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Post by Thursday on Aug 14, 2009 18:53:56 GMT -5
Fifteen minutes later saw Rachel in the ladies' room off the small waiting area, desperately trying to repair some of the damage done by the rain. She cursed loudly as she saw her hair in the grimy mirror. A half-drowned rat would look better than she did at this moment. The hand dryer by the sink caught her attention and before she a chance to think of an alternative, Rachel stuck her head under the machine and frantically attempted to dry her locks, fluffing them with her hand. As she surveyed her results, she grabbed her purse and dug for her make-up case. A quick swipe of lip gloss, a little powder and some mascara and she was in business. Really, it was just her luck that of all the auto shops in this god forsaken town she had to walk into the one where Ben worked. Rachel grimaced as she took in her favorite tee-shirt and sleep pants and her grandmother's awful raincoat. Oh well, she thought. He had seen her after all before he asked her out. That had to count for something. Nervousness clenched in her stomach and her heart was racing. Seeing Ben again had made last night all too real. It had seemed like a dream, better suited to the mysteriousness of the night. But here he was, in front of her, tangible and real. As she took a few deep breaths her yoga instructor would be proud of, the nervousness began to melt away. She was curious about Ben and wanted to get to know him. Excitement replaced the butterflies, and Rachel walked out of the restroom, a woman on a mission.
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Post by Thursday on Sept 11, 2009 0:18:09 GMT -5
As Ben finished up on the oil change, his mind swam with images of Rachel and of Nicole. How different they were, or how he hoped they would be different. His friends worried he was dancing on the very edge of a thin line between caution and cynicism. Ben grimaced. He couldn't help the way he felt. He had loved Nicole more than any other woman. She was the only one he considered taking the next step with. Her betrayal cut him deeper than even he could have imaged and after the death of his father, every emotion seemed to be so much more intense and real. He wasn't sure he could handle it again. So he hoped. Hoped Rachel would be a nice easy relationship, a summer fling to remember. The work bench he lay on creaked noisily as Ben pulled himself out from under the Buick. He wiped his dirty hands on a rag and ran a hand through his hair, all the primping he would do. Rachel could take him or leave him, but he wouldn't be playing games. Besides the one about owning two major businesses and the seven-figure trust fund. Taking a deep breathe, Ben walked into the waiting room. "All done," he announced. Rachel looked up from the magazine she had been nonchalantly reading. "Great. Thanks so much. What do I owe you?" Her eyes he saw were gray. Not blue or green but another shade altogether. "This one's on the house." Rachel frowned. "Really,I couldn't...that's not necessary, I uh," Rachel babbled awkwardly. It made Ben smile to see how uncomfortable it made her. Ben laughed. "It's okay I promise." "If you say so," she replied hesitantly. "But lunch is on me."
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Post by Thursday on Sept 11, 2009 0:33:30 GMT -5
Rachel cursed herself for not handling the situation better. Really it was just an oil change. She guessed she was just surprised. After two years with Jake, he barely paid for dinner anymore. "Do you mind if we take your car? I drive a bike and it probably wouldn't be the best in this weather." Rachel swooned mentally. All this and he drove a motorcycle? It was like someone created the perfect man. "Sure that's fine as long as your okay being seen in this monster," she added with a laugh. Ben smiled wryly. "I'm sure I've been seen in worse." Together they walked back into the garage to the car. Ben jogged around to the driver's side and opened the door for Rachel. "And they say chivlary is dead?" she told him. "Everywhere but Texas, darling." She liked the way he called her darling. Normally pet names like that annoyed the hell out of her but with Ben's deep voice and smile, it worked. Oh yes it worked. "Any suggestions?" she asked him. Several, Ben thought to himself. But none of them were acceptable on a first date in public. "How's mexican sound? I know this great little hole in the wall. Amazing margaritas and the fajitas are incredible" "Sounds perfect. Lead the way."
