Chapter Thirteen
Wednesday, April 17
A few evenings later,Beck watched from the sofa, news playing absently in the background, as Heavenly lifted on tiptoes and kissed Seth goodbye.
“Do you really think you’ll be gone all night?” she asked.
The PI shrugged. “Most of it. I never know when a cheating spouse will hook up with their something on the side, but to get the right shots—and this guy wants audio, too—takes time.”
Heavenly nodded glumly.
Beck should probably feel bad the big guy had to work, but he was looking forward to spending some alone time with his little girl. “Have a good one, man.”
Seth pinned him with a knowing smirk. “You, too. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t enjoy.” While Beck chuckled, the PI cupped Heavenly’s face. “And don’t let him keep you up all night, angel. You’ve got hospital duty tomorrow.”
A pretty pink blush crawled across her cheeks. “I won’t. Be careful out there.”
“Always.” Seth kissed her once more before, car keys in hand, he headed out.
They were alone. Finally.
Anticipation coiled as Heavenly scurried to the couch. It took all of Beck’s restraint not to meet her halfway, toss her over his shoulder, and race her up to their bedroom. But since Seth had been preoccupied with a call from his client during dinner, Beck still needed to lead her through their daily discussion.
They’d started the routine a few nights ago. No major breakthroughs yet, but they’d intentionally kept things light, the questions easy. She was slowly opening up.
When Heavenly sank down beside him, Beck wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer. She pressed her cheek to his chest and snuggled in, sighing with contentment. Yeah, he could relate. Life was good. No, it was fucking amazing. It boggled him how quickly the three of them had settled into a comfortable routine and how right their unconventional relationship felt. Until Heavenly and Seth had moved in, he hadn’t realized how much time he used to spend alone. Sure, he worked ridiculous hours at the hospital. Always had, always would. But during his free moments, he’d hung around Shadows, looking for temporary fulfillment.
Now, he’d found the real thing.
Every time Heavenly walked into the room, his heart expanded. The sounds of her carefree laughter and orgasmic screams completed him in ways he’d never fathomed. Each day only solidified his feelings. If they continued on this course, the rest of the semester would pass without Heavenly giving a single thought about leaving.
He hoped.
Beck pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “Dinner was delicious.”
Turning her face up to him, Heavenly beamed. “Thank you. I love to cook.”
“I appreciate everything you fix, but if I keep eating like this, I’ll put on a few too many.”
She wrinkled her nose and flashed him a shy smile. “I’m sure we’ll think of some way to work off all those calories.”
God, he loved her innocent flirting. He also loved that she was growing more confident and comfortable teasing him and Seth.
Beck sent her a hungry stare. “I’ll bet you can help me come up with something.”
“I doubt it will be hard.” As soon as she realized what she’d said, horror lined her face. Then she started giggling.
“You’re wrong, little girl. When you’re involved, it’s always downright steely.” To prove his point, Beck dragged her slender fingers over his straining erection.
Heavenly dropped her lashes to his bulge. A tremor rippled through her. And when she lifted those pretty baby blues to him, he nearly busted through his zipper.
Not yet. Talk first. Play second, damn it.
With a grimace he hoped passed for a smile, he lifted her hand from his straining fly and kissed her palm. “How was the ER today? How’s it been without Kathryn in charge?”
“Shangri-La. I didn’t realize just how toxic that woman was until she was gone. I think everyone but Marcella feels the same. I’m so grateful you and Seth proved she’d been harassing me.”
“We weren’t going to rest until we did,” he assured. “See any interesting cases today? Entertain me. I don’t get the crazy ones in my office.”