Winning Ben Read online

  She looked very cool and collected. She was dressed primly but a couple of strategic buttons were undone on her pretty pink shirt. She had all the right curves under that simple tan skirt, too. She was a little bit taller than his brother’s wives and those heels brought her almost up to his shoulder.

  “Tammy, huh?”

  She nodded, her full rosy lips curved upward at one corner. “Tamara, actually. Accent on the ‘ma.’”

  “Tamara.”

  Her hazel eyes sparkled. He’d even rolled the r just a little, like she had.

  “Yeah. It’s Italian.” She leaned against the wall and crossed her ankles. “So, Ben Chapman. Are you going to the event tonight?”

  “The picnic?” At her nod he shrugged a shoulder. “Harmony insisted and I find I can’t say no to her.”

  “She’s a force of nature. A gentle, insistent wind in your ear.”

  Ben smiled again. He’d been down in Cypress for just a day now, but he had to agree with Tammy’s assessment. On his last visit he hadn’t had a chance to do more than a quick meet-and-greet with his newfound family and in-laws. Maybe this time he’d get to know them all a little bit better.

  “Will you be there?” he asked.

  She leaned closer and tilted her head, causing her dark shining hair to slide over one shoulder. He could smell her now. Her scent was something like flowers and spice. Mmm.

  “I was commanded to, so I guess I have to,” she said with a wide smile.

  Her smile was amazing, too. A little bit crooked, which quirked her lips up another notch. Her skin had a soft hint of olive to it and look as smooth as silk.

  “Then I guess I’ll see you there,” he said.

  Those golden-green eyes of hers flicked over him, nice and slow. “Oh, you’ll see me.”

  Ben felt a flash of heat straight down to his groin. Whoa. He might be new to Cypress but he wasn’t some dumb kid from Cali. He knew flirting when he saw it and sweet Tamara Donato was definitely flirting with him.

  “Good.” It was his turn to run his own gaze slowly over her toned curves. “I look forward to seeing more of you.”

  Her eyes widened and she gave a little shiver. It was clear the girl was used to turning it on but never really got it in return. Ben hid his smile. He could give as good as he got, or so his last few hook-ups had attested. Not that he’d hooked up much in the past year.

  “Until then.” She turned and he was treated to the sweet view of her ass as she walked back into her office.

  Ben stood there, his body tingling. Yeah she was pretty, but he’d seen plenty of beauties growing up in Santa Cruz. The beachside town was wall-to-wall hard bodies. But there was something about this girl.

  She wasn’t as smooth and cool as she put on. He’d seen the flicker of awareness in her gaze when they’d been alone. And when he’d flirted back? She’d trembled.

  He gave himself a mental shake and turned away from her door. He was here to get to know his family. That was all. To be a part of his little sister’s wedding, as mind-blowing as that was to comprehend. As to his father’s demands? Bill could take a leap off of one of Jake’s rope bridges if he believed for one second that Ben would spy for him.

  He headed to the breakroom Rick had pointed out earlier to grab a bottle of water. There was a guy in the room, a man about his father’s age. Ben lifted his chin in greeting.

  “Ben, is it?” the guy asked.

  “Yes. Rick’s brother.” That still felt strange to say. “Ben Chapman.”

  “Paul Forbes, Ben.” Forbes held his hand out. “One of the developers of Cypress.”

  Ben shook his hand. “Very nice to meet you, Mr. Forbes.”

  The man crossed his arms over his chest. He was a solid guy with graying hair and a trim mustache. His dark eyes sparkled and Ben guessed this guy was always thinking.

  “So, another Chapman. How did I get so lucky?”

  Ben smiled. “I don’t know about luck.”

  Forbes sat at one of the tables and waved his hand at the chair opposite. Ben took the seat and folded his hands on the table.

  “What can I do for you, Mr. Forbes?”

  “I heard you’re an architect.”

  Ben kept his expression even. “Yes.”

  “Then you have to help us with our new green, eco-friendly homes.”

  “I’m assuming you’ve already got a team in place, Mr. Forbes.”