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Post by Thursday on Sept 14, 2009 18:29:43 GMT -5
The conversation on the way to the restaurant was light and friendly. They talked about the neutral things like the weather and gas prices. He tried to make her laugh. He liked her laugh. He loved the way it lit up her face and it wasn't just a polite giggle. He liked the way she really meant it. Ben found himself looking at Rachel more than was nessecarily proper with almost strangers. Everytime she caught him watching her, she quickly dropped her gaze and focused back on the road. But she couldn't hide her blush behind her hair. Ben felt her blush a little south of the border. Luckily the ride was short and before he knew it they arrived at the restaurant. Jardin Corona wasn't a well know place on the tourist map which was one of the reasons Ben loved it. The food was authentic mexican and ridiculously cheap. They owners and waitresses knew him by name. "Ah, Mr. Morgan, hello." announced the host, a young man named Jose. "Right this way, your table is available." "You have a table?" Rachel asked him. "You could say I come here alot," He replied and gently put his hand on the small of her back as the host led them to a corner booth. The tabletops were sticky and the vinyl seats were ripped but the salsa was fresh and homemade and the margaritas were strong enough to knock your socks off. Ben told Rachel as much but she didn't seem fazed by the dingy interior. Her eyes were bright and there always seemed to a smile twitching on the corners of her mouth. A pretty dark haired waitress came by offering chips and salsa and took their drink orders. "So how long have you been a mechanic?" she asked as she dipped a chip in salsa. "A few years now. In college my mom was always trying to get me to do something more professional like an accountant or a lawyer but bikes were my passion. Ever since I was a kid I'd get my hands on old, run down motorcycles, take them apart and try to make them work again." He let out a laugh. "Most of the time they didn't but I never stopped trying. That's what won my mother over in the end. My stubborn determination." "That's amazing. I'd love to be able to do something like that. I not mechanically inclined in anyway. I couldn't even put together a bookshelf I just bought." "I bet I could help you out with that."
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Post by Thursday on Sept 14, 2009 22:32:56 GMT -5
I bet you could, Rachel thought to herself. It was remarkably easy to talk to Ben. He really listened to what she had to say unlike most guys she'd been with. But as easy as it was to talk to him, it was unnerving just being so close to him. Every time he touched her, a shiver ran down her spine. In a good way. A very good way. "So what are you studying at UT?" Ben asked. She was surprised he remembered what school she was going to, but she was starting to realize that Ben paid attention, at least to her. Especially to her. His gaze constantly burned into her like the sun on a blazing summer day. "Teaching," Rachel replied blushing slightly. "Why teaching?" Ben asked in the same tone most people used when they heard that this was her major. A sigh escaped her. She hated this question. No one really ever understood her answer. "Everyone told me not to go into teaching. Even my own parents told me it was stupid. The pay's terrible, we're under appreciated and overworked, blah blah blah." She paused here, fiddling with her menu then looked up into Ben's eyes."But I just love to teach. I love to see kids learning and knowing that I'm making an impact on their lives. It's sounds corny but I'll be teaching the next generation, future lawyers, doctors, senators. It makes me feel really connected to the community." Rachel tried to keep the fire out of her voice as she made this last statement but couldn't help it. Her passion for her subject was uncontainable. "Wow," Ben replied. "That's very admirable. I wish I had a teacher like you in school. I might have paid more attention." Rachel laughed. "It also wouldn't have hurt if any of my teachers were as beautiful as you." he added in a low voice. To this, Rachel didn't have a reply. She blushed and mumbled something incoherent and suddenly became very interested in the daily specials.
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Post by Thursday on Sept 15, 2009 21:42:33 GMT -5
Ben wondered if he was coming on too strong. Their attraction he was sure was mutual but Rachel seemed sweet and shy, two traits he was not totally used to in a woman. He started to say something else, an apology maybe but it seemed strange to him to say I'm sorry for a compliment. Luckily, before he could make more of an ass of himself the waitress came back to take their order. "I suggest the fajitas," Ben told her in a causal tone, trying to play off the awkward moment "Alright," she said. "I trust your judgment. Plus I love fajitas anyway." She handed the menu back to the waitress and shrugged out of her raincoat. The old tee-shirt clung to her in just the right places. There was a hole just above her ribs, that she was probably unaware off. The sight of her bare skin made Ben feel hot and bothered. "Are you in town for long?" he asked quickly, averting his gaze back up to her face and away from her shirt. "Just until the end of the summer. My girlfriends and I are staying in my grandparents house while they're in Europe." "The same grandfather who won't give up the Buick?" "The one and only," Rachel answered with a grin. "They don't trust the neighbors to water the ficus." Her face softened as she spoke of her grandparents. He could tell they must be close. "My mom is the same way," Ben added. "She loves to travel but she has this dog. I swear it's a demon dog. He won't let anyone else but my mother near him so she can never find anyone to watch him." "That's intense and a little scary. But at least he's loyal. Do your parents live here in town?" "My mom does. My dad passed away a few years ago." Ben decided to slip this last detail in as sort of a test. It wasn't the sort of thing he normally pulled out on a first date but he wanted to see her reaction. "I'm so sorry." He could tell by the way her eyebrows furrowed and her eyes widened slightly that she really meant it. The words he'd heard a million times before seemed different coming from her lips. For once, they seemed sincere and true and not just a formality. "Thank you," he said quietly and for the first time Ben thought he really meant it.
