Page 30 of Ride Me

Chapter 6

“You sure about this, Legs?”

“You’ve spent weeks talking me into it, are you chickening out now that we’re here?”

Ben leaned back in his chair at their private outdoor table at Rousseau’s café, lifting his face to the sun for a moment before shaking his head, a wicked smile curving his lips. “No way. I just want to make sure you know what you’re getting us into.”

“I don’t, but I’m doing it anyway.”

“Remind me to thank Mambo Toussaint for that gris-gris she gave you.”

Allegra raised her eyebrow knowingly. “I don’t think she meant it for you at all. In fact, I’m sure of it. I have a feeling she sees you as perfect son-in-law material.”

Ben flinched. “Sadly, I’m afraid her matchmaker skills are off when it comes to her daughter. I’m the last person in the world Michelle wants. She’s told me often enough.”

Not “I don’t want her” but “She doesn’t want me.” She’d been right. He had a thing for her best friend. Maybe she should have left him out of this. She just wasn’t sure she could work up the courage to do it without his help. “Are you positive you want to do this with me?”

He reached for her hand, catching her gaze with his own. “Are you kidding? You are a fascinating woman, and Rousseau is the best guy I know. Plus, I think you need a spotter.”

She started to choke, pulling her hand from his to reach for her bottled water. Ben’s expression of innocent concern wasn’t helping. “A spotter?”

“Like in gymnastics? A spotter is there in case someone takes a tumble.” He shrugged at her disbelieving expression. “What? My mother loves the Olympics. The point is, we trust each other enough and like each other enough to turn BD on and drive Rousseau crazy. I’m actually the star of this plan, so you can’t ditch me now that it’s getting interesting.”

“How exactly are you planning to drive him crazy?”

“Don’t look now, but it’s already working.”

Allegra turned her head to glance through the café window. Rousseau was untying his apron, motioning the last of the female stragglers out the door, his angry gaze never leaving hers. “Uh-oh.”

She watched, her heart in her throat, as he strode out the door, rounding the corner until he was standing beside them. “We’re closing early today. I’m going to need to take the table inside.”

“I’ll help.” Ben started to stand up, but Rousseau’s look froze him in his seat.

“It’s the middle of the afternoon. You two always come in the morning. What are you doing here?”

Ben shrugged lazily, his expression so relaxed Allegra wondered if he’d ever taken any acting classes. He had skills.

“We’re here for a—” He glanced at Allegra, who nodded adamantly. “Yes, I do believe we’re here for a threesome. Is the café closed for that?”

“Don’t start this. Not today.” Rousseau stepped closer to Ben, fists clenched at his sides as his friend got to his feet.

“Sorry, man. It’ll never happen if I leave it up to you. You’re too scared to go after what you want.” Ben’s words made Allegra groan.

“And you never think about the consequences. How do you think Allegra will feel when she realizes you’ve been holding a torch for her roommate for years?” He lowered his voice. “How do you think this is going to end, Ben? If you cared at all—”

“I want you, Bone Daddy.”

Allegra slapped a hand over her mouth, eyes wide as Rousseau whipped around to face her. She’d said it. She’d wanted them to stop fighting and the words came tumbling out.

“Allegra.” His tone was disappointed, but his handsome face lit with an excitement he couldn’t quite conceal. “Who told you?”

“Not you.” She lifted her chin stubbornly. “Do you want me to take it back?”

“No, damn it. Ben, get her upstairs. Fast.”

She saw the golden cast to his eyes and her heart started racing. Ben picked her up in his arms again and headed inside, ignoring the growl they heard behind him.

She leaned her head on his chest, trying to catch her breath and worrying about what happened next. “This is getting to be a habit.”

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