Good Deed Bad Deed

him to take it slow and just let it unfold naturally. He had always made an assumption of success with women, and the air of self- assurance he presented had most always worked in his favor. It was different this time. Ben was forced to consider that Ana might not fancy him.
She noticed his movement and said, “You seem anxious to leave. Was it something I said?” He could tell she was joking, and just smiled due to lack of a response. She continued, “You know we haven’t set up an appointment for tending to our business at hand. I don’t think today would be a good idea. You need to rest a while longer.”
Ben answered, “There isn’t much I can do other than rest until I have full use of my arm. I could certainly talk to you, but I won’t be able to drive until I can lose the sling.” He tried to rotate his shoulder just a bit and uttered an expletive under his breath. “It’s lucky that I took a taxi to the pub last night,” he said, reaching with his good arm for the leather jacket resting on the chair nearest him.
Ana could see that he was ready to go and quickly said, “How do I know that you’ll go straight to the pharmacy for advice on a sling?”
He held the jacket up in the air and said, “All I can do is swear on this, my best and faithful friend.”
Ana shook her head in mock-disapproval and asked, “Seriously? You must not make friends very easily if your jacket rates that high.” She observed that it did appear to have had a lot of use. An unbidden scenario distracted her: Ben’s arms around her, her cheek against the jacket, and the heady scent of leather complementing his very obvious masculinity. With an undetectable sigh she returned her attention to their conversation.
“The right leather jacket can be the link to a man’s identity, his sense of who he is. Mine has been through a lot with me and hasn’t let me down. You women feel naked without a purse, and some men feel that way without their leather jacket. At least for me it’s just a jacket … not a flashy sports car or a flask of whiskey as my constant companion.”
“Understood. No more comments … maybe. And I must admit, it definitely does suit you.” A teasing little smile crossed her face. Ben saw the sexy glint in her dark, expressive eyes, and as he was enjoying her willingness to spar with him, a potent surge of desire ran straight through him. She would be a welcome challenge.
“Well then, let’s ease you into that precious jacket so we can get on with day,” Ana said, taking the jacket from him and gently slipping the sleeve onto the arm of his sore shoulder.
“So we can get on with it? I don’t need a nanny to get me home,” he said, grimacing as she finished getting him into the jacket.
Ana wondered if Ben was defending his independence or just being snarky. “I know you don’t need my help. You could have conducted your day without wearing it. I’m sure you’re a regular one-arm wonder.” She stepped back, arms across her chest, looked him straight in the eye and said, “I’ll give you your freedom just as soon as we get you into a sling. Deal with it.” She paused and then added, “Just don’t bite the hand that brings you ice and helps you put on your magic jacket.”
“Sorry— I’m just not used to limitations or having people help me, especially a woman. I didn’t intend to take it out on you. I don’t know you well enough to be free to act like an ass.” His attitude was compliant, but his eyes expressed the enjoyment he took in her talent for sparring with him. She didn’t back down. He liked that as well.
Ana stuffed her belongings back into her purse, pulled the strap over her shoulder, and opened the door. “After you, sir, and no more snarky behavior,” she said rather too brightly, and Ben shook his head in mock-frustration as he closed the door behind them.
* * *
Shifts at the hotel desk had changed, and the concierge on duty was a young woman, tall and slim, with a bleached blonde ponytail that was at odds with her business-like navy blazer and gray skirt. She was standing at attention behind the counter, having been engaged in conversation by a rather elderly guest. Ana commented that the concierge from the previous evening would have raised one eyebrow as they exited the elevator together, obviously having spent the night in her room. They left the hotel and looked up and down the street for signs of a taxi, and within a couple of minutes one appeared. Ana waved to lay claim to it, while out of necessity Ben stood idly by, hating his current status. After climbing inside, Ben asked the driver where they could find the closest pharmacy.
The hefty man behind the wheel asked, “You mean a chemist?”
Ben answered, “Yes, chemist … somewhere they have medical supplies.”
The driver nodded and pulled away from the curb rather too quickly, his tires screeching as he entered the flow of traffic. The streets and sidewalks were all but clogged with cars and shoppers. This was normal for the day after a rainstorm, and everyone looked purposeful, or seemed to express an air of enjoyment at the morning’s abundant sunshine. Soon the driver pulled to a halt and pointed to a shop on their left. Ben had put his wallet in his right pocket and managed to retrieve it, but handed it to Ana so she could pay the driver. They got out and reached the sidewalk as quickly as possible, just managing to avoid a careless lorry driver pulling out of a loading zone.
They entered the store, told the bright-faced young woman behind the counter what they needed, and soon