raccoon."
"Gary the evil raccoon," I murmured.
Ben was still grinning as he dished out the food.
"What's this?" I asked as he set the bowl in front of me.
"Jambalaya. Well, my lazy version of it."
Lazy or not, it smelled delicious. There was a slice of buttered garlic bread sitting on the wide edge of the bowl and my mouth watered at the sight.
"This looks amazing," I said. "And smells even better."
"It's probably mushy because it's been sitting on the stove for a while, but it should taste okay."
I glanced up at him. "The only things I've successfully cooked are macaroni and cheese from a box or canned soup. I normally have to go to a restaurant or order in if I want anything other than sandwiches and popcorn. I appreciate this more than you know, even if it is mushy."
Ben chuckled. "Good to know you're grateful."
I knew I should wait until he sat down with me before I dug in but I was hungry and he was taking too long. As soon as his back was turned, I lifted a huge spoonful to my mouth.
The flavors exploded on my tongue and I nearly moaned. I could taste tomatoes, bell peppers, and a myriad of spices. There was heat but not too much. It was perfect. It wasn't traditional jambalaya like I'd had in New Orleans, but it was still delicious.
"Like it?" Ben asked as he sat next to me.
My mouth was full so I nodded and gave him a thumbs up.
He smiled, like the idea that I enjoyed his cooking made him happy.
Shit, we were on a slippery slope here, but I wasn't sure I could stop myself before I flew off the edge.
"Want a job?" I joked with him once I'd swallowed that first huge bite.
"I have one."
"Yes, but I'd be willing to pay handsomely for you to cook for me every day. Maybe even more than you make now at with your current employer."
He leaned toward me. "Would it include benefits?"
"All sorts of benefits," I answered, staring at his mouth.
"Would I get to dictate the terms?"
"Absolutely not," I stated.
His lips curved up into a smile. "You drive a hard bargain. I'll consider it." He straightened and the distance between us suddenly seemed larger. "Let's pick out a movie. I don't want you turning into a pumpkin before it's over."
"Ha, ha."
We picked up our bowls and drinks and headed into the living room. I hadn't made it to the couch yet, but it looked comfortable and cozy and I wanted to curl up on it in the worst way.
Ben put his bowl and glass on the coffee table and went over to a low ottoman that sat in front of one of the chairs. He lifted the top cushion off and pulled out a blanket.
"Can I have one?" I asked. In nothing but my tee and panties, I was definitely chilly. He kept his house cool.
"This is for you," he commented. "You're cold."
How did he know?
His eyes lowered and I looked down. Oh, yeah. Nipples and no bra.
He waited until I'd found a comfy spot on the couch and settled in before he draped the blanket over my lap. I sighed with complete contentment. The throw was soft and fuzzy, like a hug in blanket form.
"Food and an incredible blanket. You know how to treat a girl."
Ben shook his head, handing me the bowl of jambalaya and my Coke. "You're easy to please."
I cocked my head to the side and studied him. "Not really."
Why had I said that? That wasn't smart. It opened the door to all sorts of questions and talking about personal stuff. Not a good idea. We were friends with benefits, nothing more.
"You'll see when we start looking for a movie," I said. "I'm picky."
"What about Altered Carbon? I've had the first season on my watchlist for a year and just saw that season two released not long ago."
He had to go and pick the one show that I loved and I'd been meaning to watch. I wanted to refresh my memory before the second season became available.
"Damn," I muttered.
"You don't like it?" he asked.
"I love that show," I admitted. "And you must watch it. It's imperative."
"And you're not easy to please?"
I scowled at him. "You got lucky."
His expression changed as he looked at me. "I'm beginning to think I did."
I was dying to know what he meant by that statement, but my internal alarms chose that moment to blare. Further discussion would be dangerous. Better to keep