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CHAPTERNINE
Benson and Prestonpulled in front of their modest home that sat on about a half-acre. It was a one-story, white wooden structure with black shutters, and a contrasting red door. What struck Ariel the most about their home was the wrap-around porch. On it sat two rocking chairs surrounded by pots of different colored mums. Ariel wanted to ask if they’d ever spent an evening out there watching the sunset, but she could guess the answer. No. They both seemed too busy to have the time to enjoy such a wonderful experience.
As for the feminine touches like the plants and colorful seat cushions, she imagined his mother or sister had a hand in the decorations.
While Ariel had never seen Benson’s family’s home since it was set so far back from the road, she always pictured it being some sprawling log cabin. The inside would be comfortable and cozy, especially on a winter’s night. And the kitchen! Oh, my. With so many children, it would be huge—a real cook’s dream. Not that she was a great cook, but she might learn to be if she had the space.
Preston placed his thumb on a scanner next to the front door and entered. She wondered how she’d be able to get in if he weren't around. Hopefully, it was programmable for many people.
Benson clicked on the lights, illuminating a cheery home with pale yellow walls. She’d imagined them having a black leather sofa with one or two comfy chairs on either side. Instead, the sofa was blue microfiber cloth with several carelessly tossed stripped pillows. On either side of the sofa were two chairs covered in a complementary blue pattern. A designer definitely had a hand in this space.
No surprise, the place was neat. She attributed that to Benson’s attention to detail despite Preston’s gym being clean and sleek.
Ariel walked over to the fireplace. Over it sat a gorgeous photo of the entrance to the Double G Ranch, Benson’s family home. Behind the silhouetted iron entrance were acres upon acres of lush green land with a mountain range in the distance. Above the hills was a big blue sky.
“I love this. Who took the picture?”
“A photographer,” Benson said. “Come on, I’ll show you where you’ll be staying.”
So much for talking about how amazing the image was. They walked past a medium-sized open kitchen, done in classy muted colors. Once more, Ariel sensed that some Granger relative had a hand in decorating the place. Neither of the men seemed like the type to have picked out the colors and complementary accessories.
He walked her down the hallway to the right. “You can stay in here,” Benson said. “The maid changed my sheets yesterday.”
He had a maid? Of course he did. A man as busy as Benson wouldn’t have time to clean either. “Thank you.”
“When you finish unpacking, come out to the living room. We’ll show you the security measures so you’ll feel better.”
“I’d like that.”
Benson swung around and left. Ariel placed the suitcase on his bed and walked over to the window. Since the house was on one level, someone technically could enter through it. However, when she studied the frame, she spotted blinking sensors, implying the windows were alarmed. The men weren’t kidding when they said the place was secure.
So as not to let anyone see in, she closed the shades. Benson had suggested she unpack, but she wasn’t sure where she was supposed to put her things. As tempted as she was to look through his drawers for some space, she didn’t feel comfortable rooting through his possessions.
For now, she’d leave everything but one uniform in her suitcase. She placed her suitcase next to a stuffed blue and red stripped chair that sat in the corner, and then went over to his walk-in closet that was full of suits and dress shirts organized by color. She’d guessed correctly about Benson’s attention to detail. Strangely, her closet looked the same. Her non-work clothes were arranged according to the colors of the rainbow.
Ariel found a spare hanger and hung up her shirt and pants.
“You find everything okay?” Benson asked.
He’d snuck up on her, causing her to jump. “Yes. I just wanted to hang up my uniform for work on Monday.”
“Had I known you’d be here, I would have cleaned out a drawer or two for you. Tomorrow, I’ll move some of my things into the office.”
She didn’t want to be an inconvenience. “Don’t do that on my account.”
He moved closer, and her pulse soared. When he cupped her face, her knees almost buckled. The temptation to kiss him surprised her in its intensity, and that was not right. She was here because she needed a safe haven. That was all.
Or was it?
“Excuse me.” Ariel slipped out of his grasp and stepped back into the bedroom.
Since she really couldn’t unpack until he moved some of his things, there was nothing more for her to do.
Benson cleared his throat, as if he too had felt the sexual pull. “Let me show you where the towels are.”
Benson acted as if she’d be staying there a long time. “Okay.”
The linen closet was in the hallway. “Take what you want. If there is anything you need, let us know.”
