Against the Edge (The Raines of Wind Can - By Kat Martin Page 0,99
a smile as bright as a sparkler on the fourth of July. “Now you’re talking! She’s perfect for you. I have to admit, I’m surprised you actually see that.”
He just nodded. “It seems like a sensible move. We’re compatible, I guess. We care about each other. We’re great together in bed. And both of us love Sam. It seems like a good idea.”
Annie’s smile faded. “On the other hand, maybe you better think this over. You don’t want to rush into anything.”
“I’ve been thinking about it awhile. I’ve got a security project I need to start next week. I figure we could get married at city hall over the weekend. Have a small reception sometime later on.”
“No honeymoon?”
He shrugged. “Same as. We’ll be sleeping together again. Maybe we’ll take a week somewhere down the road. Sam could go with us.”
“Look, I appreciate the advice, but I’ve got to run. Claire should be home from work by now. I want to talk to her before it’s time for Mrs. McKenzie to go home.”
Annie snorted. “Good luck with that.”
“Thanks.”
She was still shaking her head when he walked out the door. Ben was in trouble, big-time. Problem was, he didn’t know it. She almost felt sorry for him. She had a feeling Claire was about to give him a long-overdue lesson on women.
* * *
By the time he got to Claire’s apartment, Ben’s nerves were on edge. It wouldn’t be that hard, he told himself, repeating all the reasons getting married was a good idea. Sexual compatibility, for one thing. Hell, he couldn’t stop thinking about getting her back in bed. But he had to consider Sam. Making it legal just made good sense.
He had to admit, after Laura he’d never thought he would ever take the plunge, but hey, he never thought he’d be a father, either.
The light was on over her kitchen sink as Ben walked up on the porch and knocked on her door. When she opened it, he saw that she hadn’t changed yet from work, still wore her hair clipped back and a conservative dark green business suit. But she’d kicked off her shoes and her feet were bare.
Just looking at those sexy red-painted toenails made him hard. He looked into her face and something tightened in his chest. God, he’d missed her.
He swallowed, his nerves increasing. “Hi, can I come in?”
She searched behind him for Sam. Maybe he should have brought the boy along, just for insurance. “He’s at home. I wanted to talk to you.”
“Come on in.” She stepped back, and he walked past her, caught a hint of her soft perfume and resisted hauling her into his arms and kissing her.
“Nothing’s wrong with Sam?”
“No, it’s nothing like that.” He was starting to sweat. He could feel it running down the middle of his back. “You wouldn’t have a beer, would you?”
She didn’t reply, just walked over to the refrigerator, took out a Bud and handed it over. “What is it, Ben?”
“I need to ask you something. Can we sit down?”
She cast him a wary glance. “All right.” He hadn’t wanted her to stay in Houston. He’d hurt her. She didn’t trust him the way she had before. He’d have to be patient, explain things so she understood.
They walked into the living room and both of them sat down on the sofa. He wanted to reach for her hand, but he didn’t. He should have bought a ring. Why hadn’t he? He tried not to think of Laura and what had happened after they’d gotten engaged.
“I’ve missed you, Claire.”
She sat up straighter. “If you think you can walk in here and charm me back into bed, you’re wrong.”
He shook his head. “That’s not it at all. Well, not exactly. The thing is, I think we should get married.”
Her eyes widened.
“Just hear me out, okay? I know I said I wasn’t good at relationships, but I figure I’m better with you than I am with other women. We’re great in bed and both of us love Sam. You want to spend time with him. If we’re living together, you’ll be able to see him all you want. We could get married by the justice of the peace. You know, just something quick and easy, no fuss, no muss. If you think about it, it’s a logical solution.”