  Forbes gave a quick nod. “We do. But we need some fresh blood. The builders down here have their way of doing things, you know.”

  “And from what my brother Rick tells me, they’ve brought a lot of success to Cypress with their designs.”

  “Yes, the classic home styles are very popular.”

  “And timeless. I’ve driven through a few of the villages. The homes are pretty and the settings welcoming.”

  “Thank you for saying so, Ben. But these builders aren’t comfortable with some of the features in the energy-wise homes we’re planning. I’m assuming by working out in California you’re experienced with the new developments?”

  “Sure. Air quality is a big deal out there. The state is very forward-thinking when it comes to conservation and energy savings, not to mention the impact on the environment.”

  Forbes smiled. “I knew you’d be the perfect guy for this.”

  Ben studied Forbes and he didn’t seem to have a hidden agenda. No. Cypress Corners was his baby and he wanted only the best people working in it. Ben had enough confidence left to realize he could be one of the best. Even if he hadn’t been able to design a damn thing in months.

  “What, precisely, would my input be?” he asked Forbes.

  “I want you to design homes implementing the best new energy-saving technologies. Along with the state-of-the-art features we already have in place for convenience and communication. Oh, and keeping the homes classic in style.”

  Ben arched his brows. “Is that all?”

  Forbes laughed softly. “Let’s just say you would have a lot on your plate but your father said you’re up to the challenge.”

  “You spoke to my father about me?”

  “He called me, yes. I took the liberty of looking into your credentials and awards. Very impressive, I must say.” He winked. “I shouldn’t be surprised, though. Both of your brothers are the best at what they do, too.”

  Ben found he kind of liked being compared to his brothers that way. It was true he’d enjoyed a lot of success back in California. He was proud of his awards and prouder still of the homes he’d built for his clients.

  “What are you asking of me, Mr. Forbes?”

  Forbes shook his head. “This isn’t the place to discuss this, Ben. Why don’t you come by my office Monday morning? Let’s say nine o’clock.”

  Ben’s mind worked around the man’s words. Did he want to talk about a job here in Cypress? There was a lot to consider. Hey, he wouldn’t have to go back to Boston. The busy work his father handed him was just not enough to float his boat. He could certainly use some direction in his life at this point, too. He’d been stagnating in Santa Cruz since his mother got sick. Plus he missed the spark of creativity that used to drive him. Maybe if he worked on the green homes he could find that thrill again.

  “I’d be happy to meet with you on Monday, sir. Thanks so much for considering me.”

  “Thank you, Ben. I know there’s a lot to take in, seeing that you’re new to Cypress and all.” He snapped his fingers. “I tell you what. Why don’t you schedule a tour with Tammy for Monday as well? She’s our best, believe me.”

  Ben’s lips twitched. He doubted the man had the slightest idea of the images his words put in Ben’s mind.

  “I look forward to it.”

  Forbes stood. “See you tonight at the picnic?”

  Again, Ben thought about Tammy. He grinned. “I wouldn’t miss it.”

  ***

  “I can’t believe you actually came.”

  Tammy snorted and looked at her best friend, Cla
ire Chapman. The CPA money mind of Cypress, Claire was precise and perfect and Tammy didn’t know what she would do without her friendship.

  “Mr. Forbes insisted.” Tammy sipped at her mason jar of lemonade. “Believe me, you couldn’t drag me to one of these family things otherwise.”

  Claire waved a hand and flicked her strawberry-blond waves over her shoulder. “Jake said the same thing but he knows I like these outings.”

  Tammy studied her friend. She knew that Claire and her husband were trying to get pregnant, but every month Claire wore an expression of sad resignation and determination Tammy couldn’t miss.

  When Claire’s gaze ran over the guests and Cypress employees populating the main lakeshore, she could easily see the yearning in her eyes. Tammy followed her line of vision and saw that Rick and Harmony were running around the playground with their little son, Nick.

  Tammy tilted her head. She had to admit, the kid was a looker. And not annoying in the least. If Claire and Jake had a baby, there was every possibility they would be just as blessed. The thought caught her off guard. Blessed? Since when did she ever think such a thing when considering the plague of babies her family inflicted on the world?

