After they dropped off Sybil at work, Kate drove Penny back home and then proceeded to help—meaning bully—her into picking out an outfit for her date with Ben. She didn’t have a lot of clothes, but they ended up picking something innocent and sweet as Dutchy suggested—a white blouse and a black pencil-cut skirt.

“You look like a librarian,” Kate said.

“Is that good?” Penny asked.

“He was a teenage boy. Of course it is,” Kate answered.

Penny showered, and then Kate helped her into the corset. “Oh boy, I don’t know how you’re going to get out of this thing without Ben ripping it apart.”

Her face went hot, thinking about being with Ben. Would this really work? She didn’t know what she’d do if he rejected her. But Kate had said she was irresistible to him as his mate.

“Okay, Penny,” Kate said, picking up her purse. “Ben should be here any minute. Put on your librarian outfit and go and get our boy!”

Penny giggled. “Thanks Kate, for everything.”

They said their goodbyes and soon she was alone again. Penny finished dressing and put on her only high-heeled shoes. She was used to wearing comfy flats and sneakers because of her job, but she couldn’t resist this particular pair when she was out shopping one day. They were black with skinny heels and had crisscross straps across the front. She’d never had any occasion to wear them until now. When she stood up from her bedroom to walk to the living area, she wobbled. As she crossed the room, she nearly tumbled before she reached the couch.

“Maybe I should have practiced beforehand,” she said aloud. “This might not be a good idea.” As she reached down to take the strap off a shoe, she heard the familiar knock. “Eeep!” Penny shot up and bolted to the door, opening it quickly. “Ben!” she said in a breathless voice.

“Hey, Penny.” He flashed her a megawatt smile and held out a bunch of flowers. “Are you ready? Did you have a job interview or something?”

“Huh?” She looked down at her outfit. “Uhm … no, I just wanted to look nice.” She realized she did look like she worked as a secretary at an office.

“Oh. Yeah, you do.”

“Let me put those in water.” As she stepped forward to grab the flowers, she forgot about the shoes and toppled forward. A soft cry escaped her mouth as she waved her arms, trying to maintain balance, but to no avail; she went crashing straight into Ben’s arms.

“Whoah! You okay?” he asked as he righted her, his blue eyes staring down at her.

“Uh, yeah.” She let out a giggle that sounded forced to her ears and then kicked herself mentally. “I should change my shoes.”

“No!” he said. “I mean, yeah, if you’re not comfortable.”

“It’s fine.” She turned around, hoping to hide the embarrassment on her face, and walked over to the bedroom where she changed into her more sensible flats.

“Ready?” he asked.

“Yeah.”

Her first attempt at being sexy was a bust, so she only hoped the rest of this scheme would turn out better.

* * *

When they entered the cafe, they didn’t even bother to wait for Rosie to bring them to a booth, but instead automatically walked to the one they always sat in. Ben usually sat on the right, facing the dining room, while she sat across from him. This time, Penny thought it would be nice to sit together, so she sat on his side.

“Did you want to switch?” Ben asked. “I guess I’m always the one looking out.”

“Uhm, no, it’s fine.“ Oh God, should she say something about wanting to sit next to him? Maybe she should have asked. What if he liked his own space? “I mean, yes! I just wanted to switch it up.”

“Okay.” Ben slid into the seat across from her.

Rosie came over and instead of asking them what they wanted, she just said, “The usual?”

“Yes,” both of them said at the same time. Rosie nodded, but as she walked away, she winked at Penny. Did she somehow know ... Maybe Kate told her?

“Are you okay Penny? Your face just went red.”

“What? Oh no, it’s just too hot in here.” She fanned herself with her hand.

“Weather’s warming up. Looks like spring’s finally coming,” Ben said.

“Yeah, I’m just about done with winter,” she said. “So, what do you like to do when the weather gets warm?”

“Well, I like the outdoors, so I do some fishing ….”

Penny nodded and pretended to listen, but she was really trying to figure out her next move in this whole seduction thing. She was getting antsy. Maybe she should have asked the girls for more advice. They made seducing Ben sound easier than it was. Like, all she had to do was whip off her clothes. But where was she supposed to do that? In the middle of the cafe?

She’d seen some movies and read in her books about playing footsie under the table. Maybe that might work? She slipped her foot out of her shoe and stretched it toward him, hoping to brush it against his calf. But she forgot how tall he was and how long his legs were, so she ended up smacking him on the knee with her foot.

“… and then when—what the fuck?” Ben nearly jumped off his seat. “There’s something under there!” He ducked his head down to try and look under the table.