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Post by Thursday on Sept 16, 2009 1:37:29 GMT -5
Rachel glanced surreptitiously at Ben from under her lashes. If she had been curious about Ben before, it was nothing to what she felt now. His mention of his father touched her. It seemed like a recent wound. When he spoke of it, there was a raw edge to his voice she hadn't heard before. Rachel could relate. Her family had lost a brother when she was twelve. Seeing the hurt in Ben's eyes made her want to take him in her arms and hold him, to comfort him. The way he looked at her though, seemed like he wanted to do something else entirely with her, something less PG. Probably the same things she was thinking...She shook her head slightly, trying to keep her wits about her. Ben's gaze and smile made her feel like her panties were going to catch on fire. It was only their first date! she thought to herself. And only a lunch at that, it hardly counted. But Rachel had never felt so drawn to a guy. His presence overwhelmed her senses. He smelled faintly of gasoline and rain and she couldn't help but notice how nice his arms looked every time he crossed them. When he touched her, she didn't want him to stop. Fortunately their food arrived and Rachel welcomed the distraction. "Wow, this looks amazing!" she exclaimed. "I told you so and it tastes even better," Ben informed her with a wry grin. The fajita meat sizzled on the platters with fresh peppers, jalapenos, and onions. Steam rose from the plate warming Rachel's face. All of it was served with warm tortillas and fresh guacamole and pico de gallo. "The friends you're staying with are the ones from the bar the other night?" Ben asked as he loaded up a tortilla. Rachel nodded her mouth already full. Very attractive. "Yeah, they're some of my old roommates from school." "They seemed like they were having a good time. You guys go to that place often?" Rachel shrugged. "We've been a couple times. It seems like a great spot. I'm sure we'll go back. I liked the crowd." she said raising her eyebrows. It was after all where she had met him.
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Post by Thursday on Sept 16, 2009 20:58:56 GMT -5
Ben smiled back at her but inwardly groaned. He didn't know how he could keep his double life a secret from Rachel for long. Part of him wondered why he didn't just come right and say it from the beginning. It really wasn't that big of a deal and considering her reluctance to even let him pay for her oil change, Rachel probably wasn't looking for a sugar daddy. However, he pushed those thoughts to the back of his mind and decided to just enjoy the good food and the good company. He could figure out the rest later after he saw where this was going if anywhere. "Okay, you were right. This is fantastic," Rachel told him. "I'm glad you liked it. It's nice to get some real food ocassionally. I'm normally just a take out kind of guy except when my mom forces left overs on me." This was true. Running two businesses was pretty time consuming. Ben ran on his treadmill for an hour every day just to work off all the burgers and pizza he ate.