  “It’ll happen,” Tammy said in a low voice.

  “Hmm?” Claire tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I know, I know. Jake says the same thing.”

  Tammy nudged her with her elbow. “And how much fun is the trying, huh?”

  Claire’s creamy complexion showed pink and Tammy laughed.

  “You’re so easy,” Tammy said.

  “Stop embarrassing me, then,” Claire said.

  “Nope.” Tammy took another sip of lemonade. “Jeez, do they ever have anything stronger at these things?”

  “No. This isn’t happy hour.”

  “It sure isn’t happy for me.”

  Claire clicked her tongue. “Ollie seems to be making the most of it.”

  Tammy looked over to find Ollie holding court with a few of the families he’d toured most recently.

  “The boy can sell.”

  “That’s because he isn’t buying,” Claire said. “He’s worse than you.”

  “Worse than me?” Tammy blinked. “What does that mean?”

  Claire’s eyes sparkled. “Nothing. I just mean that you enjoy your single lifestyle.”

  “Why shouldn’t I? You know, we’ve had this conversation before. I’m in no hurry to join the ranks. Believe me.”

  “Oh, I believe you. I just don’t believe you’re as happy as you let on.”

  Tammy scoffed. “Believe what you want, girl. My time is my own.”

  Claire nodded idly, her eyes still on Nick and the other kids running roughshod over the playground equipment.

  Just then, Mr. Forbes came into Tammy’s field of vision. He waved to her and she lifted her mason jar in silent salute. He just continued to wave, now beckoning her over to where he stood under one of the canopies Cypress had installed for the event.

  “This evening gets better and better,” she said. “Mr. Forbes probably wants me to push the kids on the swing.”

  Claire laughed. “Go.”

  Tammy smirked at her, and then walked over to the developer. “Hello, Mr. Forbes.”

  “Tammy.” He sounded very satisfied. “You came.”

  “I was expressly urged to do so,” she said.

  He chuckled. “That’s very true. Is it as frightening as you envisioned?”

  “I’ll survive.” She smiled. “Seriously, you know I’m all about Cypress. If I have to endure—I’m sorry, enjoy—a few of these events once in a while, I figure that comes with the territory.”

  “That’s a smart attitude.” The man’s sharp gaze focused on the fringe of the playground. “There’s someone I want you to meet.”

  “Who?”

  “Ben!” he called.

  Tammy’s heart tripped as she turned to see Ben Chapman headed their way.

  “So glad you could make it,” Forbes said, shaking Ben’s hand in greeting. “Have you met Tammy?”

  Ben turned those blue-gray eyes in her direction. “I have, yes. This afternoon. Hello again, Tamara.”

  “Tammy,” she corrected him. “Tammy is fine.”

  Forbes looked between the both of them, but she guessed he missed the heat sparking between her and Ben.

  “Good, good. I want Tammy to take you on a tour Monday. After our meeting.”

  Ben nodded. “That would be great.”

  Tammy just studied his strong throat as she tried to slow her pulse. What was it about this guy? She loved the way he said her name, though. Yeah, he was smoking hot but he was connected to too many other people in her life. She anticipated messiness if they got involved. And she so did not do messy.

  “I’ll leave you kids to sort out the details,” Mr. Forbes said.

  And with that, the guy left her and Ben relatively alone.

  “So, this isn’t really your thing,” Ben said.

  Tammy shrugged. “I’m here, aren’t I?”

  He met her gaze dead on. “Are you?”

  “What are you getting at?”

  “You just don’t seem like the home and hearth type.”

  She sucked in a breath, supremely irritated. “You don’t even know me.”

  “Are you saying you’re eager to add to the population of this pretty little town?”

  She pulled her eyes away from his. “I’m not saying anything of the kind. I’m here at the developer’s urging. That’s all.”

  Ben shoved his hands in the front pockets of his jeans. The action served to pull them down just enough to show her a sliver of lighter skin above the waistband.

  “This isn’t my scene, either,” he said.

