The Bottom Line (14 page)

* * *

Ben couldn’t stop a smile. He could hear the nervousness in her tone, probably the same anxiety he was experiencing.

How odd.
Never once had he ever felt the kind of shaky anticipation that now held him hostage—almost like he was a virgin again, a sixteen-year-old who wasn’t quite sure what he’d find the first time he put himself inside a woman.

Slow, Ben. Take it slow.

He kissed her—a long, thorough exploration of her mouth as his hands wandered her body. While he tried to be gentle, he was afraid his weight might bring her pain back. If she put a halt to things now, he’d obey her wishes, but he’d probably be the most frustrated man in the universe.

Just to be sure he protected Mallory, he rolled to her right side. His cock rubbed against her thigh, making him groan against her mouth. Trailing kisses down her neck and chest, he tickled her pink nipple with his tongue. It hardened into a tight nub that he drew between his lips. As he suckled, her hands cradled the back of his head. Her moan made him smile against her skin.

He needed to touch all of her. His hand smoothed over her hip bone, then down her flat belly to rest on her mound. The hair there was soft and fine, and he combed it with his fingers before he slid them between her folds.

He watched her eyes as he teased and stroked, seeking the most sensitive part of her. When he found it, she dug her heels in the mattress and arched her back.

“Easy, baby.”

“Ben…”

He rubbed tight circles over the swollen nub. “Do you like that?”

“Yes,” she hissed.

“Tell me what you want.”

“Faster.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Ben obliged her, enjoying her uninhibited response as her hips thrust up in a rhythm he longed to match while deep inside her.

A cry spilled from her lips as she strained against his hand. He slid a finger deep inside her before adding another. He captured her mouth, kissing her long and deep as she came. Only when her last spasm ended did he take his hand away.

After a few moments, she eased her mouth back and gave him a wan smile. With no warning, Mallory grabbed his cock.

“Damn.” Seemed like that was the only word he could use, but the feel of her warm fingers exploring his body rendered him nearly dumb.

Her thumb rubbed over the crown before she wrapped her fingers around him and stroked. “Damn,” she said in a breathless echo.

Ben fumbled for the bag she’d dropped on the mattress. The box was obviously sealed with industrial-strength glue, because it took forever to open. A string of condoms fell out.

“Let me,” she whispered, releasing him.

He groaned, wanting her hand right back where it had been.

Mallory grabbed a condom, tore the packet open with her teeth, and awkwardly unrolled the sheath over his erection. Each touch of her hands as she tried to figure the way to make it work was near to torture. A growl of need slipped out as she finally covered him completely.

Instead of lying back against the pillows, she forced his shoulders against the mattress. “I’m on top.”

Not caring if he made love to her on top, on bottom, or upside down, he did as she asked. Having her take charge made heat surge to his groin until his cock swelled unbearably.

She grabbed his erection, straddled his hips, and gently led him to her entrance. Slowly, deliberately, she eased down until she was impaled on him and he was buried to the hilt.

Ben dug his fingers into her hips, rocking up as he relished the tight heat of her body. After a few gentle thrusts, he set a hard, fast rhythm, hoping to hell he could hold back long enough to make her come again. As wonderful as her body felt—squeezing his cock as though she’d been made just for him—he was going to lose his normally steely control.

Mallory put her hands on his shoulders, leaning down to kiss him, her tongue wild as it sought his. Her fingernails raked his skin. The stinging sensation coupled with the softness of her body nearly sent him over the edge.

Thrusting faster and harder, he urged her to join him in the release that was building inside him. Just when he feared he would lose his battle, she threw her head back, closed her eyes tightly, and then cried out as her body clenched around him.

Ben buried himself deep inside her, letting the heat of his orgasm wash over him in waves that seemed never-ending. The thrill was even better because of the bright flush on her face and the way she hummed and rubbed her fingers against his chest.

Everything inside him thrummed, matching the pounding of his heart. “Damn.”

“Oh, Ben.” Mallory collapsed, resting her cheek against his chest. “You’re so eloquent.”

He grunted, wrapped his arms around her and decided if he died now, he’d die happier than he’d ever been.

Someone was banging on her front door, loud enough she could hear it the moment she turned off the shower.

