The Bottom Line (3 page)

Mallory couldn’t stop frowning, hardly believing she’d actually shown up at Bayside Church’s Saturday singles mixer. She wasn’t looking for a companion right now. Maybe someday.

The things I do for friends…

On the other hand, she wasn’t sure how long she could wait for male companionship, which explained why she’d allowed Juliana to cajole her so easily. Being around Ben in the evenings seemed to have reawakened her hibernating libido. Sex hadn’t crossed her mind for a long time. Even before Jay left a year ago. Now it was all she could think about.

But she wasn’t looking to find someone tonight. It was too soon. Far too soon. Besides, the prospects of great single guys in Cloverleaf, Illinois, were few and far between.

Except for Ben Carpenter…

“I’m staying an hour, Jules.” She held up her index finger. “
One
hour. Then I’m heading home.”

Her words did nothing to diminish Juliana’s smile. “We’ll see.”

As usual, Juliana would get her way. “At least there’s a bar.”

“Damn right, or I wouldn’t be here.” She waved to some guys who stood clustered around the large-screen TV, mostly ignoring it—probably because it wasn’t showing any sports. “You need to start living again, Mallory.”

“I’m living just fine.”

An inelegant snort popped out of Juliana. “You’re sleepwalking through life. You go to school, you go home, you sleep, then you do it all again the next day.”

“I didn’t go to school today.”

“Stop being a smart-ass, although it’s nice to see you’re getting back to yourself.” She tossed Mallory a wink. “The divorce has been final for months and you’re getting healthier and stronger. What does it hurt to meet a couple of new guys? Dance. Flirt. Remember that you’re a beautiful woman and—”

“Beautiful? With hair shorter than most of the men here and… and no—”

“Don’t even say it, Mal. You’re going to fix that, remember?”

With a sigh, she nodded. Flirting wasn’t on her agenda, but she’d talk to a few guys even though the last thing in the world she wanted was to open up to a new man. Not yet. Not while she wasn’t whole.

“Let’s get a drink and mingle.” Juliana grabbed Mallory’s hand and dragged her to the bar.

“Let’s get several drinks.”

They stood close to the dance floor and nursed their white wines while Mallory watched a small group of men who were drinking beer from long-neck bottles and laughing every now and then. The whole scene reminded her of the awkward dances she’d been to during middle school. Girls to one side; guys to the other. Both groups trying to work up enough courage to ask someone to dance.

One of the men gave her and Juliana a half wave, and Mallory smiled in return. Robert Ashford was here, so at least there would be one more familiar and friendly face. He tapped the shoulder of the guy next to him whose broad back was to the women and gestured his brown bottle Mallory’s direction. Then the man turned to look at them.

Ben Carpenter.
Her
carpenter.

“Wow.” Juliana nudged Mallory’s arm. “That one’s a looker. Tall drink of water, too. Think I might ask him to dance.”

“You can’t.” Was that a note of jealousy in her own voice?

“Why not?”

“He’s the guy working on my house. Ben Carpenter.”

“You have a carpenter named Carpenter? That’s priceless.” Juliana stared at him for a few long moments. “You get to see him every day?” She let out a low whistle. “Maybe I need to find some projects for him to do at my house.”

“He’s got a full-time job and works on my house evenings. He doesn’t have enough time to do anything for you.”

“Careful, Mal… You’re sounding possessive, which makes me very, very happy. This one might have a chance. You already know him, and it’s obvious you’re interested.”

Mallory shook her head.

“Why don’t you give this guy a shot? The way he’s grinning at you, I’d say he’s interested, too.” She nudged Mallory with her shoulder. “Go on. Go ask him to dance.”

“I’m still having my wine.”

When Mallory took a sip, Juliana tilted her glass up so she’d have to finish it before snatching the glass from her hand. “You’re done now.”

Her throat burned from drinking the wine so quickly. “I can’t ask him to dance.”

