Finn's Fantasy (Maine Men #1) - K.C. Wells Page 0,96

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Ben’s Boss (Maine Men Book Two)

“Pearson’s a common name.”

“It can’t be him.”

“God wouldn’t be that cruel.”

A painful history

Walking into the job interview confirms Ben White’s worst fears. It’s been eight years since high school, yet he can still recall Wade Pearson’s taunts.

There’s always a chance Wade isn’t the same homophobic asshole Ben knew. Yeah right.

Except the boy Ben remembers has grown into one seriously hot, brooding man. In another life, Ben would have climbed him like a tree. Wade’s gaze still makes Ben shiver – although now for entirely different reasons.

A secret longing

As soon as Wade read Ben’s application, he knew he had to see him. Ben’s still as gorgeous as Wade remembers. It’s obvious he doesn’t expect to get the job, given their history.

But Wade has an agenda. He has to make it up to Ben for treating him so badly – not that Ben will ever know why he acted like he did. Seeing him every day only heightens Wade’s regret. If he’d had more courage back then, maybe he and Ben could have been something.

The least he can do is show Ben he’s changed.

There’s no way Wade can get what he really wants – Ben’s heart.

Chapter One

June

Ben White had lost count of how many beers he’d drunk, but he didn’t care. Grammy wasn’t going to give him grief about it—she’d gone to bed—and it wasn’t as if he was shitfaced, right? He’d gone to Grammy’s birthday bash with the goal of getting mellow with the guys, but at some point, the booze had worn off.

He could pinpoint the moment too.

Jesus, eight years since I last laid eyes on the asshole, and he still haunts me.

Except haunt was an exaggeration, and he knew it. He did his best not to think about that dickhead.

Ben leaned forward, his elbows on his knees, the neck of his half-empty beer bottle held loosely between thumb and forefinger. The fire pit was still going strong, and its warmth combated the chill in the night air. Finn had been the first to leave, but no one appeared surprised by that. If Ben had brought a gorgeous guy to the party, and had the prospect of a sexy night between hotel sheets, he’d have left early too. Joel seemed like a nice guy, and it was obvious—to Ben, at least—they were a good fit.

If he can survive a grilling by this lot, he’s a keeper.

“Where’d everyone disappear to?” Dylan sat in the chair next to Ben’s, a bottle in his hand. “I only went to take a leak.”

Ben leaned back, the bottle between his thighs. “Shaun had to go.”

Dylan sighed. “Poor guy. I was surprised to see him, to be honest.”

“I hadn’t seen him since Teresa’s wedding. Had you?”

Dylan shook his head. “I don’t think he gets much time to himself, what with all the hours he works, and looking after his dad. It’s no life, taking care of someone. My mom used to say that. When my grandmother got sick, she moved in with us. I was just a kid. Mom gave up her job to look after her. All I can remember about that period is her looking tired all the time.” He drank from his bottle. “Okay, we know where Finn is.” He chuckled. “Did you know about Joel?”

“Not a word. Talk about a dark horse.”

“So what do you think? Is he hot?”

Ben snorted. “You got eyes, don’t ya? What do you think?”

“How would I know if he’s hot?” Dylan retorted. “I’m not gay.”

“So what? I think Jessica Biel is hot, and I’m not straight.” Ben grinned. “Okay, yeah, he’s hot, in an older man kinda way.” Then he laughed out loud. “Seb liked him.”

Dylan frowned. “Did he leave too?”

“Nah, he’s in the house. He got a call. Levi and Noah are in the kitchen, clearing up.”

“Ah. I didn’t look in there. And I don’t know where Seb went to take his call, because I didn’t see him.” Dylan glanced at the now empty yard. “What about Aaron?”

Ben cackled. “He got a better offer.” When Dylan gave him a puzzled glance, he leaned in. “You know Grammy’s neighbors? The old couple who are always doing something to their front yard? Well, they were at the party—and they brought along their granddaughter, who’s staying with them.”

Dylan grinned. “Seriously? So where’s he gone?” His eyes widened. “If he’s taken her to the guest room, Grammy will pitch