An Exceptional Twist (39 page)

She knew he still lived at home with his
parents, but had he kept the same décor from his high school years?
His hair stuck up in all directions, as though he'd opened his eyes
only minutes earlier. If his hair looked like that, Leah assumed he
hadn’t taken the extra oral care steps she did.

His eyes rounded, and he lifted his head
when he saw her. “Wow.  You look beautiful, Leah.  Did
you just get up?”  

Guys were so clueless sometimes.  She
didn't look like this when she rolled out of bed.  This
‘spontaneous’ look took time and effort.

She gave a slight smile. “No, I've been up
packing.  I can't wait to see you.”  

It hit her all at once.  They were
going down to San Diego to stay at his friend's house in Mission
Beach, but they never talked about room arrangements.  Did he
expect to sleep with her this weekend?  

She began to feel panicky, biting at her
lip, when he broke her train of thought, “That's what I wanted to
chat about. I'm really sorry, but I have to
cancel our plans.”

“What?  But we just
made them a few days ago.”  Had he seen the alarm on her face
and decided to cancel?  
No, he said
that’s why he called.
  

He learned back. “I know, but my buddy
really needs me to cover his shifts this weekend.  He and his
fiancé have an opportunity to get away before she leaves for the
military, and I feel like it’s the right thing to do.” Ben closed
one eye as though bracing for her reaction.  

Aww.
He was helping out a friend. This was just further proof that
he was the kind of guy she wanted to be with.
 
Right?

Right.
Ben was willing to give up his time for others, even if it
was the only opportunity to see her.

As usual, her mind trailed off to Stefen,
curious what he would do in this situation. Then again, he would’ve
spent so much time with her beforehand that it wouldn’t be such a
disappointment if he’d cancelled. 

“Well, it’s nice what you’re doing.” And it
was, but she had to wonder if there was ever going to be any time
for her.

“Thanks for understanding.   I’m not
trying to brush you off.”

“I know,” she replied, looking down at the
table where her computer sat.

Shrugging, he said, “I have to do the right
thing. It’s who I am.”

Yes
.  
This is the exact thing I
need to hear.
 Even though they
didn't have a hot and passionate connection yet, he was the kind of
guy she might find herself with.  

“I'm sure that's why you became a
doctor.”

“Well, that and the pressure from my plastic
surgeon father.” He chuckled.

“Oh, I didn't know he was
a doctor.”
Why didn’t I know that? I
worshiped this boy, growing up.

“The original ‘Dr. McKendrick’ in the
family.” Ben didn’t seem too impressed by that fact.

Remembering a conversation they’d had a few
days ago, Leah asked, “Didn’t you say your sister was a nurse like
my mom and sister?”

“Yeah, she’s a nurse overseas, serving in
the military.” His chest muscles contracted as he adjusted his
position, snatching Leah’s attention.

Catching her breath, Leah did her best to
refocus. “So…you have military in your family.  It makes even
more sense you’d want to help your friend out.”

“Thanks for understanding, babe.”

Pulling her head back, she thought it was so
bizarre to hear him call her that. He'd thrown her for a loop the
first time he said it at the café, but now he said it all the time.
 

Ben shifted to sit up, leaned against
the wall, and ran his hands up his face and through his blonde
hair.  The change in positions caused the sheet to drop
just a bit south, exposing his lower abdomen.  

Is he wearing any
clothes?
 

She didn't know if she should look away,
tell him to cover himself, or wait and see how far that sheet would
slip.

When he caught her expression, he pulled the
sheet off and snickered. “I have pajama bottoms on.  I'm not
some perv, video chatting while I’m naked.” Lifting one eyebrow, he
added, “Unless you're into that sort of thing.”  

Oh,
shit
.  
Did
he just say that?
 

The breath she'd just taken got caught in
her throat as her eyes grew and her face turned crimson.

He definitely caught her reaction, “Oh shit,
I'm sorry.   I'm so worn out and not watching what's coming
out of my mouth.”

“That's okay.  You
just threw me for a second.”  
Was it
okay?
 

The one reason she liked
being with him was because things were moving
slow—
very
slow.
 She wasn't ready to start talking about sexy things with him,
especially since she didn’t really have those feelings for him
anymore. She’d definitely lusted after him when they were younger.
And, yes, he was extremely gorgeous. But her feelings and emotions
were, quite honestly, still tied to Stefen. Her whole heart would
have to be in it for her to go down any road that led to
sex. 

“I should get going.  I need to catch
some more sleep before heading in today.” He leaned up, stretching
his arms above his head

Getting ready to sign off, she placed her
hand on top of the laptop and looked at the keyboard. “I'll talk to
you later, then.  Have a good rest.”

He smiled briefly. “I'll text you when I get
a break tonight.  Bye, babe.”

And there was that awkward nickname again.
 Was it time for her to say the same back to him, even though
she didn't feel it yet?  

No. Leah wanted to be honest and only
declare things she meant.  With a simple, 'bye', she closed
her laptop.

She walked into her bedroom and took a look
around.

Well, shoot.
 
What am I going to
do now?
 

All her stuff was almost packed, and the
shop was already covered. Melissa was grateful to have the extra
hours.  She’d been living at her dad’s house with her young
son, trying to get her own place.  

