Now and Again Read Online Free PDF Page B

drinks, and Layla sipped hers gratefully.
    “I really just did it to pay for college, but it turned out to be a life-changing experience,” Ben said. “I did time in the Middle East. Made some lifelong friends.”
    His face changed, looking more closed off, and Layla knew she shouldn’t ask him to elaborate further.
    “And college? You knew you wanted to be a police officer, or did you decide there?” she asked.
    “No, I knew. Just went straight through and got my Masters so I won’t have to be running traffic when I’m 50.”
    “And you like it?” she asked.
    “I do. It suits me. Just like being a lawyer suits you.”
    “Oh, so you’ve got me all figured out now?” she said, grinning.
    “Pretty much.” His eyes twinkled playfully.
    “Enlighten me, Ben. What am I like?”
    “You’re the kind of girl who makes a list about her perfect man, and it has things like ‘dreamy’ and ‘sweet’ on it, and I bet every ‘i’ is dotted with a heart.”
    Layla was only taken aback for a second. “How do you know my list doesn’t have ‘big cock’ and ‘filthy mouth’ on it?” she said, raising her brows at Ben. His lips parted in surprise.
    “Does it?” he asked, his gaze darkening a shade.
    “Fuck yes.”
    His eyes widened as he blew out a deep exhale. “It’s a little warm in here,” he said. “It seems to get that way every time I’m with you.”
    Layla’s pulse was thundering and she felt the warm, wet sensation between her legs that she’d been missing for so long. She didn’t know whether to be annoyed or relieved when their food arrived.
    She ate half of her salmon, but by the time she finished her third drink, Layla couldn’t seem to concentrate on anything anymore. She laughed at everything Ben said, even though he wasn’t trying to be funny.
    “You’re wasted, and I’m driving you home,” he said when she finally got through a fit of giggles.
    “You had more drinks than I did!” Layla whined indignantly, getting up from her seat.
    “Yeah, but I’m 6’5” and I weigh 240. Don’t take another step toward that door … Give me your goddamn keys or I’ll take them from you.”
    “No!”
    “Layla.” Ben ran a hand over his face, agitated. “You know you’re not fit to drive. Come on.”
    “If you come home with me …” her voice shook with emotion, “ … I’ll sleep with you, and I don’t want to. I mean, I do want to, but I don’t. You’ll think I’m a slut and I’ll never see you again and I really like you.”
    “Hey,” Ben said, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. “There’s no way I’d do that when you’re drunk. I just want to make sure you get home safe. Will you let me do that?”
    Layla nodded, sniffling as emotions swam through her foggy mind. She sifted through her purse for the keys, handing them over. Ben waved at two men at the bar, who hustled over to him.
    “Yeah, Sarge?” one of them said.
    “You guys good to drive?” Ben asked. They both nodded.
    “You need to take her car home. One of you follow. I’ll show you which one it is.”
    Layla thought of something funny, but she couldn’t remember what it was. She laughed about forgetting it, doubling over and stumbling.
    “All right,” Ben said, reaching for her waist. “Come on.”
    He reached around the back of her legs and picked her up, carrying her across the crowded bar.
    “You’re all so jealous of me!” Layla laughed. “Sergeant Montrose is taking me home and you’re all jealous! Because he’s so hot. You really are, you know.” She looked into his face seriously. “You make me all wet.”
    Ben smiled and shook his head. “You’re not gonna make this easy, are you? Nothing’s easy with you.”
    “I’m easy!” Layla sang. “I am! Seriously. I’ll blow you on the way home if you want.”
    The two men walking behind them snickered and Ben shot them a dirty look.
    “She’s drunk, she doesn’t know what she’s saying,” he said. “That red car across the