“Okay.” She all but floated out of the booth and straightened her skirt, her cheeks still pink. “Thank you.”
He stood and wrapped her in his arms, slanting his lips over hers. He kissed her, slowly and sensually, hoping he conveyed how special she was to him.
When he reluctantly pulled away, she lifted her heavy lashes and started to giggle. “You’re wearing my lip gloss. I’m not sure that’s the right shade for you.”
As Heavenly walked away, his stare glued itself to the sexy sway of her hips while he gave himself a mental pat on the back. He might be lacking when it came to suave, seductive lines and romance, but he’d given the girl her first orgasm. His only regret? That shithead Seth hadn’t been there to see Heavenly dissolve. Not that he wanted to share her pleasure with him. But after watching the bastard tongue-swab and dry-hump her, Beck wanted him to know exactly how it felt to stand on the sidelines while having his balls kicked.
But maybe he could extract a little payback through a different means…
Yanking out his cell phone, Beck snapped a selfie with Heavenly’s shiny gloss smeared all over his lips. “Sweet revenge.”
Chuckling softly, he tapped out a message to Seth, attached the image, and hit send.
Seth’s flight to New York the Monday following Hammer’s party was night-and-day from his trip home a mere nine weeks ago. The frustrations and questions then had been erased by happiness and hope now. His scowl was long gone, replaced by swagger.
He’d kissed Heavenly Young—been the first man to taste her lips, drink in her passion. Even forty-eight hours later, she still lingered on his tongue.
Christmas didn’t assault him on this trip through the terminal. Now, he saw hints that winter was almost over. Yankees’ spring training would start in a few days. It was no longer cold enough to give his balls frostbite. Most of all, he had a new outlook on life.
Because, after eight years of misery, he was finally going to embrace his future.
First, he had to say good-bye to his past—both the good and the bad. Since he still had family here, this wouldn’t be his last trip, but it would be the last time he called the city home.
Not too long ago, this plunge would have messed with his head. Even when he’d impulsively hopped on a plane back to California two weeks ago, he’d been intent on nothing beyond laying eyes on Heavenly and ending his misery. The idea of moving out West had seemed farfetched, surreal. Despite Liam’s cryptic warning about Heavenly, she guided him like a beacon toward a new home. He was going to spend his life with her. Every gut instinct he possessed told him so.
When he reached baggage claim, his mother stood waiting for him, just like his last trip. She looked every bit as vibrant now as she had at Christmas.
Carl must still be in the picture.
He hurried to her, swept her up in his arms, and kissed her soundly on the cheek. “It’s good to see you, Mom. Thanks for picking me up. How’s the family? Anna Mae growing? And how’s, um…Carl?”
“We’re all fine. Your niece is a good eater, just like all you boys. Carl is good.” She smiled. “It’s nice to have you home again. Now kindly put me down, son.”
Laughing, Seth lowered her to her feet. “It’s good to be here.” He sobered. “But I’m not staying. I’m moving to California.”
His mother blinked and set a hand over her chest. “You’re serious? So things went well in Los Angeles?”
“Very well.”
“Tell me everything.”
“For starters, Hammer is out of the woods. The bogus case against him has been dropped and justice has prevailed. He, Raine, and Liam are free to live happily ever after. And I think they finally will.”
“Then I’m happy for them.” She dropped her voice. “But I meant things with Heavenly. Did you see her?”
“I definitely did.” In fact, he’d more than seen the woman. He’d pressed his lips to hers, sunk his tongue into her mouth, and felt her body cling to his. He still couldn’t stop thinking about it. “You were right, Mom. I left LA too soon. I want this girl. And I finally have the validation that she wants me, too…so I’m moving.”
“Oh, honey. Everyone is going to be so surprised.” She paused, looking uncertain. “But moving is such a big step. Are you sure?”
Liam’s riddle at the party flitted through Seth’s head again. Nope. No way was he letting Heavenly slip through his fingers, especially not for good.
“More sure than I’ve been about anything in a long time. You’ll love her. Just look at her.” He whipped out his phone and showed her the picture Bryn had taken of most everyone at the party the other night. “She’s the pretty blonde. She’s really sweet, Mom.”