“I made it.”
“This wasn’t in the fridge.” There was nothing much in my fridge, not even leftovers. My job kept me busy, and being home for a cooked meal was reserved for mandatory Sunday dinners with my parents. An obligatory family tradition that required an act of God to get out of, and even then I’d still need to call. Ben Michaels had made plenty of appearances there. My mother used to think that Ben always flirted with me, but I knew better. He was only there for my mother’s cooking. She was the best in the tri-state area and had awards to prove it.
“I’ve already been to my house for a couple changes of clothes and stopped by the store all before my jog on the beach,” he said, disappearing into the kitchen before re-emerging with his own plate. Of all of the furniture in my condo, he sat right next to me. His warm, muscular leg touched mine, as if he knew that small gesture would push my buttons. I wasn’t that naïve little girl anymore.
“See now. That’s why we were never a thing.” I smiled, sipping my coffee. “I don’t do mornings.”
He grimaced but didn’t deny remembering the conversation. “We’ll fix that.”
I paused with a bite of pancakes near my lips and slowly lowered it to the plate. What kind of karma had I earned to insist that I have this type of conversation before ten a.m.? “Why fix what isn’t broken?”
“Fair enough. How about I counter offer? Early during the week, and I’ll let you sleep in on weekends.” A smile toyed on his lips as he dipped his bacon in the syrup and held it to my lips. I took the whole piece without a fight. I was a sucker for sweet and salty.
“You’re assuming I’ll answer the door the next time you’re arrested.” I smiled, happy to make my point. It wasn’t often I could win an argument against a man that got paid thousands to prove a point.
“We’ll compromise. That’s what couples do.”
“Whoa, buddy.” I rose a little too quickly from my seat, almost dumping my own bacon onto the floor. That would have been the real travesty here. “We aren’t a couple. We’re never going to be a couple. You have a girlfriend…granted a stalkerish one, but besides that, sleep time isn’t something I’m willing to negotiate with anyone.”
“Not even if we have morning sex? Think about it, Lizzy. I could send you to work every day with a smile on your face. The criminals and your coworkers would thank me. Heck, they might even build a statue in my honor.”
“As interesting a prospect as that sounds, and God knows your ego needs another statue”—and I could use a good roll between the sheets—“there’s still the fact that we aren’t dating, and you have a girlfriend.”
“Had a girlfriend, and she was right. I never looked at her the way I do you.”
“So, you do remember what you said last night.”
“I remember everything, and she was right. I never looked at any of them the way I did you.”
“That’s because you’re no longer a hormonal, horny teen,” I said, taking my plate with me to the kitchen.
“That may be true.” His eyes sparkled with hunger, making me question if I’d been wrong about everything but his age.
“I made a decision. You and I are going to date. We’ll use your brother’s wedding as a sort of a coming-out party to get everyone used to the idea that we’re a couple.”
“Are you still drunk?” I set my plate down on the counter. I couldn’t have a serious conversation with food in my hands, not if he didn’t want me to dump it on his freshly washed hair, which smelled like my strawberry shampoo. I eyed the three remaining unopened whiskey bottles on the counter. I knew for a fact that no other alcohol was in my house. I’d looked last night.
“I’m not drunk. I’ve never been more clearheaded and certain that you and I belong together.”
Maybe he wasn’t drunk, but he was definitely delusional. “You can’t just decide we’re going to date. It doesn’t work like that. I don’t even like you.”
“Yes, you do.” He abandoned his plate and met me in the kitchen. A thoughtful and sincere look crossed his face as he rested his hand on my cheek. He held my gaze, and for a minute, I embraced the familiar feeling. The way he’d always been able to hold me captive with his words, no matter how untrue.
I’d seen that look only one other time in my life. The night I’d given him my virginity.
“You suck at hiding the truth, especially when it’s written in your eyes.”
Not this time. This wasn’t happening. I wouldn’t let it. I narrowed my gaze. “What are my eyes telling you now, Counselor?”
The fine lines around his eyes crinkled as a smile played on his lips. “Your eyes are telling me that I still have my work cut out for me to convince you to agree.”
I guess he really could read my eyes. I’d have to work on that mask I’d thought I’d perfected.
“You should eat before it gets cold. We have a busy day.”
I took another bite, not because he told me to but because of the growl coming from my stomach. I walked back into the living room and grabbed my coffee. I was going to need the caffeine to start working soon so I could figure out how in the hell I was going to handle Ben. It was apparent he wasn’t thinking clearly, but one of us needed to.
“Okay, so Lindsey wasn’t the right one, but you’ll rebound without effort. It’s what you do.”
“No.”
“You’re not thinking rationally. Call Lindsey back. I’m sure she’s a great girl. Just change your locks and tell her it was the alcohol. She’ll understand, especially when you show up with roses.”
“That defense would never hold up in court.” He raised a brow, one side of lips turned up.
“We aren’t in court, Ben. You’re a defense attorney; I’m a cop. We’re like pickles and chocolate. Those two will never work.” I’d tried. “That is the reason we were never a couple.”
“We were a couple.”
