When Ben sat down beside her, she looked over at him. He looked tired, just like the rest of the guys.
“How are you, Ben? Are you okay?”
He smiled. “I’m good. Just exhausted. I might have to get to sleep early tonight… Or early for me.”
She glanced at the clock. It was already midnight. The guys usually stayed up an extra hour or two once they got on the bus to help release some adrenaline.
“You sure you’re good?”
“I’m good.” He patted her leg and looked around at the guys who were lounging around and turning on the gaming system. Then he leaned in close and lowered his voice.
“Hey, how’s Miranda doing after all that—” he gestured around them, “—stuff that happened earlier.”
“Surprisingly okay. She said she was already considering it, but after talking to me she said she realized she needed to break up with him.” Claire’s face pinched. “I really hope I didn’t influence her, and she doesn’t hate me later once it settles.”
Ben shook his head. “I don’t think she’ll regret it.”
“Why do you say that?”
He shrugged. “She’s been unhappy for a while. It was for the best.”
Claire studied Ben.
Wait a minute…
“Do you like her?”
He shifted in his seat, suddenly looking uncomfortable.
“Of course I like her. She’s my friend.”
“That’s not what I meant,” she said softly. The last thing she wanted was to draw the attention of the other guys and have the conversation end immediately. Her interest was piqued, and she needed to know.
Ben shifted again and cleared his throat, speaking louder. “Hey, Liam. Got room for me?”
Claire glared. “Ben, I’m talking to you.”
His eyes widened. “I just want to make sure I get in a round before I go to sleep. You understand.”
Then he stood and moved to a different couch. She stared after him wide-eyed. This washiscouch. The one he always sat on.
Everyone except Jake seemed oblivious to the exchange. Jake watched in amusement before moving couches and sitting next to her.
“What was that about?”
Claire continued to glare at Ben, who avoided all eye contact.
“I don’t know for sure. But I suspect I know.”
Jake raised an eyebrow. “Care to elaborate?”
She leaned in close to answer, and his soapy, clean scent immediately took over her senses. A need burned low in her belly, begging to be satiated.
A pitiful moan escaped her, and an amused smile crossed his lips. She sobered and straightened up, looking around the room, but the rest of the guys were now engrossed in their game.
Her face flamed. “You know. I think I’m going to go to sleep.”
“Are you now?” Jake asked. That smile was still there, taunting her.