Penny wanted the earth to swallow her up right then and there. Embarrassment burned her face like the heat of a thousand suns. “Sorry!” she squeaked, pulling her foot back. “I was, uh, stretching. I had a cramp in my foot.”

“You should have that looked at,” he said. “Those hours on your feet at your job probably aren’t good for you.”

“Right.”

Rosie’s arrival with their drinks and food saved her from further mortification. They thanked Rosie, and Penny thanked God that Ben was distracted by the food.

“Penny? Everything okay?” Ben asked as he finished the last of his chicken pot pie.

“Huh?” She was probably staring off into the distance.

“Are you not hungry? Is the pie not good?”

She looked down at her half-eaten pie. She was too nervous to eat, not to mention the corset pushed her stomach in so tight, she was afraid it'd burst open if she had anything more than a bite. Kate had helped her put it on, and when Penny protested at the tightness, Kate said this was how it was supposed to fit.

“Um, no, it’s fine!” She gave a nervous laugh. “Yeah, I’m just not hungry is all. Do you want my pie?” She winced at her choice of words.

“Really? Yeah, sure!” Ben said in an excited voice as he grabbed her plate.

Penny sighed. Maybe I should give up. But she almost heard Kate’s voice in her head, telling her she better climb that man bear. So, she mentally squared her shoulders. “Ben?”

He looked up from the plate. “Yeah?”

“Would you mind if … I mean.” She stood up and then slid into his side of the booth. He looked at her curiously. “I was thinking ….” She reached toward him to touch his arm, but he raised his hand at the same time and ended up knocking his glass of water all over her. She let out a shriek as the cold water splashed over the front of her shirt.

“Penny! I’m sorry!”

“I’m fine!” She slid off the seat and turned around.

“Wait!”

“I said, I’m fine,” she snapped and marched toward the bathroom, flinging the door open and walking inside. She braced herself on the sink and looked at herself in the mirror as she wiped the drops of water from her face.

Maybe I should give up. Ben probably changed his mind about me when he had more chances to think about it. Maybe he thinks I’m not worth the trouble but is too polite to break things off.

The door to the bathroom flew open, and she nearly jumped out of her skin.

“Penny, what’s—”

Ben’s eyes bulged, and his nostrils flared. “Penny.” His voice went hoarse.

“Ben?”

He stepped forward, and his large frame made the small room feel even tinier. As he moved toward her, Penny found herself stepping back until she hit the tile wall behind her. His eyes darkened to a stormy blue and made a thrill rush down her spine, straight into her gut. She lowered her lashes.

“What are you wearing?” he asked.

“Huh?” She whipped her head up. His jaw was tense and his face inscrutable.

“Under your shirt.” His gaze drifted below her chin.

Penny looked down. The water made the white shirt transparent and caused it to stick to her chest. The pink and black lace was evident underneath as were the curves of her breasts thrusting up.

He let out a small growl, and another shiver went through her. But instead of feeling embarrassed, she was emboldened. Her heart pounded in her chest and her fingers trembled as she began to unbutton the blouse. The damp fabric fell from her shoulders, revealing the corset underneath.

“Why are you wearing that?” he asked in a husky voice.

She murmured under her breath.

“Say it louder.” He tipped her chin with a finger. “Tell me.”

“I wanted to seduce you.”

His eyes blazed, and his pupils contracted. “Seduce me?”

She nodded. “You’ve just been so nice and respectful. I wasn’t sure if you wanted me.”

“You think I don’t want you?” Ben ran a hand through his hair. “I’m going crazy from wanting you.”

“Then why haven’t you tried to kiss me again? Or tried anything more?”

“Penny, I wanted to take it slow.”

“Because of what happened to me?”

He nodded. “I practically mauled you in front of your door. You tensed up, and I knew it was too much. So, I thought I would give it some time.”

“That night?” Oh. “Ben, no! I tensed up because I’d never felt like that before.” She let out a long breath. “Every other guy I tried to date, I would push them away. It didn’t feel right. They didn’t feel right.” She searched his face, trying to gauge his reaction. “But when you kissed me that night, I don’t know what it was. Maybe it’s because of what you said. About being mates.”

“You tensed up because you liked it?”

“I know it seems strange, but yeah. I was surprised. You didn’t feel like anyone else. Ben.” She touched his arm; his muscles jumped underneath her palm. “You say I’m yours, but I think … you’re mine, too.”

He sucked in a breath. “Penny ….”