Mallory grabbed the towel she’d draped over the shower curtain rod and wrapped it around her. “Ben?”

He’d been asleep when she woke up from their nap. After spending quite a while propped up on her elbow, staring down at him and remembering the wonderful way he’d made her body sing, she’d finally decided to take a shower and face the rest of the day. Tempting though it was to linger in bed, she had—as she always did—papers to grade.

She’d made a fresh pot of coffee and eaten a couple of donuts. Maybe Ben would get up soon and they could go out for brunch. She would’ve woken him up and asked if he wanted to shower with her if he hadn’t looked so comfortable.

The banging stopped then started again, louder. Someone was intruding on their peaceful Sunday.

“Ben?” She stepped into the bedroom to find him sitting up, running his hand over his sleepy face. “Did you hear the knocking?”

He nodded. “Who’s here?”

“I don’t know. But I’m not dressed for guests,” she quipped, tucking the towel closed and fluffing her hands through her wet hair.

He tossed aside the sheet, baring every inch of his muscular physique. “Neither am I.”

Mallory couldn’t help but stare. The man was a work of art. When her gaze fixed on his groin, his cock started to harden. She stretched an arm up to lean seductively against the door frame. “Is that an invitation?”

This time, the doorbell rang incessantly. Whoever was there wasn’t going away.

“Not now, but later? Most definitely.” He threw his legs over the side of the bed and grabbed his jeans.

She picked up his shirt and handed it to him as he pulled on and buttoned his pants. “Probably a delivery. Although I doubt they’d be that insistent. Most leave the package on the porch.”

“If it’s a salesman, I’ll send him packing. I can growl very effectively when I put my mind to it.” He gave her a no-nonsense kiss and headed down the stairs.

Mallory was just opening the closet door to choose some clothes when she heard raised voices. Having no idea what was going on, she snatched a long terry-cloth robe from a hook. After she dropped the towel, she shoved her arms in the sleeves and tied it closed as she hurried to the stairs.

Ben was standing with the front door open, hands on his hips as he glared at a big-breasted blonde who was gesturing so much with her hands, she could easily hit him. With bloodred nails that long, she’d do some damage if she got any closer. Was that a cigarette between her fingers?

Since their voices had dropped from a shout, Mallory couldn’t hear what they were saying, but their body language was easy to interpret. The blonde was pissed but good, and Ben wasn’t liking what he was hearing.

Taking it slowly, Mallory crept down the staircase. Fourth step from the top, the board squeaked loud enough to wake the dead.

The blonde stopped midsentence, shifting her gaze to Mallory. The hatred in those blue eyes took her breath away.

“So that’s her?” The blonde pointed the two fingers holding an unlit cigarette at Mallory. “That’s the whore you spent the night with?”

With a gasp, Mallory pulled the tie tighter and went to confront the enemy head-on.
Theresa, no doubt.
While Ben hadn’t told her much about his ex, Mallory was quickly forming her own conclusions. Years of dealing with parents from all walks of life made her a great judge of character. Although she hated to assume anything, she simply couldn’t see anything redeemable about the woman. For Ben’s sake, and Amber’s, she’d keep her opinions to herself and give Theresa a chance. That, however, didn’t mean she would allow the woman to call her a whore and think there’d be no response.

When she stood next to Ben, Mallory threaded her arm through his. “We have company. Did you tell her we were busy?” Leveling a hard stare at the blonde, Mallory shot her a cool smile. “And you are?”

“His
wife
,” she replied, jerking her thumb at Ben.

“Silly me. I thought he was divorced. That would make you his
ex
-wife.”

“C’mon, Mom. We should go.” It wasn’t until she heard the pleading words that Mallory realized Amber stood on the edge of the porch, one foot already on the steps leading to the driveway. “We were gonna go get lunch. Leave Dad and Mallory alone.
Please.
”

While she wanted to rub Theresa’s nose in the cozy little situation she’d intruded upon, Mallory’s heart went out to Amber. It was clear her mother didn’t give a shit whether she hurt her child, something else Mallory had seen far too often in her career.

How many times had divorced parents come to parent-teacher conferences for no reason other than to pick a fight with their exes? She wasn’t about to let Amber get treated like a prize in some tug-of-war.