It was then that Leah realized something.
 Moving in front of her homemade framed ‘bucket list’, she ran
her fingers over the slip of paper that mentioned mentoring a
single mom. She’d unconsciously been guiding Melissa—who fit
that exact description—how to run a business.  

With a little self-pleased grin, she decided
to call Stefen and see if he wanted to go catch a movie.  No
need to waste the day. The latest action movie was playing in one
of the older theaters, and she hadn’t had a chance to see it
yet.

As she picked up her phone and pressed send,
her eyes roamed onto another slip of flower-pressed paper. She’d
amended this one after she and Stefen had their fall out. 

Concentrating on the strip, Leah had
forgotten the phone was even ringing.

She was thrown for a loop by the way Stefen
answered. “I’m so glad you called,” he whispered. “I need your help
with something.”

That was weird. She phoned him to make plans
and the first thing out of his mouth was to ask for a favor?

He went on in a hushed tone. “Abby hasn't
been feeling great, and she's had to deal with me on top of it, so
I really want her and Caleb to have a break. I made reservations
for them to stay at the Escalona Spa and Resort this weekend.
Madison’s grandparents said they could keep her all three days, and
Caleb’s on board, but I need you to help me convince Abby. She
worries way too much about me, and I’m sure she isn't going to want
to leave me alone. I know you already have plans, but can you tell
her a little fib? Say you’re staying here while they’re gone?” He
rushed to say, “You don't actually have to, but I’m positive she
won't say yes unless she thinks someone else will be here with
me.”

What a coinkydink.
“Abby knows when I’m lying, but you’re in luck.
My plans were just cancelled.”

A loud sigh of relief came from Stefen.

Ignoring him, she continued, “It’s a
fantastic idea. I’d love to help. Talk to her today, and when she
calls me, like I’m sure she will, I'll confirm everything.”

“Perfect. Thanks, talk to you later.”

She ended the call, even
more pleased with herself when she remembered—
Oh, dang it! I forgot to ask him about the movie.

Oh well, sounds like we’ve got the whole
weekend.

Early Friday evening, Leah
ran into Caleb loading up the
car
in front
of his house. Turning off her ignition, she got out, and he greeted
her with unending appreciation.

“Thank you so much for doing this, Leah.
Abby needs some time off from everything. That woman doesn’t take
any time for herself. She hovers around Stefen like the helicopter
moms that bug the crap out of her at school.” Sounding exasperated,
he grumbled, “I can only imagine how much she’s going to push her
limits once the baby’s here.”

“I'm sure she’s not the only one that
overdoes it.” Leah gave him a knowing look, then assured him,
“Don't even give it a second thought. Hanging out at your little
shack is not the worst thing I could think of.” She glanced around.
“Where’s Abby? You guys should get going, shouldn’t you?”

Abby appeared at the front entryway, looking
as adorable as ever, wearing her first maternity dress that showed
off her new tiny baby bump. Taking a peek at Caleb, Leah was filled
with emotions. This man lived and breathed for her best friend.

The love and awe on his face was
overwhelming. With his sight fixed on his wife, Caleb asked, “Have
you ever seen a more beautiful woman? She takes my breath away
every time I look at her. I don’t know what I ever did to deserve
her, but I’m never letting her go.”

Abby approached her husband, caught in his
enchantment, then kissed him as though Leah wasn’t even there.

Feeling a bit awkward, Leah stepped back
until she ran into a warm body.

Twirling around, she searched for words,
until Stefen laughed, “Yay, my sitter’s here.” He winked at her.
“Can you believe she wouldn't leave until she saw you drive
up?”

Abby gave him the stink eye before greeting
Leah and reinforcing, “You promise me that you aren’t going to
leave him alone, right?”

Leah placed her hand on her hip. “Sheesh,
Abby. I told you I’d stay. My plans were cancelled, so apparently I
have nothing better to do than hang out with this guy.” She flicked
her wrist toward Stefen.

“Okay, but call if you need anything.”
Frazzled, Abby leaned in and kissed Leah’s cheek before Caleb
hurried her into the car.

Looks like he’s ready to get their party
started.

Caleb slid into the driver’s seat, then
rolled down his window. “Play nice, children, and behave.”
Smirking, he closed the window before driving away.

Stefen’s voice was apprehensive. “Okay,
they’re gone. You don't have to stay. I'll be fine.” Running his
hand through his hair, he plastered on a fake smile.

When will he realize that I see right
through him?

She patted his chest. “Nice try, but I don't
think so. I hope you weren't looking forward to a weekend alone. I
promised Abby, and I never break my promises. You’re stuck with
me.” She pulled her bag out of the trunk of the van and headed
toward the house.

Always the gentleman, Stefen grabbed her
case with the wrong arm, causing him to flinch when the strap hit
his shoulder. “Shit!” he blurted, frustrated. “I can’t even carry a
fucking bag anymore.”

Taking the case back, Leah tenderly cupped
her hand onto his shoulder. “It’s okay. All in due time. You’re
healing. Take advantage now because there are no free passes
later.” She winked and encouraged him to head inside with her.