“We can go together,” Seth adds easily.
Together.
My heart stumbles over itself while my mind is screaming at me to slow down.
Too many mixed signals, Bri. You don’t know what he actually wants.
He wants to talk. Tonight.
I smile at Seth. “That sounds good. I’m going to grab the dessert. I made angel food cake.” For Seth, obviously. But also because angel food cake is life.
“I’m pretty tired,” Sawyer says, stretching her arms above her head with a yawn. “Do you mind if I skip dessert and go read in my room? Bri brought me another book.”
“I do mind. Sit back down,” Seth says, his dad voice kicking in. “Bri took the time to make this meal for us and that includes dessert.”
“It’s really fine.” I smile at Sawyer. “I’ll save you a piece for tomorrow. Enjoy the book. I haven’t read that one yet, but my roommate did. She loved it.”
Seth looks at me then back at Sawyer then sighs. “That’s fine. Good night.”
She flashes me a grateful smile before skipping off, leaving Seth and me alone. He looks at me carefully. “I’ll make sure she eats it tomorrow.”
I shake my head. “It’s not a big deal. Not everyone likes angel food cake.”
His eyes narrow. “No, Bri, it is a big deal.” He pauses and swallows. “You made us this meal. You drove to Boston. You made my favorite dessert. You’re coming to my daughter’s volleyball game. Everything you do is a big deal, and I need you to stop diminishing that.”
I nod. “I enjoy it. It doesn’t feel like a big deal to me because I like spending time with her and… you.”
He leans closer, his hand finds my knee under the table again.
“I more than like spending time with you.” His gaze fixed on me now. “So, you didn’t speed-read this new book over at your house after I dropped you off, right? Because that would make me feel like shit since I was here sleeping.”
I smile and move to stand. “Don’t worry. Natasha read it a few weeks ago. She said it’s kid friendly. Not even a single kiss.”
“Not even a kiss?” Seth raises a brow, his voice all low and gravelly as I pull the angel food cake out of the fridge. I swear my mouth starts to water as I catch sight of the golden sponge. It’s light and fluffy, the kind of cake that melts on your tongue, and right now that’s exactly what I need.
I nod and remove the cover. “Yep. Totally action-packed. All the faeries and fae that her little heart could desire but zero romance included.”
“Hm.”
He stands and moves behind me, unhurried, until his body crowds my space and warmth settles along my back. Then he leans in. His lips brush the sensitive skin below my ear, barely there, and I freeze.
For a second, I swear I feel him inhale, subtle enough that I might've imagined it. Which is ridiculous because I just spent the last hour playing volleyball with his daughter and probablysmell like sunscreen and sweat. Still, the thought sends heat crawling up my neck.
I stare straight ahead, suddenly very aware of how close he is. Close enough to kiss me. Close enough that I find myself waiting to see if he will. I hope he does.
“You smell amazing, but you don’t smell like me anymore.”
My heart isn't racing anymore, it's outright galloping. Because when we got back from Boston, I smelled him on my skin.
His hands settle over mine on the counter, caging them beneath his. A second later, his chest brushes my back until he’s pressed against me. Then he lowers his mouth to my neck. The first kiss is soft and brief.
The one that follows isn't.
His lips find the spot beneath my ear, and when he sucks lightly at my pulse, a shiver rolls through me. Heat blooms low in my stomach and spreads everywhere at once. I close my eyes and grip the counter harder, fighting for a steady breath.
“Seth. Sawyer’s still awake.”
He sucks on my pulse harder, and I can’t hold back from moaning.