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Post by Thursday on Sept 17, 2009 15:38:46 GMT -5
"I can relate to that. My first few months in school, I lived off of fast food and ramen but then I went to this demo at our rec center that taught us how to make quick and healthy recipes." Rachel said. "That sounds nice, maybe you can cook for me sometime?" Ben suggested playfully. Rachel smiled mischievously. "Well, that's the least I could do. I do owe you after all." "Owe me for what?" "Saving me on the dance floor last night and the oil change today,"she told him matter-of-factly. The corners of Ben's mouth twitched up as he remembered the way Rachel had felt in his arms when they danced. "You don't owe me anything. I think in both situations I got the better end of the deal." "What you do mean?" "Well, I got to dance and eat lunch with you. It's more like you did me a favor." Rachel blushed again and this time she didn't look away. Ben held her gaze and they sat like that for a few beats, neither one saying anything until the waitress politely cleared her throat to take away their plates. Unconsciously they had been leaning closer to each other as they talked, they leaned back to let her clear the table. Rachel laughed nervously and began to dig in her purse for something. Ben glanced at his watch and mentally cursed. "I'm sorry, but I've really got to get back to work. Are you ready to go?" "Yeah, absolutely." It didn't escape Ben's notice how quickly she grabbed the folder with the bill and stuck her card in it. He chuckled under his breathe. She was determined not to let him pay. Ben stood up and grabbed her raincoat, holding it out for her to put on. "Thanks," Rachel said quietly, slipping her arms into the jacket. Ben's fingers brushed against the nape of her neck as she moved her hair. Her skin was as soft as it looked. Ben swallowed hard. He was almost glad their date was over, he didn't know how he could stand the temptation sitting across from him. He held open her door again, receiving a brilliant smile in return. "You know, I actually sort of like this car," Ben told her stretching out his long legs in the spacious cab. Rachel shifted into drive and snorted. "It must be a guy thing then because my dad loves it too." "There's just not many like it. It's a classic. I mean this car is a tank." "Well," she said wryly looking over at him,"since we live in Texas, I don't see a reason that I'll ever need to drive a tank. " "I don't know, we do get those pretty vicious hail storms," Ben teased. "But still I see your point. What kind of car do you normally drive?"
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Post by Thursday on Sept 24, 2009 18:14:44 GMT -5
"A BMW,"Rachel told him and had the grace to look embarassed. Ben whistled softly. "It was a graduation gift," she explained. "That's a really nice gift. I think I got a watch for my graduation." They both laughed and Rachel glanced at him from the wheel. He wasn't what she expected and it surprised her. Ben seemed so unlike most of the other men she had know, so different from Jake. They arrived back at the garage far too soon for Ben's liking but it jogged his memory. "Hey could you come back inside for a minute? I just need you to sign some paperwork for your car?" Ben asked her, grateful for a few more minutes with her. "Sure, no problem." She parked next to the door and followed Ben back to the office. "I'll be right back," he said and walked out to the main garage.
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Post by Thursday on Sept 24, 2009 18:31:43 GMT -5
Left alone for the moment, Rachel was finally about to breath easy. Being around Ben was overwhelming on her senses but she was sad that the date had come to an end. She liked being with Ben. Whether he was aware of it or not, he had a natural magnetism that drew other people in, a kind of light that seemed to shine from within. Rachel saw it with the workers at the restaurant, with Frank the mechanic she was telling about her car, and especially with her. "Here we go," Ben announced, coming in from the other room. He laid a few papers in front of her and pointed where she needed to sign. "Thanks so much, let me walk you back to your car." He did that thing again like he did in the restaurant, lightly putting his hand on the small of her back. It was a bold move, somewhat possessive but Rachel didn't mind. "Thanks," she said turning to him, fiddling with her keys. Ben smiled at her, his eyes crinkling at the corners. Rachel found herself staring at his lips. They looked very soft, unlike the rest of him and like they would be very nice to kiss. Without noticing it, Ben had cornered her slightly by her car. She looked down suddenly and was surprised when he gently put a finger under her chin and pulled her face back up. Then before she had a chance to react, those soft lips were on hers. To say she was surprised was an understatement. She was frozen for a moment, unsure if she wanted this so soon. His lips moved gently against hers, not demanding but seeming to ask if it was okay. If he was testing her, he would not be disappointed. She couldn't respond more enthusiastically. Fire shot through Rachel's body and though the only place he was touching her was her mouth, her entire body tingled. His hand moved to caress her cheek and Rachel pressed herself closer to him. Regretfully, the kiss ended as quickly as it began and it left Rachel wanting more. It was all she could do not to throw her arms around Ben's neck and pull that head back down to hers. "Goodbye Rachel," Ben said smiling a little wider than before. "I'll call you later." "Okay," was about all Rachel could manage. Heat still coursed through her as she got back in her car and watched Ben walk away. Boy, was she in trouble.