In half a second, his lips were on hers. And he wasn’t soft or gentle. Oh no. Ben was rough, urgent, and insistent. It made her toes curl and excitement lurch within her.

He urged her mouth open. When she obliged, his tongue dipped between her lips, teasing her. She opened to him eagerly, wanting to taste more of him. His hand slipped under her skirt and brushed against the lace of the stockings and garter belt. He pulled back, his mouth a millimeter from hers.

“What else are you wearing?” he asked in a rough voice, his warm breath tickling her swollen lips.

“Why don’t you see for yourself?” She raised the skirt high enough to reveal the lace band around her thigh and the strap of the garter belt.

“Hot damn,” he cursed, before planting another kiss on her mouth. “I can’t wait. Let’s go.”

“Where?” she asked breathlessly.

“Home. My cabin, I mean.” He unbuttoned his plaid shirt, tossed it around her, then grabbed her hand and dragged her out of the bathroom. She nearly tripped as they walked across the cafe, but somehow kept up with his longer strides. They were out of the restaurant and halfway to the car when he stopped and let out a frustrated breath.

Did he change his mind? “Ben?”

He turned to her. “Sorry. Won’t be long. I forgot to pay.” He reached for his wallet then stopped halfway, his brows knitting together.

She turned her head back to the cafe. Rosie was standing by the window, a piece of white paper in her hand. With a sly smile, she tore up the check and waved them away.

Ben gave Rosie a grateful nod, then rushed Penny into his Jeep, practically tossing her inside as he opened the door and lifted her into the seat. Soon, they were driving out of Blackstone, toward the main road that led up the mountain. Penny realized she didn’t even know where he lived, but it didn’t matter. She knew she would be safe, as long as she was with Ben.

Ben looked ahead, concentrating on the road as he maneuvered the vehicle up the winding highway. She watched his strained expression, wondering what he was thinking. He was only wearing a white undershirt, and his muscles tensed as he turned the wheel with the road. Hoping to soothe him, she reached out to touch his arm. When he winced and flinched away, she shrank back.

He glanced over at her and frowned. “Sorry, it’s not you.”

“Huh?”

His shoulders tensed visibly. “Penny, I want you so fucking bad, if you touch me right now, I swear you’re going to find yourself in the backseat with your legs in the air so fast, it’ll make your head spin.” He stared ahead. “I don’t want that. Not for our first time.”

“Oh.” Penny shivered, thinking of the visual in her head. Flat on her back, legs in the air. Ben on top of her. God, the thought made her ache, and she could feel the wetness pooling between her legs.

“Penny,” he warned. “I can smell you ,too.”

“Oh. Sorry.”

He laughed. “Don’t be sorry, sweetheart. Never be sorry for that.”

They drove for what seemed like forever. The anticipation in her veins that made her antsy. It felt like they were never going to get there. When he stopped the car and killed the engine, she didn’t bother to wait for him to get the door. She opened it and stepped out on her own.

“Holy ….” She looked at the ‘cabin’ and then at Ben, who cocked his head to the side. “Ben, this isn’t a cabin.”

“Huh?”

“You said you lived in a cabin.”

“It’s made of logs,” he said. “And is in the middle of the woods.”

“Ben, this is a mansion.” She gestured to the two-story building with the stonework wraparound porch. “It’s huge.”

“I like my space.” He shrugged. “C’mon.”

He took her hand and led her up to the porch and to the front door. When they entered and he turned on the lights, her eyes bugged out of their sockets. It was just as luxurious inside—high vaulted ceilings, exposed stone, matching wooden details. There was a fireplace in the living area and a large sectional leather couch. The decor was masculine and tasteful at the same time. Her entire trailer could fit in this main room. Heck, it could fit four of her trailers.

“Penny?”

“Sorry,” she mumbled. “Your place is really nice.”

“Yeah, my dad helped me design it, and my mom did the interior.”

“Oh, that’s nice. Your mom is really talented. Does she work as an interior designer? It’s—”

“Penny?”

“Huh?”

“I don’t really want to talk about my mom right now.”

“Oh. Right. Gotcha. Hey!”

He swept her up into his arms, as if she were weightless, then marched up the long, wooden staircase that led to the second floor. She clung to him, wrapping her arms around his neck and laying her head on his chest. His body was so warm and hard, so different from hers. And yet it felt so right to be here with him.

Ben walked into the bedroom on the opposite end of the long hallway. It was dark inside, with only the dim moonlight coming in from the enormous picture window on one side. She felt him lower her down onto something soft and then a lamp to her right clicked on, revealing his handsome face.

