CHAPTER 22 KAYLEE
It’s in the car on the way home when I confront my mom. “You and Jeb looked awfully cozy…” I say from the backseat.
“Don’t be silly,” she says.
“That’s not a denial,” Jack points out.
She shakes her head. “We had a nice conversation. That was it.”
“About what?” I press.
“About having kids playing professional football. We met years and years ago at one of Jack’s San Diego games, and so we just caught up on the years that have passed since.”
“So when’s he taking you to dinner?” I tease.
To be clear, I’m teasing because if she really starts dating Ben’s dad, I might cry.
Not because I don’t want her to move on with her life…
because it’s crossing all sorts of lines for her to be dating the dad of the guy I’m secretly kissing in private offices.
“Oh stop it,” she says.
My brows rise as Kate and I glance at each other. “Did he ask you?”
She sighs. “In a few weeks, okay? But it’s not like that.”
I hold up both hands. “You are free to live your life, Mom. No judgment here.”
She keeps her eyes carefully out the windshield. “We’re just two people going to dinner. Before you get any ideas in your head, that’s all it is.”
I decide to test the waters. “Great because I’m totally interested in Ben and if you’re dating his dad…”
“Ben?” she protests at the same time Jack roars, “Ben?”
“Isn’t he a little…” Kate trails off.
“Old?” I fill in the blank.
My mom turns around to glance at me. “Well, yes, he’s ten years older than you, but that’s not what I was going to say. Isn’t he a little wild for you?”
I lift a shoulder. “Maybe I’m not quite as innocent as the Dalton clan likes to paint me.”
This time both her brows shoot up.
I jump back in before she draws any conclusions. “I’m kidding, Mom.” But the problem is…I’m not. I toss it back to her court to get the attention off myself. “What’s this about Jeb? Are you planning to watch HGTV and AMC with him while you split a bottle of wine?”
She sighs. “I’m too old. Too set in my ways. Too…too many different things.”
Jack pulls into her driveway and reaches over to squeeze her hand. “I haven’t seen you relax in months…in a year, really. Even longer. Maybe you just need a friend who isn’t related to you.”
She nods. “I think that’s why I told Jeb I’d meet him for dinner. It’s nothing romantic, so please don’t get the wrong idea. Talking to him tonight just felt nice. It felt like I had a friend after I’ve felt very alone since moving out here.”
“I know, Mom,” he says. “This will be good for you. And you never have to feel alone because you’ve got me, Kay, and Luke close by.”
She nods and leans in to kiss his cheek. “Love you, Jack. You girls, too. And you, sweet JJ. Sleep tight.”
“You too, Mom,” Jack says.
She gets out and blows us kisses, and once I get back to Jack’s place, I pour myself a glass of wine and head up to my room. I pull out my phone. Ben said he was going out after the game, but that doesn’t mean I can’t make sure I’m the one on his mind while he is wherever he is.
Me: We could’ve used that desk, you know.
His reply comes quick, which tells me one of two things—either he was waiting for me to text him (which is dangerous given our situation) or he’s bored wherever he’s at.
Trouble: I’ve got a desk at my place if that’s what you’re into.
Me: But you’re not at your place.
Trouble: No, I’m not. But now I’m wishing I was.
Me: Did you know your dad asked out my mom?
Trouble: [face screaming in fear emoji]
Me: Right?
Trouble: That’s not how he told the story, FYI.
Me: Oh?
Trouble: Your mom asked my dad to dinner.
Oh God.
Trouble: I asked him if he wanted me to come with (mostly so I could see you) and he said no.
Me: Which means he wants to be alone with her? [nauseated green face emoji]
Trouble: Looks like it.
Me: You know, if you want to take me to dinner, we could arrange that.
Trouble: Can we, though?
As I read his words, I realize he’s right.
No, we can’t. For one thing, we’re not in a relationship, and going out to dinner together would definitely violate the stipulations of our agreement.
Plus, he’s Ben Olson. He’s one of the most recognizable faces in professional sports.
He can’t just go out to dinner. And then there’s the whole fact that nobody can know about our secret sex sessions.
Me: Nope.
I’m starting to like this arrangement less and less even though all I want is more and more of Ben.