The man was flirting, and for some reason, Ariel was okay with that. “Tell me what Trent said.”
He sucked in a breath, acting as if he was trying to decide what to say and what to hide. “Your brother wants to protect you.”
“I know, but now is not the time. I’m not fifteen anymore.” Ariel huffed. “Trent is a jerk in so many ways, but he’s always wanted to take care of me. I’m not naive. I know he gambles and that he probably does drugs.”
“That much he didn’t deny. But did you know that he owed a few people money?”
She hissed in a breath. “I suspected it, but I’d hoped it wasn’t true. You have to understand that Trent doesn’t confide in me. Never has. We had no choice but to be with one another after our parents died, but to be honest, we never really bonded as siblings. Not only is he four years older, we didn’t have much in common.”
“How so?”
When he didn’t act surprised about the death of her parents, she figured he’d learned about it during the trial. “He wasn’t into academics like I was. Not only that, Trent took chances, and I rarely did.”
“When your parents died, did they leave you a trust fund?”
Seriously? “You do realize that not everyone comes from a rich family.”
“Of course. I was just asking.”
“Sorry. My parents owed a mortgage like most people. And no, there weren’t any relatives to help us out. I have to hand it to Trent though. He worked to pay for the mortgage and to keep food on the table. I studied and held down two jobs. I was able to go to college because I had a full scholarship for academics and for running track. Trent wasn’t interested in any of that.”
His eyes widened. “You are an intriguing woman!”
“Thank you.”
His compliment stimulated parts of her anatomy that weren’t supposed to be excited by this man. However, the more time she spent with Benson, the more Ariel realized she had misjudged him. Just because he came from a family with money didn’t mean he was spoiled and entitled. Going to law school took dedication. His father owned a large ranch, and she supposed he could have joined his brothers and worked the land instead, but he chose to go his own way. That was admirable.
Their coffee arrived as did their sweet roll, and the sugary scent made her mouth water. She took a bite and then washed it down with the coffee. Both were needed.
“Good, huh?” he asked.
“Very good.” This date was nice, but she wanted to know if he planned to help—or rather how he planned to help. “What’s our next step?”
Instead of answering, he sipped his coffee.
“Benson?”
“I’m not sure, other than Preston and I will check out the casino where your brother liked to gamble. You are not invited.”
“Excuse me?”
He leaned back in his seat. “What would you do if a fight broke out?”
“I’d probably run.”
He chuckled. “I’m glad that you are smart enough to protect yourself. Asking too many questions about a murder might cause someone to want to shut us up—or ratheryouup.”
That was what Beth said. “Then maybe you shouldn’t put yourself in such a dangerous situation either. It’s not your fight.”
He reached across the table and placed his hand over hers, sending a delicious shudder through her body. “I want to make it my fight.”
“Why?”
His gaze bored through her. The slight shake of his head implied he decided not to tell her his original answer. “I like you.”
“I like you too.” That was the truth.
“I have to say I’m surprised you’d say that.”