Kenzie was persistent and wanted to know about every moment he and Sloane spent together. He didn't kiss and tell which frustrated his nosy sister.

"What is Sloane saying?" He was deflecting as much as he was digging.

"Nothing. I haven't had a conversation with her since her party. She works too much. Just tell the truth, do you like her?"

"I don't hate her." He smirked.

"Argh! You're no help!"

He laughed as he enjoyed his chance to torture his sister. Jett laughed, although he might have regretted it after Kenzie sent him dagger eyes. He wasn't certain how he felt about her. He knew he wanted to see her again. Playing things cool was hard. He called her just to hear her voice and ended the call with a date.

After securing the most sought after reservation in Beantown, Ben cursed his cast. He wanted his freedom back but immediately chastised himself for being so selfish. It wasn't a career ending injury like his father endured. He had met too many fans with challenging disabilities, so he had no right to moan about a month or two with a cast, even when it was damn itchy and irritating.

Ben arrived at Sloane's just as Dominic was leaving on his date. Dominic appraised him. "You look hot. Where are you taking her?"

He looked down at his sports coat. He dressed similarly for her birthday party. "Dinner. What about you two?"

"I'm taking him to Harvard Square. He's new to town."

"Have fun!"

Dominic winked. "You too. No home run."

The two men laughed as they got in the car. He turned back toward the door and he stopped when he saw her. She wore a skirt which showed off her gorgeous legs.

"Did you hear him?" He felt embarrassed.

She nodded. "That's just Dom. He likes to tease me."

"You look beautiful." He took large steps to close the distance between them. Reaching his good arm up, he caressed her cheek and cupped her chin. She licked her lips just before he captured them. "I've been thinking of that all day."

She blushed. "All day?"

He smiled. "I lied. Since you left on Saturday night."

She gasped. He wanted her, but it was not the night to knock it out of the park. He followed her inside and pulled out a tie. He probably could manage, but having her tie it was more fun.

She smiled, and he put his hand on her hip and left it there. He liked the heat from the reaction of her body touching his. Her fingers grazed his neck, and he resisted the urge to pull her body against his.

"Perfect." She gave it one last tug.

He kissed her again, but reluctantly pulled away too soon. "We have an eight o'clock reservation."

They passed by Boston College on their way in town and talked about college. "You must have had girls flocking you."

"I don't know. I didn't date anyone serious."

"Kenzie said you did."

"My sister doesn't know what she's talking about." He was never serious because he was stupid for thinking Kimmy needed to grow up.

He sensed her looking at him. "You disappeared again."

He let out a nervous laugh. "I'm not Harry Potter and I am still driving."

His stupid joke successfully changed the subject to the series about the boy wizard.

Ben sighed. "I never understood Kenzie, she liked those stupid vampire books better."

"Not me, although I saw the movies.

As he drove towards Boston Common, she asked, "Where are we going?"

He pulled up to the valet parking. "I threw my name around and got a reservation. I'm sure you've been before."

She nodded. "It's one of Ted's favorite restaurants. The food's incredible, but it's been impossible to get a table since the review in Beantown Magazine."

"It's hard to impress you."

She put her hand on his arm. "You already have."

He helped her out of the car, enjoying the view of her long legs.

The maitre'd greeted them. "Mr. Lynch and Miss. Calhoun."

The restaurant was quiet and dark with candles flickering on white cloth covered tables. At the table, he took her hand. "He recognized you."

"He knew you too. You're the one with your own eating challenge."

He laughed. She always turned the attention away from herself and downplayed her wealth.

"What does your brother like to order here?"

"The duck which they're known for."

"Are you glad about him and Mia?" She had sounded strange after she mentioned their engagement.

She smiled. "I wasn't really surprised. It makes sense, Ted loves kids."

"What do you mean?"

"Just that they'd want to get married because they'll want a baby."

"So are you against marriage too or just kids?" Why did he ask that?

She shook her head. "I have nothing against marriage. It just seems more of a priority for people who want kids."

He nodded. She had a point and after Angela who pushed for the rock on her finger, Sloane's opinion was refreshing.

