Page 60 of Resisting the Fall

“Penny and I are going to lunch.”

“Just the two of us!” she said excitedly from the backseat.

I stretched up far enough to get a glimpse and wave.

Of all the times for a daddy-daughter date, it would be today.

Ben glanced at me, silently asking what I wanted to do. Too bad my mom was at work or I’d just go hang out with her.

“Were you two headed here?” Carson asked, clearly sensing our hesitation. “Because if so⁠—”

“We’re on our way to the Walkers’ house,” I said before he felt obligated to extend an invitation. Taking over a new dental practice had required more time than Carson could have imagined, so there was no way I was ruining this chance for Penny and Carson to have some special one-on-one time.

Carson’s brows rose, and he gave me a blink-twice-if-you’re-not-okay look.

Tempted to blink twice, I instead pasted on a smile. “I wanted to come by at some point today, so text me when you’re home.”

Carson gave a hesitant nod, glancing between us. “Will do.”

“Have fun!” I called, waving at a smiling Penny.

“So…” Ben let his truck idle in the middle of the lane. “I’m guessing you don’t really want to head to my parents’?”

“That would be super awkward, right? Especially considering our situation.” I unbuckled my seatbelt. “I can just wait here for Carson and Penny to⁠—”

The sound of Ben’s phone ringing—well, not ringing exactly, considering it was playing the song I’d just set as one of his ringtones—echoed through the cab. Ben glanced around as if trying to find the source of it before realizing it was his phone blaring: I’m too sexy for my shirt. Too sexy for my shirt. So sexy it hurts.

His lips parted.

I grimaced. “You really should have changed your password.”

With an exasperated expression, he accepted the call. “Hey, Mom. Yeah. I’m actually just passing the Prices’ and will be there in a few minutes.” Whatever Ben’s mom said next caused Ben to send me a pointed smirk. “Yep, Maven’s coming with me.”

Despite Finn’s happy prance ahead of us, my heart rate steadily increased with each step I took toward the Walkers’ yellow two-story farmhouse.

“You okay?” There was not an ounce of sympathy in Ben’s expression, only that familiar hint of amusement. “You look like you’re about to be sick.”

“Just know, if I throw up, I’m aiming for your boots.”

Ben chuckled. “You’ve been here a thousand times. This isn’t any different.”

“Yes, it is,” I whispered in case any of the windows were open and there were listening ears around. “We’re divorced now.”

Ben leaned in close, his shoulder grazing mine. “We’re actually not.”

My stomach lifted, and I hated that he still had such a physical effect on me. So much for it being an old habit I simply needed to overcome. That was clearly never happening. “You know what I mean. I haven’t been here since…” How was I supposed to finish that? Since you left me? Since you shattered my heart? Since you chose this life over me? I cleared my throat. “…since you moved back to Vermont.”

“And?”

We headed up the steps to the back porch. “And your parents probably think⁠—”

“Maven.” He had reached the door, but instead of opening it, he stopped and faced me. “My parents adore you.” His expression softened, and his teasing morphed into something achingly familiar. “Nothing’s going to change that. Ever. Okay?”

My mouth suddenly felt like I’d tried to swallow a wad of cotton, so I just nodded.

“Good.” Ben glanced down at Finn, who sat on the step patiently watching the two of us. “Go on, boy. Just don’t get into too much trouble.”

Having received permission, Finn took off running in the direction of the stream.