Twisted Love (Modern Romance #3) - Piper Lawson Page 0,65
in the burst of laughter that rings out.
It’s easy to forget on the worst day that we can still find humor in things.
When I’m holding my stomach, my muscles already sore from laughing, I pull out my phone and hit a contact.
“You shouldn’t have. Really.” I poke the plastic doll’s face.
“It’s supposed to be the best bathing experience in New York,” Ben responds warmly. “You like it?”
“It’s a start.”
“Tell me what you want and it’s yours. Though if it involves daisies, I might need twenty-four hours—I bought out everything in Midtown.” He exhales heavily. “I wanted to do something for you. You did something for me by going to see my mom, and I didn’t acknowledge that.”
I shake my head. “Ben, it’s not about wanting your thanks in exchange for the visit. It’s not about the transaction. I don’t do business that way, and I sure as hell don’t do relationships that way.”
He hesitates before responding. “I don’t do relationships any way.”
The truth of it rings through me.
Static on the line distracts me. “Where are you? The reception’s spotty.”
“Driving to rehab to get a few things Mom forgot before moving home. I froze you out. I didn’t like the idea that you were close enough to see something I didn’t. I'm sorry I took it out on you. I’m not used to having people in my business. But I like you in my business. I like you being my business.”
My insides are warm, and it’s not from the heat of the spa.
I care about him, so damn much.
I could wait all day to hear his laugh. A single one of his easy grins makes everything okay. The possibility that Ben has feelings for me that go beyond our chemistry, that he wants me and could actually want more, has a bubble of hope expanding in my chest.
I lift the doll out of the tub and set it on the tile nearby before perching on the edge, sticking my bare calves in the hot, soapy water, and leaning my head against the wall. “You can put your pain on me. Just don’t push me away when you do it.”
“Deal.”
I scan my surroundings, my gaze landing on the bottle. "The tequila really was unnecessary."
"I'm new to apologizing."
"You did it pretty well," I admit, and I imagine I can hear him smile.
“If I did, my girl would be sending me a picture.”
I grin. “Don’t push your luck. I wish you could fix this lost client thing just as effectively."
“Is this client you lost bigger than Vane?"
"No. You know Vane would be our biggest account."
"So why aren't you on the phone with him, darling?"
"Because you kidnapped me for your nefarious spa plan and sent me on a date with Henry Cavill.”
“Sounds terrible.”
It’s not. It’s really sweet.
I groan, rubbing my face. “I know if I call Richard, force his hand, there’s a good chance he’ll shoot me down.” That’s why I’ve been biding my time.
Ben’s low chuckle warms my stomach. "If he does, he’s not as smart as I thought he was.”
His confidence warms me more than the steam from the bath.
"You're right. I have to go."
I hang up, careful not to drop the phone in the tub, and call Richard Vane's direct line. “Richard. I hope you received the draft article this morning?"
"I did."
“And?”
“They got in the soundbites about the company. Though I would’ve hoped the couple would sound more… enthusiastic about the upcoming nuptials.”
Normally I’d do everything I could to make him comfortable. Maybe it’s hanging around with Ben that has me leveling with him. “You should speak with your son about that. He’s the one getting married.”
To my surprise, he laughs. “Perhaps I should.”
Emboldened by his response, I square my shoulders. “The reason I called is that I said I’d do this PR thing as a favor. I want to discuss an ongoing relationship with your business. My team is equipped to grow this brand for you.”
“It’s not often I find someone your age so idealistic who still gets things done. You remind me of my daughter-in-law.”
“Thank you for that. Now, I’d like to schedule a meeting to discuss your future business.”
“After the wedding.”
“Richard, you’ve acquired these properties; you need a strategy to sell them to clients. Every day you lose in planning costs you down the road. It’s summer. Couples want time to reconnect, and those without children want it on their own.”
He hesitates. “Fine. Call my assistant and tell her we spoke. She'll set something up for next week.”