"Sage and Aidan have been together a long time but haven't been married too long."

"Did they live together?"

"Yes, but they didn't rush to get married. We all knew they would, and now they're having a baby."

"I feel like I'm the only one in the world who doesn't want to do the kid thing."

She raised her hand. "There are others. I told you about Jonathan."

"Your tennis partner, who's where?"

"Africa, somewhere. His older brother's been married for years with no kids."

"Maybe they can't."

"No, she's into her career. An ice princess."

He smirked. "You're not ice. You're hot. So how's work going?"

"Good. The Calhoun marketing department is putting out a press release on our company and they set up a website. We're a legitimate company now, even though my name will carry us."

"Your work will speak for itself." He was confident she'd be successful. "I see the doctor this week. Hopefully, the cast comes off."

She squeezed his hand and smiled. Ben hated to let go, so he could eat. The only thing he hated more was seeing other diners taking his picture. That was why he kept his cast under the table and they skipped dessert. Sloane claimed she was full, and he didn't need it. He was out of shape, because of his inability to work out.

Self control dictated he didn't follow her to her door. She had to work in the morning, even if he didn't. He kissed her and drove home with her scent lingering in his car.

She texted him a link to an article in the Globe's business section about her and Dominic. Later, his publicist called him.

"The buzz is out about you and the Calhoun woman."

"Her name is Sloane and we're dating."

"She's making a name for herself."

"She's always had a name. She's very smart and successful."

"This is a new type for you."

"I pay you for PR not to give your opinion on who I... see." He almost said loved and wondered if it was true.

"Fine, at least the other one is making a splash all over social media with the pitcher in Texas."

He could kick himself for not listening to his sister. He knew what she'd be telling him, if he gave her the chance.

At his appointment, Dr. Edwards smiled. "The x-ray looks good. We'll put you in a splint for protection until you get some strength back."

"What can I do? Can I run and lift?"

"You need to meet with the trainer, but running should be fine with the splint on."

"Do I have to wear it all the time?"

"Not if you're sitting around. We'll want you to use the hand again."

"Like to eat and sign autographs?" The doctor nodded. "Do I have to wear it to sleep?"

"No, but let's get this thing off you. Then you can go see the training staff. They're anxiously awaiting your rehab process."

He smiled. "Me too."

He thought of sharing his news, but Sloane was working. What did it mean when he thought of her and not his father or best friend?

He spent the afternoon with the trainers, setting up a schedule and getting a list of dos and don'ts. Finally he ran, but they insisted he start slow.

"You don't want to strain or worse pull any muscles."

When he finished, he picked up his phone to text Sloane. Maybe she was free to celebrate. He had fourteen missed calls. Most were from Sloane and Kenzie, but a few were from his father and Jett. His heart pounded. Something was wrong. He listened to his voicemail and kept uttering one word over and over — fuck.

He dialed Sloane's number. "Ben! Where were you? Are you okay?"

"I was great. The cast is off. I was with the trainers. What the hell did she say to you?"

"She wanted to meet me since I was dating her son. You hardly mentioned her, so I knew something was fishy. When I couldn't reach you, I called Kenzie. Don't be mad."

"Did you agree to see her or give her anything?"

"No, I told her she should talk to you and I hung up. She pretended to be a customer to get through to me."

"Does she have your phone number?"

"No, I'm using a service to take our calls. They forwarded the call, but it blocks my number. I'm sorry."

She had security measures in place for herself. "Why are you sorry?"

"I got Kenzie involved."

He sighed. "She's been involved since the day she was born. I'm sure Kenze told you she wants money. She used Angela to get to me."

"Is that why you broke up?"

"Yes, and no. I found out you were more trustworthy when I didn't even deserve your trust."

"I would never deliberately hurt you."

"But I hurt you."

"Not, this again. Remember, I have your punishment planned."

"I'm scared."

"Don't be."

"When can I see you?"

"Tomorrow night. Will you tell me about her?"

"I prefer to pretend she doesn't exist."

"I have to get back to work."

His damn mother overshadowed the good news about his cast.

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