He placed a hand on her cheek. “Just tell me if I’m going too fast,” he said. “You can say stop any time.”

She smiled up at him and nodded, making him sigh in relief. “Do you want to see what I’m wearing underneath?”

His eyes darkened and a muscle in his jaw ticked. “Yes.”

She unwrapped the shirt he had thrown on her. It was so warm and smelled so delicious, so like him that she was reluctant to take it off. But she knew it was worth it when she saw his reaction.

“Show me more,” he said, his eyes roving over her body.

Penny swung her legs over the side of the bed. He backed up a bit to give her space as she stood up and reached behind her to unzip the skirt. She let it pool at her ankles. The black stockings went halfway up her thighs and were held up by the garter belt connected to the corset.

“Jesus,” he growled. “You’re perfect.” Ben lowered his head to take her mouth, moving over it with a savage mastery that made her feel dizzy. “Sorry,” he murmured against her lips, then smothered them again with his.

Sorry for what? The ripping sound of fabric answered her question, and the corset fell away from her torso as he impatiently shoved it down to her waist.

His hands felt like a brand as they landed on her bare skin. He pushed her down on the bed, planting her on the mattress as he knelt in front of her and nudged her legs apart, pushing between them.

She moaned against his mouth as he pressed his torso to her; her thighs tightened around him in response. His chest was rock hard, and she couldn’t help herself. She held onto his muscled shoulders, squeezing them and digging her fingers into them as he continued to ravage her mouth.

She whimpered when he pulled away, but the trail of heat he left as his lips dragged down her throat made her moan and grip his shoulders harder. Oh God, his mouth. Warm and wet as it enclosed over a nipple. His tongue lazily circled the bud, the rough pad sweeping against it like sweet torture.

His hand reached up to cup her other breast, his thumb brushing over the nipple. She squeezed her thighs around him harder, unaware that she was rocking her hips against him until he groaned and pushed her down on the bed and farther up so she was in the middle with her back on the mattress.

Ben got up, his eyes raking over her half-naked body as he took his shirt off, unbuckled his belt, and shucked his pants downs, leaving him only in his underwear. She stared at him, unable to drag her gaze away from his muscled chest and arms, his perfect eight-pack abs, and the trail of hair that disappeared under his boxer briefs. Shyly, she lowered her lashes, but not before she got a peek at the significant bulge between his legs.

He tore what remained of the corset away, leaving her only in her panties and stockings. Spreading her thighs apart, he moved between them, lowering his head until—

There was more ripping as he turned her lace panties into scraps. His mouth finally made contact with her naked core. “Ben!” The press of his mouth on her made her flood with wetness and seemed to urge him on. His tongue darted out to lick up her juices, driving her wild.

She grabbed at his hair, twisting the locks as he continued to feast on her. The pressure building was too much, and she closed her eyes, her vision bursting to white as her body tensed and then electricity arced through her. She lifted her hips off the mattress, pressing up against his talented tongue as mind-numbing pleasure spread over her.

“Oh. God.” She panted as she came back down and her eyes flew open. It was unlike anything she’d ever felt before. She looked down, her face aflame when their eyes clashed.

“Did you …?”

She nodded, and he gave her a feral smile as he crawled over her. The hairs on his chest tickled her stomach and breasts and she squirmed, then sighed when he gently kissed her. He caressed her face with his calloused fingers, touching her jaw, her neck, trailing a path between her breasts and down her stomach.

Fingers skimmed over her swollen and wet center. She gasped as he pressed one digit in her tightness; her body tensed.

“Relax, sweetheart,” he whispered. “You’ll have to relax.”

“I’ll try,” she said.

He dipped a finger deeper, and then added another. He stroked her inner walls, and she found her hips moving in rhythm with his fingers. He urged her on with sweet, gentle words, and soon, her body was exploding in another orgasm as he continued to tease her.

Ben kissed her on the mouth. “That’s it sweetheart. You’re nice and wet for me.” He reached down between them, and she watched as he hooked a thumb in his waistband and pulled down his underwear.

She couldn’t help herself and let out a gasp. How on earth was he going to—

“It’s okay,” he assured her as he removed the boxer briefs entirely. “We’ll go slow.”

She nodded in agreement, her throat too dry to say anything. He reached over to the side, taking something out of the night stand. Unwrapping the foil packet, he took out the condom and rolled it over his thick cock.

“Are you sure, Penny?” he asked.