“We both enjoyed flirting with the idea of never getting caught. I was nothing more than a dirty little secret.” As bad as that sounded, I held back from claiming victory and doing a happy dance. I had him on the ropes with nowhere to run. He couldn’t deny that fact. It had been his choice not to tell my brother.
“I was young and stupid back then. Not anymore.”
“Have you lost your mind?”
“Nope. After all these years, I’ve finally found it.” His gaze caressed my face like a lover, and desire flashed when he reached my lips. “Go shower. We have plans.”
“The only plans I have today is my brother’s wedding later tonight, and you’re interrupting my beauty sleep.”
He sighed and slid his hands into his pockets. His jaw set in determination like he was about to try the hardest case of his life. “Fine, you don’t want to spend the day with me. It’ll give me time to confess to your brother about the past and tell him that I’m going to win you over again. Your parents already love me. Maybe I should get them on my side first. Your brother will be less prone to throw a punch.”
“That’s blackmail, Counselor,” I said, resting my fists on my hips.
“This isn’t court.” His voice calm, his gaze steady. “Choose. Spend the day with me or dodge questions from all your relatives at the wedding. I’m sure your grandmother and mother will be all over you to set a date for our wedding and want to know when the baby is due.”
If this little blackmail was any indication of how my new year was going to play out, I was going to need more liquor, or I would be the one in handcuffs and not in the fun way with them attached to my bed. “If I spend the day with you, do you promise to go away again?”
The small space between us was electrified, stirring and rousing sensations I’d long forgotten. It was an unfamiliar feeling and one that would pass like my New Year’s resolution to exercise.
He shook his head. “Nope, but I will promise that you can be the one to tell your family that we’re dating.”
A smile split my lips as I found my resolve once more. “Perfect. That won’t eve
r happen because we aren’t dating.”
But what if we were? Would it be that bad? The thought drifted through my mind like dandelion pedals blowing in the wind.
Four
Ben pulled into the parking lot of one of our childhood haunts. The flashing neon skates on the sign acted as a beacon reminding me of my age. A skating rink. The thought thrilled me and terrified me. I hadn’t worn a pair of skates in over a decade.
“Why are we here? And you better not tell me it’s because we’re skating.”
Ben shoved out of the car and rounded to the passenger side, but not before I could click the lock. I slowly shook my head with a grin on my face until he held up the fob on his keychain and clicked the button. He pulled the door open before I could lock it again.
“Cops aren’t supposed to be scared,” he said, taking my hand and easing me out of the car.
“Cops know their limits.” I followed as he led the way to the door. He tugged on the handle, and it didn’t budge. A smile split my lips. The empty parking lot should have clued him in that they weren’t open.
“Looks like they’re closed. Maybe another time.” Not.
I spun on my heels and headed back to the car, only to have his palms land on my arms as he turned me back around. A smiling face met us from the other side of the glass, along with the unmistakable sound of a lock disengaging.
“Ah, Ben. Come in. I’ve been expecting you,” an elderly man with thinning gray hair and a warm smile said, holding the door open wide.
“Jerry, it’s good to see you again. This is Lizzy.”
“Ah yes. I remember Elizabeth. Come in, come in.”
We were ushered inside before Jerry locked the doors behind us. “Whenever you’re ready, Ben.”
“You’re a good man,” Ben said, taking my hand and leading me into the rink.
Butterflies momentarily danced in my stomach before dread ran through my veins. No way could I skate. Not without breaking a precious bone when I fell.
The skating rink was exactly how I remembered it. The smell of sweaty feet and stale air hit me like a sucker-punch to the gut. The air conditioner was cranked up so high it caused goosebumps to rise on my arms. It was remarkably quiet, but I could still hear the phantom echoes of wheels against the wooden floor.
There was a reason I quit going to this place, and that reason had a hold of my hand leading me into the middle of the floor.
“Shoes aren’t allowed on the floor.”
“Jerry made an exception for us. I was his best DJ.”
The lights dimmed, and the disco ball spun to life. Ben took my hands and placed them on his shoulder, and resting his on my waist, he pulled me closer. My pulse quickened by his touch that started stoking a rapidly spreading fire within me.
He gave a quick nod toward the DJ booth, and a sweet melody from times gone by drifted through the speakers as we swayed to the music.
“This is our song.”
“We don’t have a song,” I lied as a knot of longing rose in my throat. I will not give in. I will not.
“Sure we do. This is the first slow song we skated to. Don’t you remember?”
I remembered it well. I remembered everything about Ben Michaels. “My brother was home with the flu.”
“I should have done things differently.” His words were a whisper in my hair as he held me to his chest.
“My brother would have kicked your ass,” I teased.
“He could have tried,” Ben said, twirling me out of his arms, making me smile before spinning me back in. He dropped his hold and cradled my cheeks, staring deeply into my eyes. I knew that look. He was going to seal the deal.
“Why did you bring me here?” I stopped him as he lowered his lips to mine.
“To show you I remembered. I never forgot.”
“It’s fitting, really.” My heart clenched as I nibbled my bottom lip between my teeth. “This is where it all started and stopped. Do you want to know why I quit coming here?”
“Your brother said you were tired of getting blisters.”