“Sure you can.”

“I can’t! I’m not—he wouldn’t want me. At least not yet.”

“Don’t make me smack you for saying something that stupid.” Juliana shoved her with her shoulder, a little rougher than the last time. “Go. Oh… wait. Looks like you won’t have to.”

“What are you—” Mallory’s eyes flew wide. “Lord Almighty, he’s coming over here.” She swallowed hard before the reality of the situation hit her, calming her anxiety. “He’s coming over here for you, Jules. You look spectacular tonight, by the way.”

“Don’t I always?” She winked. “But I’ll bet you another drink he’s gonna ask you to dance, not me. He hasn’t taken his eyes off you.”

As if anyone would even consider her when Juliana was right under his nose. “You’re on.”

Ben stopped in front of them and smiled that lopsided smile that made Mallory’s stomach somersault. He was staring right at her. “Who’s on, and what are you on for?”

“Mallory just bet me—”

She stopped Juliana from being her wicked self and blurting out what they’d bet upon by kicking her gently. The woman didn’t have any kind of filter between her brain and her mouth.

“Hi, Ben. How are you?”

“I’m great, Mallory.” His gaze shifted to Juliana. “Hi, I’m—”

“Ben Carpenter. Mallory already told me all about you.” Jules held up the two wineglasses. “I’d shake your hand, but…”

“Double-fisted drinker, eh?” His chuckle was warm, but his eyes returned to Mallory.

“Not at these prices,” Juliana replied.

“You look nice in pink,” he said to Mallory.

Her whole body flushed hot in response to his intense stare. He was clearly choosing skinny, little her over Juliana.

A first.

Although Juliana was her dearest friend, whenever Mallory was with her, she felt rather invisible even before all the changes. Perhaps it was the long red hair. Natural red, too. Not a brassy bottle red. Her eyes were a sparkling green. Her Irish heritage shone through in her curvy shape. The only thing missing was the accent, and Jules could even affect one of those when she put her mind to it. Heaven knew she’d trotted it out to use on guys she met in bars just for kicks and giggles.

Still, despite all of Juliana’s beauty and charm, Ben wasn’t staring at her.

His hands were halfway in his back pockets, and he rocked on his feet as though nervous. She’d never seen this side of him before. “I don’t suppose you’d want to… I don’t know… dance?”

“You’re asking
me
?” Juliana laughed and held up the wineglasses. “Thanks, but my hands are full.”

“I wasn’t… Oh.” A nervous laugh made Mallory smile at his unease. “You knew I meant Mallory.” He turned those brown eyes on full power, melting something inside her. “D’ya wanna dance?”

The question came out so quickly, it sounded like one long word.

She took mercy on him and indulged herself in her only chance to ever be in his strong arms. “Sure. I-I’d like that.”

* * *

Ben let out a long, relieved breath. He hadn’t been that nervous since asking a girl whose name he now couldn’t even remember to the junior prom.

He stretched out his hand. “Then come on. Dance with me.”

After a moment of hesitation that made his heart skip a beat, Mallory put her hand in his.

The dance floor wasn’t crowded, but there were enough other couples so he didn’t have to feel as though all eyes were on them.

Robert was leaning against the wall, grinning like a damned fool. He’d already teased Ben ad nauseam about how Mallory would fall in love with him while he fixed up her house. The joshing was probably Ben’s fault. He’d made what he’d hoped were subtle inquiries into how long ago Mallory had been divorced and whether there was a chance of Mr. Hamilton ever returning to the picture. Robert told him her husband had walked out without a word of warning almost a year ago.

Dumb bastard.

The song changed right as Ben was about to show her that he really couldn’t dance well. Only country line dancing made him comfortable, usually because he was among a bunch of other drunk, wannabe cowboys and cowgirls who missed steps as often as he did. Thankfully, the DJ put on a slow song, the type that made holding her close acceptable. Since she seemed reticent, he guided her arms around his neck and set his hands on her waist.