“Yes,” she said, her voice hardly shaking. She had never been more sure of anything else in her entire life.

Ben moved between her legs. “You’re so beautiful like this, Penny. Your skin is so soft and smooth.” He leaned down and kissed her neck, moving to the tops of her breasts. “Your hair smells so good and looks so good when it’s spread like this on my pillow.” He ran his fingers through her hair. “I’ve been thinking and dreaming of you in my bed since I met you.”

“You have?”

He nodded. “Penny, I want you to be mine.”

“Then make me yours.”

He sucked in a breath as he moved his hips toward her. She felt the blunt tip of his cock nudging against her. Though her instinct was to close her legs, she resisted and relaxed her body.

“Penny,” he growled as he paused.

“Don’t stop.”

Ben pushed, slowly filling her. She held her breath as the brief pain made her wince, and she bit the inside of her cheek to keep from crying out. He moaned her name and turned her head so he could kiss her. She sighed against his lips, allowing him to comfort her as the pain subsided.

She opened her eyes. He looked strained, his eyes closed and his brows furrowed. “Ben.” She touched his brow, and he relaxed. He looked down at her, the expression on his face tender.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

She smiled and nodded. “Yes.”

“I can—Penny!” He let out a guttural sound as she pushed up her hips, clenching around him. “God, you feel amazing.” He moved inside her, and she inhaled a quick breath and grabbed at his shoulders.

“Ben.”

It was as if his name on her lips was too much. He cradled her in his arms as he began to move. Slow, tentatively at first.

Pleasure zinged through her body with each drag of his cock inside her. She grasped at him, her body moving and keeping in time. His lips mouth at her neck, finding that sweet spot beneath her ear that she didn’t know existed. “Oh!” she cried when his tongue licked at it, and then his mouth sucked at her flesh. It seemed to double the sensations, and it was like her body was one big pleasure zone. “Ben!” she cried again as she moved her hips. “More.”

He grunted and slipped a hand under her buttocks, cupping her and moving her closer. When he changed his angle, she could feel him hit her clit just right and she exploded in another orgasm, surprising even herself as the pure pleasure took over her body.

She relaxed, feeling like she was floating on air. Ben didn’t slow down however, and soon, her body was tensing again. “Oh. God.”

Ben gripped her tighter, pulling her up to him as he groaned. He pushed into her, and she felt his cock throb inside her. She shivered as a smaller orgasm pulsed though her. She wrapped her legs around him as if she was afraid to let go.

He relaxed against her. There was something so intimate about having his weight on her. She wanted to stay like this for a long time. She sighed and pressed a kiss to his shoulder.

“Penny.” He brushed the hair off her cheek. “Are you okay?”

He looked down at her with such concern it made her heart swell. “I am now,” she said with a weak smile.

“Good.” He kissed her cheek. Bracing his arms on either side of her as he lifted himself off, he carefully pulled out of her. “Hold on.” He slid off the bed and disappeared into the bathroom. Moments later, he came back with a small towel in his hand. “This should help.” He pressed it against her core and she sighed. The towel was warm and wet and brought some relief to the slight ache there.

“Thank you,” she said, then gently pushed his hand away.

“I’m sorry,” he said. “For the pain.”

“Don’t be.” She reached up to cup his cheek, his thick beard tickling her palm. “It was great. All of it.”

His face looked relieved. “It was for me, too.” He leaned down to give her a tender kiss. “Will you stay the night?”

“But don’t you have work tomorrow?”

“We can leave early, and I’ll drop you off at home.” He was already pulling the covers down, urging her to join him under the blanket.

“All right.” She slid under the covers and then settled against him, laying her head on his chest.

“Are you sleepy at all?”

She shook her head. “I’m used to late nights.”

“I’m usually asleep by ten,” he confessed. “We have early days at the mines.”

“But you’ve been staying up to take me home this week,” she exclaimed. “Oh no! I’m—”

“Shh.” He stroked a hand down her naked back. “It’s all right. It was worth it. Besides, it’s more of a habit than a need. I don’t need all that sleep,” he assured her. “If you’re not sleepy, it’s okay. You can watch TV,” he nodded to the remote on the nightstand, “or read or something. Just stay with me tonight.”

“Of course,” she said. “Get some sleep.”

She waited until he closed his eyes, then snuggled deeper against him. A sigh escaped her mouth. This was all so new to her, but in a good way. She never thought cuddling with anyone could be so nice. But now, pressed up against Ben’s body and feeling the rise and fall of his chest as his breathing evened, she felt content for the first time in her life.