Chapter 10

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They grabbed the table at the restaurant and sat, it was rare to be able to snag an outdoor table without having to wait at Clarey's, and it only took a moment for the waitress to greet them with menus, a bowl of water, and a few treats for Huck. She took their drink orders and retreated with a look at Ben. Lia wasn't sure if it was because of who he was or if it was because he looked particularly masculine with his tight t-shirt and beard.

Lia watched him as he stroked the beard on his chin while he looked over the menu.

"Is that why you grew it?" she asked.

"What? he asked absently as he turned over the to look at the options on the back.

"The beard?" she sipped her glass of sweet tea, watching him.

"My beard?" he asked, finally looking up with a frown.

"Yes, is it so that you have a way to direct extra energy while your working?" Lia mimicked his hand movement by stroking her chin. "It's kind of weird and probably unhygienic."

"So, it bothers you?" he smiled showing perfect white teeth, lifting his hand to stroke his chin once more. Then he pretended to pull something out and look at it before flicking it away.

"No, but I wonder what your outlet would be if you didn't have the beard?" she asked. "I bet you were one of those people who are always shaking their foot or leg," she said.

He shrugged. "One doesn't really pay attention to those things about themselves, do they?"

"I suppose not," Lia agreed, turning her attention back to her menu. "What are you going to have?"

"Waffles, with eggs and bacon." He put the menu down. "You?"

"Oatmeal."

"How boring," he teased.

"Ahh, but have you ever had the oatmeal here?" Lia asked. "It comes with cream, brown sugar, raisins, the works." She took a long sip of her tea closing her eyes as the coolness hit her throat. It was already hot outside. When she opened her eyes Ben was watching her, his expression unreadable.

"We should talk about this engagement thing," Lia suggested for something to say.

"Sure, go ahead," he leaned back with a grin as if he knew he had made her uncomfortable and he was amused by it.

"I'm glad I amuse you," she said.

"Me too," he agreed.

Lia rolled her eyes. "Now, about your moving in-"

"Ben is that you?" a beautiful blond with a very southern accent called as she approached their table from behind Lia.

Lia watched as Ben's entire demeanor changed, and he went from relaxed to tense, although it wasn't obvious. Lia noticed the way his hand clenched the fork next to his plate.

"Belle," he said, rising to give her cheek a kiss.

"Where have you been keeping yourself?" she asked, letting her eyes skim him, taking her time on his chest and arms. "We were talking about you the other day, saying how much we missed having you at our parties. You can always be counted on for a few good stories."

Ben gave a polite smile. "Belle, this is Lia," he introduced.

Belle looked over her shoulder, taking in Lia's jeans and t-shirt, before turning her attention back onto Ben. There was no greeting or smile.

Lia picked up her tea, wondering why Ben only introduced her as a friend.

She listened to the two talk about people they knew while she took her time looking over Belle's clothes. She was dressed very fancy for breakfast with friends, perhaps she had an appointment. She was wearing tight black pants with stiletto heels, a white silk shirt that was see through with a camisole underneath, and a large black handbag on her arm. Everything looked like it had cost a lot of money. Daddy's money no doubt.

Belle's accent was starting to get on her nerves and Ben was listening to what she was saying with what appeared to be great interest, but she had the feeling he was thinking about something else.

"I hate to break this up, and it was sure nice to meet you Belle, but I'm hungry and the waitress isn't going to come and take our order until you leave."

Lia didn't know what had possessed her to say such a thing, it was beyond rude and her mother would be appalled if she had heard her, but Lia didn't care. The women didn't care about her so why should she care.

Ben's attention turned to her, and instead of looking amused like she had expected him too, he looked upset. Belle looked down at Lia with a fake smile before she turned and kissed Ben on the check, taking her time to brush up against him as she did.

Lia would bet every cent in her bank account that she was that girl in high school and college that slept with all the guys in her circle. The question was whether she had slept with Ben or not. Lia realized that she didn't like the idea of Belle knowing Ben that well.

Belle left with a sexy smile for Ben and went into the restaurant, and Ben turned to Lia. "Did you have to be so rude?" he asked.

"Yes, she was unbelievable rude to me, as were you," Lia watched him as he took his seat. "That seemed like a good opportunity to get the word out that you're engaged."

