Page 17 of Kindred Lies
He tilted his head in confusion. “I suppose I get that. Why didn't Nick help though? I hadn't realized he'd be visiting”
It appeared he still needed further explanations. “Oh he didn't arrive until afterwards. I guess he's injured and is only visiting while he's on the mend.”
“I see.” He frowned. “This isn't a planned visit.”
“That's my understanding. He's awfully rude though. I just ran into him a little bit ago. I have never been interrogated so thoroughly in my life.”
Ben laughed before he said, “That's Nick. He's ex-navy turned FBI agent. I don't think he knows any other way to act.”
It explained a lot actually. Most likely he just needed to look out for the people he cared about and he only knew one way of doing that. She could forgive his rudeness and boorish behavior. “I suppose that makes sense. It just made me uncomfortable, ya know?”
Ben nodded. “You get used to it. So since you don't have any specific plans you want to go out on the boat with me?
Amethyst's face lit up with pleasure at the idea of going out on the lake. She adored bodies of water, but for some reason this lake called to her more than any other had before. Still she needed more information before she agreed. “I don't know. What kind of boat and how long do you plan on keeping me prisoner on the water if I go?”
He held his hand over his heart. “Prisoner? Me? Never… I solemnly swear that I'll only keep you out on the lake for a few hours. If you want to come in sooner just let me know and I'll head back immediately. As far as the boat goes… It's an amazing little speedboat that dances over the waves. You'll love it I promise.”
Amethyst smiled. “That sounds marvelous. I only have one issue. Well two actually.”
“Explain.” His lip tilted upward into a sinful smile. Ben’s golden good looks and easy charm made it easy to be around him. He didn’t make her heart flutter like Cooper did though. “I'll fix 'em lickity split so we can get out on the lake and enjoy this beautiful day.”
His wide grin was infectious. What a goof. So far he lived up to every one of her expectations. “Number one, I'm starving. Number two, if I'm going out on a boat I'll need to change first.”
“Ah minor details.” His voice was soothing and full of confidence. “Tell ya what. I'll get the stuff for a picnic lunch we can take with us. You go back to the inn and change.” He paused a moment and said, “I'll pick you up in an hour. Sound good?”
He did solve plans fast. She didn't see any reason not to go. “I can deal with that. I'll head back now. I can't wait to see that boat of yours…how did you say it? Dance across the water.” The more she thought about it she was really liking the idea of spending time on his speed boat.
His face lit up with pleasure. “You’re going to love it.”
With those words she turned away from him and headed back to the inn. It shouldn't take her too long to change. She liked the idea of going out on the boat with Ben and enjoying the sunshine. She could always go back to her research later. After her nightmares she didn't really want to rush back to it anyway.