She’s thin.
No doubt the stress from the divorce, and it wasn’t as though he didn’t like what he saw. But he wanted to help her stay healthy. He’d already formed a game plan to fatten her up a smidge, aiming to do something he’d never done for another woman.

He’d cook for her.

After Theresa left, money had been tight, so he’d stretched dollars by learning to cook. Amber had joined in, learning along with him. She was good. He was great. He could make one of his specialties for Mallory.

Since when had he needed to think of lame excuses to get a woman interested in him?

Most women liked the way he looked. His ego loved how their gazes lingered and how often they approached him instead of forcing him to make the first move. He wasn’t a tomcat, but since his divorce, he’d taken a few of the more interesting ladies up on their offers of intimacy. They were one-night stands—always at their places—that meant nothing to him except a satisfying physical release. He’d left instead of spending the night. While he made sure they enjoyed themselves, he’d never once considered starting another relationship.

His first marriage had been hell, and Amber needed stability. He wasn’t about to start parading women in and out of his daughter’s life. The few liaisons he’d had were private, and he hadn’t truly thought of seeking out a new mate. Marriage was for other guys.

Then Mallory Hamilton had called to ask his help. A week of getting to know her while he fixed her foyer floor and put a new toilet and vanity in her downstairs half bath, and he’d found himself besotted.

As they swayed with the music, Ben couldn’t seem to get her to loosen up. Holding her was akin to dancing with an ironing board. He let his hands drift up to rub small circles on her back, and she slowly eased her rigid posture. By the time a second song began, she was relaxing.

“This is my favorite song,” he whispered in her ear so she’d keep dancing. Then he dared to press his lips to her earlobe.

When she shivered and nodded, he smiled, grateful she couldn’t see his grin. She might mistake it for smug instead of for what it was—relieved. Her divorce was still fresh. She’d need time and patience to learn to trust another guy. Although he wasn’t at all sure Mallory would be anything more than a passing fancy, at least her surrender meant he’d have a chance to find out if she could be something more.

Ben loved her scent. Light. Utterly feminine. He tightened his embrace, wanting to press her against him so he could savor the feel of her in his arms.

“I—I didn’t think you’d ask me to dance.” Her voice was hushed.

“Why?”

“Because of Juliana. She’s so much more…”

“You mean the redhead?”

“Yeah.”

“She’s so much more what?”

“Pretty.”

Giving her a squeeze, he rubbed his chin on the top of her head. She was a little bit of a thing. Couldn’t be more than a couple inches over five feet. Delicate. Feminine. “Are you fishing for a compliment?”

She bumped his chin when she tilted her head back to glare at him. “No! I wasn’t… I mean…”

Ben flashed her a grin. “I was teasing. But you’re prettier. Besides… I know you. I don’t know anything about her.”

“It’s a mixer. You’re not supposed to know anyone here.”

“I don’t like mixing much.”

“Then why did you come?” She’d stopped dancing, so he did the same. Her eyes kept searching his, making him wish he knew what she was looking for so he could try to be that man.

“I came because Robert told me you’d be here.”

“How did he know?”

The conspiracy wasn’t supposed to be a secret, so he spilled. “Because your friend called and told him.”

Mallory leveled a frown at Juliana. “Figures.”

With a finger under her chin, Ben coaxed her to look at back at him. “What’s it matter? I’d been trying to work up the courage to ask you out anyway. I just figured I’d wait ’til I wasn’t working for you anymore.”

“Really?”

He held tight to his frustration and nodded.

Was she pleased that he’d gone out of his way to spend time with her? Not that he didn’t see her every weekday evening. But this was… different. They weren’t trying to talk around the buzz of his saw or the pounding of his hammer.

“The song’s about over. Want to go get a drink and sit and talk?”

Her hesitation hurt his ego, as did her taking a step back.