  “But you have family here.”

  He was quiet for a second, his brows drawn a little closer together. “Yeah. Family.”

  Tammy didn’t know much about how Ben figured into the picture, but she’d never heard the guy mentioned before last spring. He clearly belonged to the Chapmans, though. In looks and mannerisms, at least.

  “My family is all up north, thank God,” she said.

  “Oh? Where?”

  “South Jersey.”

  “Do you get home much?”

  “Not if I can help it.” When Ben’s brows arched, she shook her head with a laugh. “Don’t get me wrong. I love my family. They’re just a lot to take. Lots of brothers and sisters and too many nieces and nephews to count. Believe me, the Donato family is large and in charge.”

  Ben nodded. “I have no idea what that’s like. I thought I was an only child for twenty-eight years.”

  She wanted to ask him just what happened to drop him into the bosom of his newfound family, but it really wasn’t her business.

  “You’re very lucky to have Rick, Jake and Cassie as family.”

  “Yeah.” His voice still had that flat tone. “They seem nice.”

  “They are. You’ll fit right in.”

  He looked at her in apparent surprise. “What makes you think I want to fit in?”

  Tammy thought about his question for a minute. It was clear he was looking for something. And like he had no idea what that something was. She couldn’t say that to him, though.

  “I just figured you would want to get to know them all better,” she said.

  “I do.”

  “Your sister Cassie’s wedding should be a great opportunity for that. The day’s, what? Two weeks from tomorrow?”

  He rolled his eyes but a smile teased his full mouth. A dimple showed on one cheek. “That’s what she tells me.”

  Tammy smiled back. “Then there you go. There’s nothing like a wedding to bring a family together.”

  “You’ve gone to a lot of them, I take it?”

  She held up a hand with all her fingers splayed. “Hey, three sisters and two brothers. All married in true Italian fashion. Huge church wedding with a ton of attendants. A venetian table of desserts and too many meal courses to count. The Ta
rantella, the Chicken Dance. Believe me, I’m looking forward to a nice, normal ceremony with a nice normal party to follow.”

  Ben chuckled. “I bet they’ll still play the Chicken Dance.”

  Tammy laughed and placed her hand on his arm. “If that’s the worst of it, I’m in.”

  He stilled and she felt his forearm tense beneath her fingers. “It’ll be a first for me. A family wedding.”

  Before she could say something more they were joined by Rick and Harmony. Harmony was a natural beauty, with clear hazel eyes and honey-colored curls she usually pulled up into a ponytail.

  “Hi there, Tammy,” Harmony said with a smile.

  “Hi, Harmony.” She pulled her hand away from Ben’s arm. “Rick.”

  Harmony turned to Ben. “Having a good time, Ben?”

  “Sure.”

  Harmony looked back at Tammy. “I know you always head to the beach on the weekends, but if you’re around on Sunday we’d love it if you stopped by the house.”

  Tammy quirked her lips. “One of Rick’s famous barbeque picnics, I take it?”

  Harmony nodded. “With Claire bringing the treats, of course.”

  Tammy grinned and looked over at Ben. “Claire is the world’s best, most precise baker, Ben. If you haven’t heard that already.”

  “I haven’t, no,” Ben said.

  “Her chocolate-chocolate chip cookies are to die for,” Harmony said.

  “Then you’ll have to come,” Ben said to Tammy.

  Her heart flipped for a different reason. She’d managed to avoid those Sunday picnics for years now. Even the lure of Claire’s cookies couldn’t drag her from her weekly beach escape.

  “I don’t think so,” she managed to say.

  Did Ben look a little disappointed? That wouldn’t last long. He’d get to know his family. His little nephew. Maybe even realize that family was just what he wanted. That settling down was just what he needed.

  And that so made him not the guy she needed.

  Chapter 3

  Sunday morning, Ben sat in the dining room of the Cypress Inn. Although he’d stayed with Rick and Harmony when he’d last visited, he hadn’t wanted to impose again. The bed and breakfast was really quite comfortable. It was designed to look like a stately Victorian but Ben knew it had only been built about five years ago.