Page 14 of Under The Cherry Blossoms
Moving quickly, his long legs eat up the space between us in no time, and he stops right in front of me. I can feel a grin on my face that matches his in size andbrightness.
“Hi,” Iwhisper.
“Hey, Squeak.” He leans down and, cupping my face in both hands, he places a soft kiss on my mouth that makes my every pulse pointjump.
Breaking our kiss before it has a chance to really begin, Ben looks over at Juliet and Layla who are almost swooning where they stand. Reaching out to shake their hands, he introduces himself. Layla, her face a bright shade of red, briefly takes his hand before rushing off to finish shelving the new arrivals. I sigh as I watch her go. That girl is as shy as Cassidy is outrageous, and I really do worry about hersometimes.
Turning my attention back to Ben and Juliet, I see them quietly conversing as if they’ve known each other forever. It’s a wonderful skill Ben has, the ability to put people at ease immediately, and one that I admiregreatly.
Wrapping my arm around his waist, I give a squeeze as I listen to Juliet telling Ben about her retirement, and I bask in the peace this moment fills me with. When there is a lull in the conversation I turn to Ben and ask what he’s doinghere.
“I was able to finish work early, so I thought I’d swing by and surprise you. Maybe hang around and watch you be all bossy until closing time and then take you out to dinner,” hereplies.
“That sounds like an awesome plan. I am feeling particularly bossy today, so you lucked out.” Ilaugh.
“Skylah, you two head out now. Layla and I can close up, it’s only a half an hour anyway, off you go,” Julietsays.
“J, I can’t ask you to do that. He can wait, can’t you, baby cakes?” I throw atBen.
“Of course, Ican.”
“Nonsense, I won’t hear any arguing. Off you go.” She shoos us away like we’re an annoyingbug.
Ben and I look at each other and I shrug. “Well, if she insists, there’s no pointarguing.”
“Exactly,” Juliet replies as she reaches down under the counter and hands me my purse and jacket. Taking them from her, I give her a kiss and thankher.
“Have a wonderful night, my love.” My heart swells from the look in her eyes. I miss seeing her every day, and today’s visit has reminded me exactly how much. Before my mood dampens, I take Ben’s hand and head for the doorway, calling out goodbye to Layla on our way. On the other side of the door, Ben drapes his arm over myshoulders.
“I know a great little restaurant not far from here, how do you feel about Italian?” Benasks.
“Um I feel like I would kiss your special place for a good lasagna rightnow.”
“My special place?” Ben guffaws at my attempt to be discreet. “Are you offering to suck my dick in exchange for Italian food, Squeak? Because if that’s the case I can get you lasagna every damnday.”
“Oh my god.” Laughing, I turn and hide my face in his shoulder. “Just feedme.”
“I’m trying.” Benlaughs.
“Food, Mackinnon. Feed me food!” And with that, Ben grabs my hand and practically drags me to therestaurant.
Later, as we sit chatting over coffee after enjoying a delicious meal, Ben’s attention is drawn to the register where a tall man with tousled light brown hair and an expensive-looking suit is staring solemnly at hisphone.
“Mason!” Ben calls out, and the man looks over and smiles when he sees Ben motioning for him to joinus.
As Mason ambles over to us, Ben throws me an apologeticglance.
“You don’t mind, doyou?”
“Of course not! It’s about time I got to meethim.”
“Yeah, he’s been working crazy fucking hours lately. I’m kind of glad to see him out of theoffice.”
Mason arrives and Ben stands up and pulls him into a hug with a firm backslap.
“Hey, man, it’s good to see you. Have a seat and meet my girl,” Ben says, pointing at a spare chair at our table and sittingdown.
“Mason this is Skye. Skye, Mason.” Mason reaches across the table to shake myhand.
