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“I think so.”
For the last few days, in between sex sessions, Grace and I had practiced responses to fake questions. It had gotten to the point where I didn’t even have to look at my notes anymore. Which was exactly what Grace had wanted. And she had been right. I felt more confident and more prepared to respond to questions because I had the basics locked and loaded, ready to go at a moment’s notice.
“Do you want me to plant a question in the audience? I have some friends who could ask predetermined ones so you can—”
I held up my hand. “Thank you, but no. I got this.”
Grace was going to attend the session with me again. I wasn’t naive enough to believe that her actions and promises meant anything more than she had a kind heart. She’d said from the beginning that she was searching for her own good karma. When my need for help was over, she’d pull away and find another charity case to assuage whatever was bothering her.
But there was no denying that with Grace by my side I felt like I could do anything.
Chapter 19
Grace
Bob Crane’s retirement party was supposed to be a fun event. Instead, I was dreading my appearance, simply because I knew that Scott was going to be here. After that stunt he’d pulled at work with his friends, I knew he was volatile. Unpredictable. Terrorizing. And I wanted no part of him.
At least the party had alcohol. And I had Ben by my side. There was no way in hell that he would’ve let me attend without him. That fierce streak of protectiveness touched a place inside me I hadn’t known existed. A place that wanted his protection. And considering I’d spent the last few years doing everything in my power to avoid relying on a man it only made our relationship even more confusing.
“This is a great bar.” Ben’s big hand slid around my waist and pulled me closer. My entire body melted, tingled at his touch, and it helped to ease some of my nervousness. “Have you—?”
“Grace, I’m so glad you came.” Colette barreled toward us, a glass of white wine in her hand. Tonight she had dolled herself up a little—her outfit still Lane Bryant, but at least she had on some colorful lipstick and a beautiful diamond pendant necklace.
“Ben, this is my boss, Colette.”
“Lovely to meet you, Ben.” Colette held out her hand and in the same fashion as every other woman on the planet, took the time to admire him. “I’ve seen you at the office, but we didn’t have a chance to be formally introduced.”
“Colette.” He brought her hand up to his lips and pressed a gentle kiss on it. “I’ve heard so many good things about you. Grace just loves working for your company.”
Smiling, I shook my head. I would have expected nothing less. He knew how to work the charm better than any man I’d ever met. And that included the few male escorts I had befriended over the years.
“And I love having her.” Colette giggled when she pulled her hand away. “And what do you do, Ben?”
“I…” He looked over at me, as if asking for permission to tell her the truth.
I nodded.
“I’m Vice President of White Lace Productions.”
“White Lace?” Colette’s eyes focused away from them as if she was deep in thought.
“It’s porn,” Ben said with a wide grin.
Colette sucked in a quick breath, but luckily she recovered quickly and didn’t look too put off. “That is very…interesting. Your days must be quite fascinating.”
“They can be.” Ben reached behind us and picked up our drinks from the bar—a gin and tonic for me, a beer for him.
Someone called her name from across the room. “Colette?” Saved by a co-worker.
“If you’ll excuse me, I have a few guests I still have to greet.” Colette stepped away, but then stopped short, turning back with a smile. “I saw your report in my inbox. I’ll see you a bit later and we can…” Her eyes darted toward Ben. “Chat.”
Although Colette hadn’t seemed repulsed by Ben’s work, I hoped it really was my report she wanted to discuss and not Ben’s occupation in more detail.
I wasn’t ashamed of him. I wasn’t ashamed of being with him. My problem was my past, not his present. Besides, most people meet Ben and think what he does is awesome. If I were doing the same job, I’d get scoffed at and judged, simply because I have breasts.
What a shitty double standard.
“That wasn’t so bad, was it?” he whispered in my ear as soon as I turned, giving my back to the crowd. His arm found its way across my shoulder and pressed me to him, my hip nudging his crotch.