Mallory pulled her arm back. “Look, Theresa…”

“I’m not talking to you.” She poked Mallory’s sternum with her index finger. Hard.

Had she still been hurting from the stretcher, Mallory would have been in agony. At least now it only felt like a sharp stab rather than a return of the torture she’d suffered the day before. She winced and quickly pulled her left arm protectively over her chest.

Ben’s roar was deafening. He grabbed Theresa’s wrist. “Keep your hands off her, Theresa. Or so help me—”

“What?” Theresa challenged. “What exactly will you do, Ben?”

His jaw clenched tight as he narrowed his eyes.

“Nothin’. Just like always. You’ll do nothin’.” She snatched her wrist away and rubbed it as though he’d hurt her.

It was a wonder she didn’t take a few pictures to show how she’d been abused. No doubt Theresa would be repeating her version of this story to her friends and probably the lawyer she kept on a string to harass Ben when the mood struck.

So much for being nonjudgmental…

Mallory focused on helping the only true innocent in the whole scenario. “Amber, why don’t you come inside? We’ll let your parents have a minute of privacy. There are fresh donuts if you want a snack.” She smiled at the girl, hoping she saw the sincerity in wanting to protect her.

When Amber nodded and tried to skirt around Theresa, her mother’s arm shot out to block her path. She leveled a hard stare at Mallory. “You’re not going anywhere near the kid. Shit, you and lover boy here were fucking around last night right in front of her.”

The teacher in her bristled. “I would truly appreciate it if you’d watch your language, especially around Amber.”

“Fuck you.” Theresa flicked her unlit cigarette at Mallory. It bounced off her chest and landed at her feet.

Mallory kicked it aside like a dead mouse. “Sets a bad example to smoke in front of your daughter.”

Theresa’s whole face mottled red. “The kid is none of your business. Sure didn’t care about her when you and Ben were screwing each other last night, did ya?”

While she was more than ready to blister the woman’s ears over why it would be best to shelter Amber from this scene, Mallory held her tongue. She didn’t know a whole lot about Theresa, but everything she’d seen so far had been bad. Really bad. If she persisted in her profanity and name-calling, Mallory was going to lose her temper. God help them all then.

Ben put a hand on Mallory’s shoulder. “Amber, why don’t you go inside with Mallory and let me talk to your mom?”

Amber came up the last step to the porch, but she kept a wary eye on her mother.

“Fine,” Theresa snapped. “Go on inside with Daddy’s new
toy
.”

Once Amber was in the house, Ben stepped out to the porch.

Mallory quietly closed the door, hoping to spare Amber any more embarrassment. Then she headed to the kitchen. She picked up the coffees, dumped the ancient brew down the sink, and tossed the cups away. After she grabbed a couple of plates, she set them next to the box of donuts.

“Help yourself,” she said. “I’m gonna make a fresh pot of coffee.”

While she worked on getting things brewing, she glanced over her shoulder, wishing she could take away the hurt on the girl’s face. Amber was a such sweet kid. She deserved better than a foul-mouthed mother on a histrionic bender.

“Do you like hot chocolate?” Mallory asked. “I could make you some.”

Amber just shrugged.

“Maybe a glass of milk instead? Juice?”

“Nah.”

“Why don’t you take your jacket off and make yourself at home?”

“Theresa’ll want to go soon.”

Theresa?

Interesting…
But not at all surprising.

After pressing the button to get things going, Mallory took two cups off the mug tree and set them next to the pot. Ben would surely want some after his little powwow with his ex. “You sure I can’t get you something to drink?”

“Maybe some… Oh, never mind. I won’t be here long.”

The pain in Amber’s voice told her more than enough about the girl’s relationship with Theresa. While she tried to help as many students as she could, at least Mallory could leave their problems at school.

Amber needed her.

After what she and Ben had shared, there was a possibility Mallory would be spending a lot of time with Amber, which meant dealing with Theresa. So she’d face it like she did everything—head-on. She’d handled parents a lot worse before. Theresa would never know what hit her.

What had possessed Ben to marry a woman like that?

