Page 4 of Ride Me

There was definitely a story there, but so far, no one was filling her in.

“I’m glad you kept our secret.” He pulled Michelle’s dessert closer, dipping his finger in the creamy concoction once more before holding it up to Allegra’s lips. “Can’t let the mean old art teacher ruin all our fun.”

She automatically opened her mouth, her tongue flicking the pad of his finger for a taste. His thick lashes fluttered in surprise and he smiled in approval. “Look at you, owning your inner temptress. Someone is practicing for tonight.”

“That someone is not me.” She rolled her eyes. “And condescending is not the new sexy, Benjamin. Since I’m hiding the fact that this plan was your idea, you need to start telling me some truths.”

“I’m an open book, Legs. A few of the pages might be written in invisible ink to protect the innocent, but still. Open.” He held his palms out, sending her an inviting wink.

Despite her loyalty and Michelle’s apparent disdain, she couldn’t help but like this man. She doubted there were that many people immune to his Southern charm and easy smile. There was something about him beyond all his outward appeal that made her trust him, and it had been there from the start. He’d shown up at her special table, sitting down to join her and she’d let him, feeling as if she’d known him for years.

He called her Legs. From anyone else she’d think it was intended as an insult. A way to point out the fact that she walked now with a distinctive limp. That beneath her sweat pants her left knee and thigh was riddled with scar tissue from multiple surgeries. But his green eyes had been full of mischief and free from judgment, and somehow, she’d known that Legs was short for Allegra, and her injuries hadn’t even occurred to him.

It was refreshing.

He also just so happened to be a treasure trove of information on her favorite subject.

Ben had known Rousseau for years, and was unusually willing to assuage her curiosity. Almost eager. She’d learned about Rousseau’s favorite color, his favorite music, the fact that his unique looks came from his Haitian father and a mother who was half Portuguese and half Irish. She’d learned that his father was a deadbeat dad, and Rousseau had grown up early because of it, skipping college to start his own business, sending his sister to school and looking out for his mother.

To hear Ben tell it, Celestin Rousseau was as angelic as his name. If it weren’t for his tomcatting reputation, she’d think he was too good to be true.

Don’t go forgetting about that reputation.

Ben tilted his head to get her attention. “I’m sensing a disturbance in the force from my lovely almost partner in crime. What’s wrong?”

“Maybe I’m having doubts.”

“For example?”

“Maybe I was wondering if you’re doing this for me just to tick off my best friend. For example.”

He winced. “Do I really come off like that much of an asshole?”

“No!” She covered his hand and squeezed apologetically. “I’m sorry, Ben. You’ve been wonderful about all of this and I’ve been a mess.”

He lowered his voice. “You’re wondering if it’s all one sided. What you’re feeling. He’s never made a move on you, and you’ve seen him with other women. Lots of other women.”

She gave him a sideways glare. “You’re kind of creepy when you do that.”

He shrugged. “I can’t help being observant, Legs. It’s a family gift. And I won’t deny that Rousseau is a complicated man, but all is not what it seems. I know for a fact that he wants you.”

“For an actual fact? Or a slightly exaggerated to make me feel better Ben-fact?”

“Ouch.” He clutched his chest. “An actual fact, Allegra. I’ve never seen him so out of sorts over a woman.”

“You say that, but you can’t explain why he won’t talk to me for longer than five minutes without looking for an escape route. If you tell me he’s shy after what I’ve seen, I’ll walk right now.”

He grimaced. “I’m not sure how to explain it without breaking a confidence. Let’s just say he’s convinced himself of something that isn’t true, and it’s our job to show him he’s wrong. He just needs the proper incentive.”

Ben had been dangling this particular carrot in front of her for weeks. That Rousseau actually wanted her. That she could have him if she took a risk. If she believed what he was telling her.

“Believe it,” he said, making her hand twitch in surprise.

She started to pull away but he twisted his fingers around to hold hers still, his thumb lightly caressing her knuckles in a soothing motion that was oddly effective. “I can get him there tonight and keep the wolves at bay, but after that you have to take the reins. Let him know, without a single doubt, that it’s him you want.”

As far as seductions went, it sounded underwhelmingly simple. Too simple.

“That’s all? I shamelessly embarrass myself and he falls into my arms?” Allegra leaned back in her chair with a sigh. “While the role reversal gets points from my inner feminist, I’m still not convinced it’s going to work. What if he says no?”

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