Ben stood on the small porch in front of Maggie’s door as she slid a key into the lock.

Maggie pushed the door open but didn’t go inside. Instead she turned and faced him, blocking the opening. She opened her mouth to speak but nothing came out. He could see the confusion in her eyes.

Ben had to admit, going any further with Maggie Lawrence could complicate things. He was used to uncomplicated relationships, if you could even call them relationships. Friends with Benefits was the term Patrick used, and once-upon-a-time, both men had perfected it.

Clearly, Patrick was past those days now. Ben wasn’t.

Ben was only in town for a few months at the very most. Why couldn’t he and Maggie take things further? If they both knew this affair was temporary it could work, and getting her into bed would uncomplicate other aspects of this whole thing. He could convince her to see his side of things with the lodge, then enlist her help to move his mother’s mind.

He shook himself. He had no interest in thinking about his mother right now.

Ben let his mind fantasize. What would it be like to go inside with her? To shut the door and push her against the wall, his breath hot on her lips as he ran his mouth along her neck and down to her collar bone, feeling her press into him in response.

“What do you want, Maggie Mae?” He would ask.

“You.” She would whimper as she wrapped her hands around his neck and pulled him back to her so their mouths were a whisper away from touching. “I’m looking for this, Ben. No strings, no commitment, nothing but this.” Her lips would press against his, her mouth hot and wet, parting as her tongue darted inside.

He would fist his hands into her long hair and tilt her face to deepen the kiss. Her hips would buck into his, lighting an all-consuming fire deep within him. He would claim control, pushing her legs apart, his erection pressing firmly between her thighs. His hands would slide along the side of her waist and along her backside, squeezing her plump ass as he slowly lifted her so his erection pressed into her, pinning his body against hers.

Her soft moans would ring through the room as Ben swallowed her gasps, rocking his body into hers and feasting on her exposed skin. Maggie’s petite legs would wrap around his waist, her heels pulling his hips closer as her fingers tugged on his hair, her desperate cries for more making his dick swell to painful limits.

“Ben?”

His name on her lips spurred him on as he nipped at the smooth skin of her neck.

“Ben!” Maggie’s voice cut through his fantasy.

Ben jumped. Oh shit. Fantasy. He blinked several times, waking himself. His eyes slowly focused on her outstretched hand.

“Thank you for the ride home.” She smiled politely as if they were mere acquaintances.

Was she for real? She wanted to shake his hand? He looked from her hand to her face, her expression void of any affection. Shit, she was serious.

A shrill tone filled the room behind her.

Ben glanced over her shoulder. “Is that your home phone? Who would call you this late?”

“Crap.” Maggie turned, not bothering to shut the door. Ben stepped inside as she lifted the receiver from its base and glanced at the illuminated number. “Really?” she asked to no one in particular.

Ben looked at the clock and noted it was just after 11:30 p.m. Who could be calling her at this hour? “Is it Kayleigh?” he asked, trying not to focus on the fantasy of her naked body that was still trying to play in his mind.

Maggie pushed a button on the phone and brought it to her face. “Hello?”

There was a long pause. Maggie closed her eyes and released a heavy sigh. “Yes,” she finally said. “When?”

Another heavy pause hung in the air.

“Is it the lodge?” Ben whispered. He could barely think of any reason the lodge would call at this hour, but it could be an emergency with the facility. Slowly he moved in next to her, placing a reassuring hand on her back.

Maggie flinched and glared up at him like he was a stranger.

He ignored her.

“Fine, I’ll meet you there,” she said, her tone curt. “Yes, that’s fine.” Another pause. “I know, I know, it’s not your fault. Thanks for calling me. I’ll be there as soon as I can.” Maggie brought the phone away from her face and clicked the off button.

“Maggie.” Despite her glare, Ben stroked her back.

She stared down at the phone still in her hands.

“Hey,” he slid a finger underneath her chin. “What’s going on? Is it the lodge?”

She shook her head.

“What is it? Is everything all right?”

“No, it’s not,” she said shaking her head again, breaking free from his hold. Her eyes cut to his. “I’m sorry, but I have to go.” And just like that, shutters slammed down on her eyes.

“Where to?” Ben asked.

The look she gave him as she tossed her purse on her shoulder and headed for the door said she wasn’t going to discuss it with him.

Screw that. Ben followed behind her. “What’s going on, Maggie?” He caught her arm, turning her to face him. “Maggie,” he said gently. “What’s going on?”

Her green eyes glazed over with what looked like unshed tears, but her look was fierce, defensive as she pulled away. “I’m sorry about all of this.” Her head down, she walked out of the door. “I have to go.”

He followed her onto the porch. “Is it something I can help you with?”

“No,” she answered as if annoyed by the offer of help. Her keys in hand, she waved him away from the handle so she could lock it.

Mastering the workings of the female mind wasn’t something he’d ever accomplished, and she was proving him completely inept at the moment.

Maybe she took pity on him, or maybe she just wanted to get him out of there. Whatever it was, she turned to him with a sigh, her hand gently splayed on his chest. “I meant, no,” she said softly, “but thank you.” Softer eyes met his and he thought maybe it had been pity winning out.

“I’ll, um, see you tomorrow, okay.” She reached up on tip toe and brushed a quick kiss against his cheek. “I’m sorry, I have to go.”

Without waiting for his response, she walked away into the night. Alone. The only noise left was his soft breathing. As he watched her go, Ben couldn’t help but wonder if Maggie Lawrence ever let down her walls long enough to let someone take care of her.