“C’mon, Mallory. What do you have to lose? Get to know me, and if I’m not a nice guy, I’ll go back to being just your contractor. Deal?” Ben held out his hand.

Her eyes found his. There was a sadness there that tore at his heart before a slow smile curved her lips. Then she gave him a nod and put her hand in his. “Deal.”

A vibrant Ben wasn’t at all what Mallory had expected.

Since she’d been the one to chitchat with him as he worked she’d believed he was a quiet, restrained guy. She hadn’t formed too many conclusions on what he was like on a more personal level because he hadn’t opened up. Now, as they talked, she tried to learn all she could about Ben Carpenter.

While he drank another beer and she sipped a fresh white wine, they bantered much like she’d enjoyed the first day they’d met. Things between them were easy and fun, something she hadn’t enjoyed with a man since… well, ever.

She’d always kept her guard up around guys, suspicious of their true motivation when they showed an interest in her. Sure, that smacked of a self-esteem problem, but she blamed a chubby childhood for that flaw. Perhaps she could someday think of herself without picturing the girl her aunts often claimed had too pretty a face to hide under all her baby fat.

On the other hand, the trials life threw her way had toughened her, made her look at herself with a new set of eyes—eyes that appreciated her finer qualities. She had a good heart. She was faithful to those she loved. And she had a passion for life. There was substance to her that many shallow women lacked. Perhaps her new inner strength was what attracted a guy like Ben Carpenter.

Mallory relaxed, enjoying the conversation until he abruptly turned the mood serious. “When was your divorce final?”

Her temper spiked at the notion someone was talking behind her back. “Who said I was divorced?”

He shrugged.

“How do you know I’m divorced? Robert told you, didn’t he?”

“Actually, I figured it out on my own first. He just confirmed it.”

“How could you figure it out?”

Ben’s smile helped her anger ease. “Well… first clue—the DIY projects at your house. Women don’t do those too often. From what I’ve seen, when they do start them, they also finish them.”

“That wouldn’t be enough to tell you I’m divorced.”

“Clue two, the tan line on your ring finger.”

Mallory whipped her hand up and looked at it, really looked. The white line left behind after she’d removed her wedding ring was now as bright as a flashlight shone in her eyes.

Her prickliness evaporated. She’d been so private about all the changes in her life, and the notion that she was nothing but fodder for gossip had fired her blood. She didn’t want sympathy or pity from anyone, especially Ben.

“Clue three… you mentioned a guy named Jay who’s conveniently not around.”

I’m a fool.
“Oh…”

“For how long?”

“Six months.”

“So I’m your first date?”

“This isn’t a date, Ben. It’s a chat with my contractor.”

“Why’d he leave?”

Lord, the man asked the most brazen questions. “How do you know
I
didn’t leave
him
?”

“Because you’re not the type of woman who’d walk out on a marriage.”

They’d known each other for so short a time, how could he possibly have formed any conclusions about her?

At least this conclusion is good.

“Fine,” Mallory said with a curt nod. “He walked out and I’m really glad he did. You know those vows you take? The ones that are supposed to be for a lifetime? Well, Jay thought that he was in for nothing but richer and health, and instead he got poorer and—” She shrugged.

Ben quirked an eyebrow.

She waved his unasked question away. “Let it go.”

“For now.”

While she wanted to say “forever,” she followed her own advice. “So let’s turn the inquisition around and focus on you.”

“Fine. What do you want to know?”

“What happened to
your
marriage? All I know is you’re divorced and that you’ve got custody of your daughter.” She’d learned that much from the times they’d talked while she’d helped him out. Her favorite thing so far had been to stand on the new laminate flooring so it wouldn’t move whenever he had to tap in a stubborn board. He’d teased her that she didn’t weigh enough to keep it in place. She’d countered by picking up her cat, smiling at him, and saying Rascal was enough added weight.

“I’m divorced because Theresa’s a selfish woman who doesn’t even care about her own daughter.”