Mallory didn’t bother comparing herself to Theresa. They were nothing alike, from their looks to their personalities. Nor did she bother with worrying that Ben would prefer a brash woman like his ex over someone more mild-mannered. Had Theresa’s in-your-face approach to life appealed to him, he’d still be married to her.

What Mallory focused on was Amber. Perhaps it was the teacher in her, but her heart went out to the girl. If there was anything she could do to make this whole awkward situation easier, she’d be glad to give it a whirl.

Opening the box of donuts, she smiled at the empty spots, remembering the goofy way Ben looked when he stood there with a donut between his lips. The only thing that might have improved the view was if he’d been naked at the time. The half-eaten cruller was sitting on the kitchen table, along with the chocolate-frosted donut with one big bite gone.

Mallory tossed those in the trash before picking up one with maple frosting. “I love icing.” She smiled at Amber, hoping to relieve the tension. “I’m a bit of an icing junkie. I’ll admit to eating cake icing right out of the container sometimes.”

“I’m sorry about Theresa.”

Evidently the daughter was as blunt as the father. So much for ignoring this elephant.

“You’re not her keeper, Amber.”

“Yeah, but…” She heaved a sigh. “I shouldn’t have told her Dad was with you.”

At least that explained how Theresa found out not only that she was dating Ben but where she lived. The only question remaining was why the woman was looking for him to begin with. Since Amber appeared near tears, she let that question go. “I’m sure you didn’t expect her to do something like this.”

Amber’s dark eyes—so much like her father’s—found Mallory’s. “I should’ve. Theresa does stuff like this all the time.” Her lower lip quivered. “I’m really sorry.”

“I don’t blame you, honey. Look, why don’t you take off your jacket? Grab a donut and have a seat. Let your dad take care of this.” She pulled a chair out and sat down. “I’d guess he’s pretty good at handling your mom.”

The girl snorted, but she picked up a blueberry donut, dropped it on the plate, and brought it over to the table. She peeled off her jacket, sat down, and munched on the donut. Her mouth was still partly full when she said, “Dad does his best, but…” She finished the thought with a frown.

There were so many things Mallory wanted to say to Amber to try to ease her mind, but she wasn’t sure it was her place. Sure, things between her and Ben had taken a leap into “serious,” but that didn’t give her permission to interfere with his child. Her experience told her Amber needed reassurance because she was worried that Mallory was judging her based on her mother’s actions. Far from it. If anything, she was impressed at how well Amber and Ben kept cool in the face of Theresa’s anger.

She finally decided to speak her mind. “You’re handling this situation well.”

“You mean Theresa making an ass of herself and calling you dirty names?”

Yep.
Amber was truly Ben’s daughter.

Mallory nodded.

“I guess I’m just… used to her. If I hadn’t told her the car was yours, she wouldn’t know about you and Dad.” The floodgates seemed to open. “She’s jealous. Dad’s had dates before, but nothing like… like… you.” A smile curved her lips. “Theresa can’t stand it.”

“Amber, you don’t have to talk about—”

She gave her head a shake. “I know, but I want to. I’m not used to having someone to talk to.”

Ben had never spoken of Amber’s friends, so Mallory bit her tongue instead of asking about her social life. Just because she had the Ladies Who Lunch didn’t mean Amber had that kind of support system.

“Once I told Theresa about you taking Dad and me to the gymnastics exhibition, all she wanted to do was ask about you. She hates that Dad likes you so much.”

Exactly how much had Amber told the woman? “Did you, um… talk about my… Oh, never mind.”
No.
She wasn’t going to put the girl in that kind of awkward position.

“I didn’t tell her about your cancer.”

Some kids grew up awfully fast. “Probably a good thing.”

Amber nodded.

The front door opened, and Ben came down the hall into the kitchen. He looked to Mallory first, the apology clear in his eyes. Then he shifted his gaze to Amber. “Hey, ladybug. Your mom wants to take you out for lunch.”

“With what? She told me she was broke again.” After she blurted out the words, she quickly glanced to Mallory as though mortified she hadn’t guarded her response.

“She’s not broke now,” Ben replied. “Do you want to go? If you don’t, I can talk to her and—”

Amber popped to her feet and picked up her jacket. “I’ll go.”

“She said she’d have you back in time to do your homework.” He tossed her a conspiratorial wink.