Ben didn't get the chance to say anything as the waitress approached. She took their order then left while Lia watched the Ben she knew disappear before her eyes. Who he became she couldn't say, but his finger started to beat a steady rhythm on the table, and her earlier question was answered.

"About you moving in, when did you want to, I need to shift a few things around."

Ben looked at her as if he had forgotten she was there. "What?"

"Never mind," Lia said, reaching out for the waitress as she passed. "Can I get my oatmeal to go please?" she asked. The waitress nodded and looked at Ben he agreed that he wanted that as well.

Lia was disappointed. She hoped he would insist that she stay so that they could talk. She turned to look into the restaurant and saw Belle and her friends with their heads together looking at Ben through the window.

"Can you watch Huck, I need to use the restroom." Lia rose and made her way through the restaurant to the back, she didn't really have to go but she needed a moment to regain her equilibrium. Something had happened with Ben, and it was obvious to her that things had changed. He wasn't angry or grumpy or happy and friendly, he was just there.

The restrooms were singles, so she entered and closed the door, leaning against it. She was disappointed, she would be lying if she said otherwise. She had been looking forward to redoing the house and having Ben around, and she realized that she was just as upset that her pretend one-hour engagement was over as she was when her one-year engagement had ended, maybe even more upset.

Walking over to the sink she splashed some cold water on her face before washing her hands.

When she turned off the water, she heard voices outside the door.

"I don't care if he killed his wife, he is sexy as hell. I was jealous of Illanna when she snagged Ben. I have heard things about him, if you know what I mean. I always wondered what he saw in her."

"Right, she has nothing on you, but still, he killed her." the other voice said softly.

"It just makes him a little more dangerous." Belle laughed. "I think I'll have a go, he's rich as anything."

"You do know that Illianna was pregnant when he killed her right? And he killed her for her money, what if he does the same to you?" she hissed.

"You underestimate me, my dear," Belle laughed before she banged on the door.

"Lia threw it open with a brilliant smile. "All done," she said, brushing past the women.

"Wait! You're here with Ben, aren't you?" Belle asked.

"I am, my dog likes him, and he wanted a playdate with Ben. I think it's true love so don't get your hopes up." Lia waved her fingers and darted away. When she arrived back at the table, their food had arrived, and Ben was ready to leave.

Lia reached for Huck's leash and ignored the spark that shot up her arm as her fingers brushed Ben's

"Ready," she said in a chipper voice and started down the sidewalk.

Ben reached for her arm, stopping her. "I'm sorry Lia," he said softly. What he was sorry for exactly she wasn't sure. Was it his rudeness, his change in demeanor, or the end of their brief engagement? She didn't know, and she was too afraid to ask.

"It's alright," she said. Knowing that he had some ghosts that weren't going to disappear anytime soon.

They started walking with Huck who stopped to pee on things every so often.

"Geez Huck, how much do you have in there!" Lia demanded when they stopped for the tenth time. She watched as he walked to another bush, keeping his eyes on her, and lifted his leg one more time.

"You don't have to wait for us Ben, I'm sure you want to get back to your book, and Huck isn't going to be finished anytime soon. I should go back there and give the waitress a piece of my mind for giving him something to drink."

"No, it's fine, I'm not in any rush, it's nice to be out for a change.

"How do the shoes feel?" she asked looking at his feet.

He gave her a smile that she was pleased to see. "A little tight, I'm not going to lie."

They walked in silence for awhile while Lia began to think about the wedding that night, she wanted to make Chance nervous. It was no less than he deserved.

"Can I use your front porch tonight?" Lia asked.

"Why?"

"I want to invite my friends over to watch the wedding, a few beers, a few cat calls, maybe a little heckling, it'll all be good."

"I guess, although I would like to go on record as saying that I don't think it is a good idea."

"Officially noted. I think I have some cowbells somewhere, I can put one on Huck."

"Will he moo?"

"No, but he'll pee on everything!" she yelled the last bit as Huck once again lifted his leg. Huck sneezed lifted his nose, smelled the breeze, and then it was all Lia could do as he started to drag her down the street.

"Just leave the food on my car!" she yelled as she followed Huck.

The last she saw of Ben was his shaking head as he walked along behind them at his own pace.

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