldn’t even get a man as terrible as him to stay, then I had no chance of finding anyone better.
‘You’re shaking,’ Ben whispered in my ear. The feel of his sweet warm breath tickling my skin brought me back to my senses.
‘I’m nervous,’ I replied, ensuring I also kept my voice low.
‘Come here.’ Ben led me to a corner away from the entrance of the outdoor restaurant where dinner was being held. Once we were alone, he stood in front of me, then spoke. ‘It’s normal that you’re nervous after what they put you through, but remember, you have a secret weapon. Something that neither of them have.’
‘I do?’
‘Of course. You have me. I’m Ben 10, remember?’ He laughed and my face broke out in a smile.
‘I’ve never seen that programme, but I’m guessing that’s a good thing?’
‘Me neither, but I know he’s a superhero. So consider me your own personal knight this weekend. Whatever shit they try and throw at you, I’ll be there holding up a big silver shield to protect you, okay?’
My heart fluttered. He was staring at me with such sincerity that I instantly felt better. This was going to be fine.
‘Okay.’ I inhaled deeply, then exhaled slowly before straightening my shoulders. ‘Let’s go.’
Ben moved beside me, then took my hand.
As soon as our palms connected, electricity rocketed through me. His hands were so big, warm and manly. He didn’t even need a shield. Just by holding me, he made me feelsafe and protected.
When we stepped out onto the beach where the dinner was being held, Ben turned to me.
‘Did I tell you how fucking beautiful you look tonight?’ he whispered and my insides lit up.
I didn’t even need a mirror to know that I was now smiling like a cat who’d landed tongue first in a cream factory.
When I looked at Ben, I knew it wasn’t an accident that he’d chosen that exact moment to compliment me. He wanted me to walk out here looking and feeling confident and with a grin on my face that would have everyone wondering what he’d just said.
Genius.
‘You did, but feel free to tell me as many times as you like.’ I cocked my head flirtatiously as I felt the tension sliding off my shoulders.
‘Thereyou are!’ My mum appeared in front of me with Dad. I’d been so focused on Ben that I hadn’t even scanned the beach to see who was here.
‘Hi, Mum! Hi, Dad!’ I said. We weren’t a hugging family, but their smiles at least showed that they were happy I was here.
‘Good to see you,’ Dad said.
‘Hello, Mr and Mrs Jeffries,’ Ben said before I’d even got a chance to introduce him. ‘I’m Benjamin. I’ve heard so much about you, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you.’ He stretched out his hand.
‘We haven’t heardanythingabout you.’ Dad raised a cautious brow before shaking Ben’s hand.
‘All good things, I hope!’ Mum added.
‘If you mean the fact that you make the best rice and peas and curried goat this side of Jamaica, then yes.’
‘Oh, stop!’ Mum blushed and I grinned. I loved that he’d remembered the dishes I mentioned she made for Dad. ‘You eat rice and peas?’
‘Love it! I ate so much when I went to Jamaica that I was worried that I wouldn’t fit in my plane seat!’ Ben joked.
‘Give over!’ she scoffed. ‘I doubt that a man like you has an ounce of fat on his body. You look like you’re made of pure muscle.’ Mum grinned.
Oh my God. She was low-keyflirtingwith him.
‘Ah, you’re too kind. Sarah didn’t tell me that you were beautifulandcharming,’ Ben said and I fought the urge to laugh at how smooth he was. Everything just rolled off his tongue so effortlessly.
