Page 59 of The Fix Up

“Huh,” she said, and Ben heard the dark note again in that single syllable.

“Boxing might be more fun, but golf’s a game I have to master if I’m going to fit in as the CEO of a major corporation.”

“I suppose so,” she agreed. “Still, if you hate it, there are plenty of other hobbies you can take up in the name of being a well-rounded CEO.”

“You mean like skirt chasing and day drinking?”

Holly seemed to flinch. “Maybe stick with golf. But if I catch you wearing any of those really ugly golf pants, we’re going to have a talk.”

“Deal.”

Ben eased the car into a parking space, the same one where he’d parked his old Volvo the last time he’d been here. Had it really been less than two weeks since he’d first met Holly?

“So how are we playing this?” he asked after he’d switched off the engine and turned to her. “Are you my wife again?”

“Might as well stick with the original story, right?” She fished into her purse and pulled out the big fake ring she’d donned the first time they’d played this game.

Ben plucked it from her hand. “May I?”

“Be my guest.” She stuck out her left hand with a flourish, and Ben slipped the ring on. He didn’t let go of her hand, though.

“So as your husband, I’m allowed to hold your hand in the store.”

“Why not?”

“And maybe kiss you?”

She smiled. “I suppose that’s part of the act.”

“And I should probably pat your ass or grab your?—”

“Okay, now you’re just pushing your luck.” She shoved open the car door and got out, and she was still laughing as she leaned back down to peer in at him. “Nice Mercedes, by the way.”

“Thanks. Nice bra, by the way.” He nodded to where her shirt gaped open. “Blue lace. I like it.”

“You’re hopeless,” she said without venom as she slammed the car door and started toward the store.

Ben caught up with her in a few quick strides, and she took his arm without any hesitation. He caught the front door and pulled it open, gesturing her ahead of him. “Ladies first,” he said as he held the door for her.

“Thank you, honey.”

“My pleasure, snookiebuns.”

She rolled her eyes at him, but didn’t resist when he caught her hand in his and pulled her closer. It felt good having her by his side, and not just for the arm-candy effect his father seemed to feel was important. He liked spending time with her and enjoying her company beyond what she could do for his career.

He gave her hand a squeeze and looked around the store. “Let’s see,” he said. “Where were we the other day?”

From across the room, he saw the saleswoman he’d met with on his last visit. He watched her eyes light up, and she nearly tripped over her own feet hustling to greet them at the front of the store.

“Guess she’s eager to get that commission,” Ben murmured.

“She’s eager to get something, all right,” Holly murmured back.

“Well hello again!” the woman gushed. “My, that’s a wonderful color on you. Really brings out your eyes.” She touched Ben’s shirtsleeve, ignoring Holly completely. If Holly hadn’t pointed out the woman’s barracuda brand of flirtation the last time they were here, Ben wasn’t sure he would have noticed it.

But he was noticing it now, from the hungry way the woman looked at him, to the dagger glares she kept shooting at Holly. Ben put his arm around Holly, not sure if he was doing it to take charge of the situation or to feel Holly pressed warm and lush against him. Did it matter?

He extended his free hand to the saleswoman. “Good to see you again, Gloria,” he said, reading her name off the tag she wore pinned to her blouse. “I hope you’ve had a wonderful week?”

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