I guess I wasn’t the only family member that could fib. I’d never told my brother the truth, but deep down, I think he sensed my heartache. I shook my head. “When my brother was on a date, I came to surprise you, and I saw you getting cozy with Marcia Lewis in the back office.”
“Marcia Lewis was the reason you stopped coming around?”
“I gave you an easy out, and you took it, Ben.” And that fact still stung.
He gave a slow nod and took my hand, leading me off the floor and back to the door. “You never told me that was the reason why.”
Well, hell, maybe we should have had this conversation back at the condo. We could have bypassed this trip down memory lane.
“It wouldn’t have mattered. It doesn’t matter now. It’s all in the past.”
“I wish you would have told me. We might be in a different place now.”
“I love my life,” I countered. It was true, for the most part. I had a career I excelled at, friends and family who loved me, and a beach view to die for. “I wouldn’t change a thing.” No way was I about to complain about the dinners for one, but maybe I did miss having someone to share my life with. It had been awhile since my last date.
“I’d change several things.” He slipped his phone out of his pocket as Jerry walked us to the door. “Our next stop is waiting.”
“You aren’t ready to call it a day?”
He chuckled. “Not hardly. If anything, I’m more determined.”
“So, what’s next? Are we going swimming in your parents’ pool? I hate to break it to you, big guy, but I didn’t bring a suit.” Then again, seeing him shirtless again might make swimming in my bra and panties worth it.
“That hasn’t stopped us before, but sadly, no, that’s not next. Although I’m sure my parents would be pleased to see you again.”
Ben and I both got into the car. The air between us changed, something more sobering, more electric, unlike the fantasy he’d been showing me since I woke up.
“I’ll pass. I can still remember the way she acted like she almost had a stroke when she caught us making out in your room. How many candles did she light to save your soul?”
“She’s never stopped,” he answered, hooking his seat belt. “Enough of the past.” He turned a disarming smile in my direction. “How about we visit the present?”
“What’s after that? The future? That should be interesting.”
“Well, I am saving the best for last.”
“I hate to break it to you, but Christmas already passed, and I’m not Mr. Scrooge.”
Five
Ben drove to the outskirts of town and toward what locals called “the country.” It was where people lived who didn’t like the bustle of crowded streets but still wanted the benefit of a short drive to the beach. We passed a few stores spread out miles apart and the hidden gem of a golf course that only townies knew about.
He kept driving until he steered onto a long, winding dirt road lined with massive oak trees that ended at a single red brick house with a matching-colored barn, which had a lake behind it. “This is pretty. Did you move?”
“Nope, this isn’t mine. There’s someone I want you to meet.” He turned off the car, getting out.
I followed and breathed in the calming fresh air as a light breeze caressed my cheek. “Ben, we’re trespassing. Who lives here?”
He hadn’t had time to answer when the door flew open, and an old man walked out, wearing well-worn jeans and a big cowboy hat.
I knew him instantly, even though I’d met him only once. Retired Sheriff Malcolm Michaels. Ben’s grandfather. The lines on his face were rough from years in the sun. A pink scar marred the left side of his face. The story of how he’d gotten that was still used in our training sessions on how to handle more than one perp at a time. He was a legend, and I was standing in his yard.
“Benjamin,” the sheriff said, bounding down the steps with more energy tha
n I’d be able to muster at his age. “It’s about time. I’ve been waiting.”
“Gramps, I’d like you to meet—”
“Elizabeth.” He finished without needing to be told my name. “I’ve heard great things about you, Ms. Cross.”
No way. He knew my name. “You have?”
“Sure. I have a standing lunch date with your boss, and there’s nothing he likes better than to brag about his hot-shot detectives cracking cases. I hear you busted a burglary ring that was targeting guests at the hotels.”
My cheeks heated. I was almost embarrassed that he knew my accomplishments. “I didn’t do it alone.”
Malcolm nodded. “Modest, too. Why don’t you two come in and sit a spell?”
I followed Malcolm into his home. It was exactly how I’d expected it to be. Comfortable and inviting furnishings, family pictures and achievements covering the walls, along with a shrine on the fireplace mantel to the late great Helen Michaels. God rest her soul.
Malcolm appeared next to me. “That woman was downright rotten. She said what she meant and meant what she said. She was the strongest and most stubborn woman I’d ever met.”
“Then why’d you marry her?” Ben chuckled in passing on his way toward the kitchen.
“I had to. She hogtied me on our first date and owned more guns than I did.”
“Ben must take after her.” The comment slipped before I could stifle it. “He blackmailed me into spending the day with him.”
“I can’t say I’m surprised.” Malcolm rested his arm around my shoulder and led me into the kitchen where Ben was pouring three glasses of tea. “When they know what they want, they tend to get it. Sorry, darling. Or should I say welcome to the family?”
Only a few more hours till the wedding, and then I could lock Ben out of my life and add this day as another bad trip down memory lane. “Oh no, it’s not like that. Ben’s my brother’s best friend.”
“Don’t let her fool you, Grandpa. I’ve loved this girl since I met her.”
“Is that so?”
“I brought her to meet you, didn’t I?”
New Year’s Negotiation: January 1st Page 2