“Amber, right?”

“Yeah. Amber. She just turned thirteen.”

“Fun age.”

“Not from what I’ve seen.”

“I was kidding. I wouldn’t teach middle school for a million dollars a year.”

Ben’s mouth thinned to a line. “Are all girls that age so… so emotional?”

Mallory let a laugh spill out. “Mister, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet.”

He rolled his eyes. “Super. Just what I wanted to hear.”

“Give it four or so years. She should become human again—right before you send her off to college.”

“Parents?”

He’d switched gears so fast he’d lost her. “Pardon?”

“Your parents. Where do they live?”

The sadness was still there. Probably always would be. As was the fear. “Mom died a few years back.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Yeah, well… so was I.”

“She must’ve been young.”

“Fifty-five. Breast cancer doesn’t care about a woman’s age.” She gave her head a shake to erase the memory. “Dad sold the house and moved to a retirement community in Florida. He loves it down there. Says he can reach just about anywhere he wants to go with his golf cart.” Since she wasn’t up to twenty questions about her life, she fired one at him instead. “Where do your parents live?”

“Chicago. They’ve been in the same house for the whole forty years they’ve been married. Raised two boys and more dogs and cats than I can remember.”

“That’s wonderful.”
Like a marriage should be.

The conversation strayed into idle musings until another slow song popped up. Most of the other people at the mixer headed toward the bar with the exception of four couples who’d obviously discovered they felt an attraction. They stayed to dance, and she envied them. The newness. The excitement. The fun of discovering each little new thing about a person.

Then she realized that was exactly what she was doing with Ben.

How had she let him in so easily? The walls around her heart she’d built after Jay left—the walls that made her strong enough to face everything on her own—had budged. They weren’t down, but there were already cracks and breaks she wasn’t sure she could plug.

Ben stood, holding out his hand. “Let’s dance, boss.”

“I told you, I’m not your boss.”

“All right, then…
Mallory
.” His warm baritone washed over her like the brightest of sunbeams. “Dance with me, pretty lady.”

Her eyes found Juliana. She was deep in conversation with a bald guy who had the best biceps Mallory had ever seen.

You go, Jules.

Mallory took his hand. “Fine. One more song. Then I need to go.”

Ben checked his watch. “So early?”

“I’m really tired. Okay?”

“Whatever the lady wants.”

This time, she went easily into his arms. Why fight the attraction? Nothing was going to come of it, so she might as well borrow as many tender moments as she could before Ben disappeared from her life. There were weeks of work left on her home, which meant she could get to know him better without having to date him. It also meant that if they didn’t click, she’d be stuck seeing him every day for quite a while.

Was she making a big mistake?

She didn’t think so once he wrapped his arms around her. His warmth was as wonderful as a fluffy blanket straight from the dryer. His shirt was soft against her cheek when she found the courage to lay it against his chest. When his chin dropped to rest on her head, she sighed in contentment.

“See,” he said, the word rumbling in his chest. “This isn’t so scary, is it?”

“No,” she replied. “It’s not.”

The song ended, and while she simply wanted to stay in his embrace, the time for fantasizing had ended. This wasn’t a grand ball, and she sure wasn’t Cinderella.

* * *

When Mallory stepped out of his arms, she might as well have moved a mile back. The distance was chilling, as was the way she suddenly masked the emotions she was feeling.

Ben had felt a connection. Their conversation had been easy, and the way their offbeat senses of humor complemented each other made him believe they might be good together.

Then she’d stepped back and raised that firewall of hers so quickly he couldn’t even fight it.

“I need to go.” She tried to walk toward her friend.

His hand snaked around her upper arm. “Wait. What’s wrong?”

Her responding yawn was as phony as the ones Amber gave him when she wanted to skip school and faked exhaustion. “I told you, I’m tired. Need to catch up on my sleep on the weekends.”

