They rested against each other for a few minutes then Ben pulled out. Tina was ready with the freshening wipes to get them both clean. She tucked him away then pulled up her clothes. He leaned down and gave her a deep kiss until she wobbled a little on her feet. He pulled back and he could see exhaustion and bliss battling it out in her expression.
“Go get some sleep!” he whispered gently and she nodded. Opened the door and stepped out.
Instantly Megan stepped inside and pulled the door closed.
“Megan! No, I can’t!” Ben growled.
She squeaked in surprise and spun around. “Ben! I have to pee! Get out!”
Surprise then embarrassment flared over his face. “Oh! Right! Sorry!” He was mortified by his mistaken assumption.
Megan opened the door and Ben squeezed by. He could have sworn that he felt a hand drag across the front of his pants as he stepped outside but he was too embarrassed to say. The same attendant was standing in the little galley when he closed the door. She gave him a scowl and his face flushed, except the scar. She looked away, suddenly intimidated. He caught her reaction and sighed. He made his way back to his seat. Catherine was waiting for him and helped him down. He didn’t even feel a twinge any longer so he told her she didn’t need to help him sit anymore.
“But I like you depending on me!” she said with a frown.
“Catherine, if you haven’t caught on by now how much I need you… how much I need all of you, then you really aren’t paying attention.” he growled softly.
She smiled, gave him a quick kiss, and returned to her seat. Ben caught another conflicted stare from the attendant who couldn’t seem to keep herself from watching him. He tucked the blanket around himself and settled in for a good night sleep or its airline equivalent.
His mind was buzzing happily from the first sex he’d had since returning home from the hospital. He tried to calm his thoughts so he could get back to his dream. Instead he immediately thought of Trish who would have been the first one to jump at the chance to have sex in a plane with him. She’d been exceptionally affectionate with him once he’d come home from the hospital. Something had changed for her.
Those first days home were a blur. The painkillers and the extended sleeping and Tina’s constant vigil made the days blend together. Once he’d weaned off the drugs his mind cleared and the visits began. Ashley and her daughters were amongst the first as they had continued to live with them due to their house’s services still being off. Ben discovered she was in some legal and financial difficulty. As a final insult from the grave Eli’s estate was willed entirely to his father. Ben called his lawyer and paid for him to straighten that out. He also got on the phone and called Jacob Sturn to let him know his grandkids needed his support. The old man came through and Ashley got full ownership of the house, Eli’s shares in the company, and a minimal lump sum insurance settlement. Unfortunately the home ownership transfer came with the mortgage as well. Ben bought her house from her allowing her to live there with a similar deal he’d given Trish and they finally got their services working. Ben promised her some amazing renovations once he got back on his feet.
Tina remembered Ashley’s look when they talked about Tina’s plans for the fall so she suggested Ashley might like to attend University as well. Ben fully supported that idea and told Tina to make it happen. Daphne, who was quite taken with Joshua, was delighted for Ben to pay for one of the last available spots for him in her daycare.
As Eli had destroyed his car during his drunken escape, Ben asked Tina to give Ashley the keys to the BWM SUV in the garage of her old house. Tina made the arrangements and Ben paid for the insurance. Now Tina would have a lift to University in the fall.
Ashley was overwhelmed by Ben’s generosity and the support of her friends. Madison and Savannah looked at him with hero worship plainly in their eyes and Tina had to scoot them from the room before Ben got too uncomfortable.
He was pleased to hear Tina had gotten the house a replacement door the day after the break-in and Ben had ideas on how to improve on that and the panic room door which, while it worked, would also need replacing. He was itching to get to work on those tasks but Tina said NO!
Ben was also eager to work on her old house but aside from getting the services back on he’d have to wait until he was better. He had plans for that house and had already spoken with Luis and Jaclyn Hernandez about their son Ramon’s upcoming wedding. It seems he and his fiancé were looking for a place to rent and had found what they could afford to be discouraging at best. Now there would be a happy surprise at the wedding.
Dr. Granger, who was not popular amongst the women in his life, had come to his house to give him an assessment. Ben didn’t react at all when she mentioned the name Mrs. Cosburn or Walter Cosburn or Richard Fenn. He didn’t recognize the names at all. The doctor seemed troubled by that but Ben felt fine. She told him she wanted him to start coming in for sessions when he could and he promised he would. She wanted to try hypnotherapy. That sounded like fun. Woo.
He was finally able to put his mind at ease. He’d done what he could for now and made arrangements for things he could do later. After the close calls he’d had he spent time with his lawyer and made sure everyone he cared for would be taken care of should lightning strike yet again but more permanently. That list of people kept growing but that just made him feel good. He was surrounded by so many good people!
All Ben had to do now is get some sleep and concentrate on enjoying his first trip to Europe! If they could just play it low key, keep to themselves, avoid drawing attention and risky activities… such as joining the Mile High Club, twice, they might just have a calm and peaceful holiday.
He looked across the happy faces of the beautiful woman beside him.
Yeah, who was he kidding?