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Post by Thursday on Sept 29, 2009 11:38:14 GMT -5
As Ben walked back into the building, he was glad he had sent most of the other mechanics home but he could feel Frank's eyes on the back of his skull. Ignoring it, Ben settled down to finish up some paperwork. He sent aside the day's receipts for Jet, an old college friend and a glorified number cruncher who handled most of the fiances for both of Ben's businesses. So absorbed in the work, he didn't notice the person come into the office until they politely cleared their throat. Ben looked up. Frank stood in the doorway giving him a reproving look. Frank was one of his oldest mechanics. He'd been working on engines since before Ben was even born and though Ben was technically the boss, it didn't stop Frank from voicing his opinions and taking charge when he felt it was nessecary. He wasn't a particularly tall man, but he was powerfully build. His light brown hair was streaked with silver and his face was carved with the lines of age. Frank's eyebrow was raised as he asked Ben an unspoken question.
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Post by Thursday on Sept 29, 2009 22:02:35 GMT -5
"What?" Ben asked. "Well son, it may be none of my business..." Frank started, coming into the office. He grabbed a seat and sat down, propping his feet up on the desk. Ben rolled his eyes mentally. Frank always liked to think of himself as the father figure. Ben was sure he was about to get a lecture about stealing some poor girl's virtue. "That was Rachel Waterman, right?" It was Ben's turn to raise his eyebrow. He checked the paperwork she'd signed since he didn't actually know her last name but there it was. Rachel Waterman. Her signature was very neat with just a tiny flourish on the W. "Yeah," Ben told him surprised. "How did you know that?" Frank shrugged. "I recognized the car. Me and her grandpa go way back." "Interesting, but is that a problem?" Ben really had no idea where this conversation was going. Frank wasn't usually the type to involve himself with other people's affairs. "She's a sweet girl. Her grandparents think the world of her. Just don't go breaking her heart." "Thanks for the advice Frank, but I don't intend to." Ben was almost offended. Did Frank really that of him? After all, he was the one who had just gotten his heart broken.
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Post by Thursday on Oct 3, 2009 21:23:24 GMT -5
Frank held up his hands in a surrender gesture. "I just wanted to give you a head's up." He glanced slyly up at Ben. "She seemed pretty surprised to see you here. Doesn't she know what you do?" Ben bristled. "She does now. Really, Frank I just met her. I don't even know if what we have is more than one casual date." Frank smiled inwardly. He had known Ben a long time. He had seen Ben through some of the hardest times of his life and knew him probably better than he knew himself. Frank could tell the boy was interested. Maybe a little too much. He didn't want Ben's history with Nicole to hurt old Earl's sweet little granddaughter. But he had also seen the way her pretty, young face lit up when Ben walked into the room. Maybe no hearts would be broken. Maybe it would work. It gave an old man like himself hope to see such possibility. Frank grinned at Ben in a way to let him know this little intervention was over. "I'll just let you get back to your work." Frank wasn't blind. There was paperwork on the desk but that's not what Ben was looking at. It was a phone number. Ben sighed in relief. Frank's statements had made him unnervingly edgy and he was glad to finally have a few moments to himself. "Alright, Frank." As Frank was halfway to the door, Ben called out to him. "Yes, boss?" "Thanks.
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Post by Thursday on Oct 11, 2009 21:29:00 GMT -5
Rachel drove home in a daze. Her lips still tingled from that all too brief kiss. The corners of her mouth twitched involuntarily upward just remembering it. The way was familiar, which was good because Rachel's mind was anywhere but on the road. It was funny to her how intensely Ben affected her. Maybe it was just simple infatuation, that inevitable swirling of giddiness and desire. But this was unfamiliar territory. She had never felt this way toward Jake. Rachel couldn't help but compare the two in her mind. With Jake, it had all been very comfortable and easy. They were compatible in almost every imaginable way. At least until the end. Rachel regretted the way things had gone. Jake was still an important part of her life, in many ways he was her best friend, even if he didn't feel the same way anymore. The old Buick wound its way slowly along the wet streets as Rachel pondered this. She hadn't anticipated these feelings. When Rachel had envisioned the summer, she pictured long, lazy afternoons at the beach and nights out with her friends. Maybe some casual flirting and a few dates but things with Ben were progressing very quickly. The crazy part was, Rachel didn't mind. She had felt Ben's kiss in her entire body and she wanted more. Rachel could count the number of guys she'd been with on one hand and they were usually as inexperienced as she was. Ben exuded sexual prowess. He was older and most likely more skilled at the act of love. It thrilled Rachel just thinking of it. She couldn't help but imagine those lips on other more interesting parts of her body.
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