He glanced over to Juliana and saw she was engrossed with a man. “If you came with your friend, you’re out of luck. She’s gonna be busy for a while. Maybe I could drive you home? You won’t even have to give me directions.”

She didn’t rise to his teasing this time, which made him even more convinced he’d done something wrong. The problem was he didn’t have a clue what it was.

“No, thanks. I drove myself.”

“Then let me walk you to your car.”

“You don’t have to do that. This is a mixer, remember?” She shooed him away with the back of her hand. “Go mix.”

“I’ve mixed with the only woman I care to mix with.”

At least Mallory smiled. “That sounded kinda dirty.”

A small crack in the wall.
He’d try his best to crawl through. “Only
kinda
dirty? I’ll have to try harder next time.”

Reaching for her hand, he hoped she’d let him lead her to the dark parking lot—the perfect place for a test kiss.

He’d always believed in finding out if there was any chemistry before taking the next step with a woman. This time, he’d reversed the order, getting to know Mallory before checking to see if they were compatible physically. Since they’d clicked, Ben was dying of curiosity to see if that connection extended to the physical.

“C’mon, Mallory. Let me walk you to your car. It’s dark out there. I need to know you’re safe.”

“Fine.” Her gaze found her friend. “Juliana’s obviously not ready to go.”

“Obviously,” he drawled.

“You don’t have to bother, you know.”

“No bother.” He swept his hand toward the door. “Lead the way.”

Her SUV was about as far away from his truck as she could’ve parked.

Mallory stood at the driver’s door and gave him a hesitant smile. “I should go.”

“I had fun, Mallory.”

“Me, too.”

Her face lifted when she smiled at him. The moonlight bathed her skin, making her glow. The crickets’ song broke the silence that had descended upon them.

The perfect scene for a first kiss.

Leaning in, Ben gave her time to pull away if she didn’t welcome his attention. Her eyes widened then her lids lowered to half-mast. He was smiling when his mouth found hers.

The softness of her lips against his was painfully sweet. Moving slowly, he put his hands to her waist and pulled her closer, close enough her body pressed against his.

She tasted sweet, like wine, and he wanted more. Tickling the seam of her lips, he took quick advantage when she opened to his tongue.

Chemistry.

He’d wanted to know if they had any. The first brush of her tongue across his told him everything he needed to know.

They had enough chemistry to blow up a laboratory.

Mallory rose on tiptoes, so he held her closer, wrapping his arms around her, and finally lifting until her feet dangled. He wanted to devour her, to drink in all her sweetness. Her response was heated, frantic. She looped her arms around his neck and laced her fingers through his hair, tugging as though she couldn’t get enough of him.

They were playing with fire, one that could quickly flare out of control if he didn’t call a stop to it. But…
damn
. He loved kissing her.

He turned, leaning his back against her Escape while he ravaged her mouth. She shifted, rubbing against his erection. He groaned, hugging her tighter. Everything inside him screamed to take her home, to beg her to let him make love to her.

Ben finally found the strength to drag his mouth away, and he let Mallory slide down his body. She stopped when her small feet were on top of his. She weighed next to nothing.

He had to smile at her bemused expression. The woman looked thoroughly kissed.

He had to stop this now or he wasn’t sure he’d be able to regain any control.

“I—I should go,” Mallory whispered.

“Yeah.” If he tried to say anything more, he’d probably sound like a blabbering fool.

“See you Monday?”

Ben nodded while she chirped off her alarm. He opened her door and waited until she slid behind the wheel.

“Okay, then. Bye.”

He couldn’t help himself and leaned back in to brush one more kiss over her lips. Then he closed her door.

As she drove away, he noticed the magnetic pink ribbon—the one for breast cancer awareness he’d seen on lots of other cars. After hearing about her mother, he understood its significance.

He went to his truck, ready to leave. There was no sense in going back inside since the woman he wanted to spend time with was on her way home.

At least Monday was only two days away…