Page 90 of Dearest Protector

“Dinner will be around seven. Bring your suit. It’s hot and Kate will probably want to go for a swim later,” he instructed.

I nodded. “I’ll be there.”

“How disappointed are you going to be if Ariel doesn’t show?” Ian asked cautiously.

“She’ll be there,” I informed him.

“Then you have more intel than I do,” Ian observed. “All Kate told me is that she invited her. Later.”

“Later.”

The second that Ian was out the door, I started to text.

Chapter 23

Ariel

Istared at the message I’d just typed, wondering if I’d done the right thing.

Maybe I shouldn’t have sent it.

But honestly, I needed the break, and I really wanted to see Marilyn, Ian, and…Ben.

God, I missed him.

I sighed as I put the chocolate Katie had left for me on the table beside the couch.

Unfortunately, the bag was nearly empty, and I was just finishing off the bottle of wine Katie and I had opened.

I held my breath when I realized that Ben was typing a response.

Ben:Not awkward at all. I’d really like to see you, Ariel.

I breathed a sigh of relief.

Me:Thanks. I’d like to see you, too.

Ben:I’m headed home. Do you want me to pick you up? I’m sure there will be plenty of wine with dinner, and I know it gets to your head.

I glanced at my half empty wine glass. I’d already had a few glasses.

Me:Katie and I already had some. Maybe it would be a good idea if we rode together. Or I could just stay home, Ben. I really don’t want to intrude.

“Please tell me that you want me to go,” I whispered breathlessly as I waited anxiously for his reply.

Ben:I’m only going because you are. Text me your address. I’ll be there as soon as I get home and change.

My heart skittered inside my chest as I answered.

Me:No hurry. Dinner isn’t until seven. See you whenever you get here.

I sent him my new address, and then I plopped my phone onto the wireless charger and stood up.

I was wearing a bright red, off the shoulders top and a pair of jeans that hugged the crap out of my backside. The outfit would work fine for a casual gathering.

I went into my bedroom to grab a pair of sandals and a tote bag. I put my pool stuff into the bag and slid my sandals onto my feet.

I chastised myself for pausing to put on some makeup, change my earrings, and spritz on some light fragrance, but it had been a while since I’d seen Ben, so maybe I was slightly nervous.

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