“Well, if you’re not interested, I suggest putting your tongue back in your mouth,” Liam teased.
“I didn’t say I wasn’t interested. She’s really sweet. Maybe too sweet. I’d bet money she’s a virgin.”
To his surprise, Liam burst out laughing. “Is that your problem? You daft prick, that just means she’s ripe for the plucking.”
Maybe Liam was right, but… “My life is back in New York.”
“Why can’t you enjoy her company now?”
“Heavenly isn’t the kind of girl you love and leave. Besides, if I stayed and ‘plucked’ her, could you really see her prancing around the dungeon in a corset, kneeling for me? Look at her…”
“I am. She just might surprise you.”
He whipped his gaze back to his friend. “It doesn’t make any sense.”
“You think Raine made sense for me?” Liam laughed. “It’s not about logic. Remember when you said I acted as though Raine had a voodoo pussy? You were right.” He nodded toward Heavenly. “She’s yours.”
Seth rolled his eyes. “I’ve never even seen her pussy.”
“You’d like to.”
“I’m a guy. She’s pretty. That isn’t rocket science.”
“No, it’s biology. I’ll bet you could sweet-talk your way into seeing her pussy. She likes you. I can tell. And you definitely like her.” Liam sent him a considering stare. “What if she’s the one for you, mate?”
Seth had begun to wonder the same thing. To hear his old friend echo his question was eerie. “I don’t see how. I should already be back in New York since I promised my family I’d be home for the holidays. And once I leave this godforsaken state, I’m not coming back. And you know how I feel about relationships. So I really have no business with that girl.”
Liam laughed. “Uh-huh. When did you say you’d scheduled your return flight?”
Seth had already put off making his reservation for too long. “Fuck off.”
Liam gave him a knowing smile. “You’re dragging your feet, and she’s the reason. I have a hunch about you two…”
“Are you turning into your mother now?” Seth frowned. “It’s downright scary, the way shit she says comes true.”
“I’m not following in her footsteps. Just…sometimes I get a sense of things. And I’ve got one about you two.”
“Well, worry about your own life. Doesn’t Raine need a fresh water bottle? Or some slap and tickle?”
That made Liam laugh again. “All right. I’ll fuck off for now. I reserve the right to give you shit in the future. I’m sure I owe you.”
With that, his Irish buddy headed toward Raine and Hammer with sure, jaunty steps, leaving Seth alone with his thoughts—as well as a clear path to either the front door…or to Heavenly.
He hesitated. It would be logical to return to Shadows and book a flight home tomorrow, then see what kind of good-bye action he could finagle at the club tonight. But all he wanted was to cross the patio to the pretty blonde and do his damndest to seduce her. Besides, the poor thing was sitting by herself since Raine was currently busy being happy and playing hostess. Heavenly probably didn’t know anyone else here. It would be rude to ignore her.
When he spotted a tray of champagne flutes on a nearby bar, he plucked up two and sauntered in her direction.
When he reached her side, she looked up and flashed him a cock-hardening smile. A sappy grin stretched across his face. Yeah, he was happy to see her. Seth knew it showed.
For the hundredth time, he wondered why Heavenly got under his skin. Smooth moves and banter came easily, and he usually had no problem segueing from a drink to a few kisses…to a sweaty orgasm or two. Right now, he felt tongue-tied. And unsure.
Damn, he was usually cooler than this.
“Hi, Seth.” Her voice caressed him as she gave him a sweetly dimpled smile.
For a moment, he just stared at her glossy lips, dying to know if she tasted as sweet as he’d been imagining for nearly two long weeks.
“You look…fantastic, angel.” He offered her one of the flutes, then bent to kiss her cheek. The scent of something fruity—strawberry?—coupled with a musk that was strictly her filled his nostrils. “Since you’re sitting here alone, I thought you might want some company.”
“That would be great. I was here with Dr. Beckman before he got called away for emergency surgery.”
“What a shame.” Inside, Seth mentally fist-pumped at his good luck. The night was definitely looking up.
“Yeah, I think he was looking forward to the party. He said he’d stay beside me tonight, but of course he went when duty called. He’s a dedicated surgeon and a brilliant man.”
Seth raised a brow. “I thought you didn’t work with Beck that much.”
“I don’t, but…” She blushed. “He intervened when one of the doctors kept hitting on me. Since then, he’s taken the time to spend lunch with me most every day. I really enjoy it.”