AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Matt looked both thrilled and heartbroken. “Already? I didn’t think you were leaving for another week or two.”
“I’m not. I’ve got a few more loose ends to mop up.” And he wanted to spend more time with the family while he could, before detective work and winning Heavenly became a full-time job. “But I want you to feel comfortable with the fact it’s now yours.”
“Thanks, man.”
“I’m a bit late in telling you this… I’m sorry I was a douche over Christmas. I had a lot to work through. But I’m proud to call you a partner and even prouder to call you brother.”
“Ditto, man.”
As they slapped each other on the back, Seth’s phone dinged. He dug the device out of his pocket and scanned the screen. Beck. What did that fucker want?
He opened the unwelcome message and saw an image of the man’s mouth covered in peachy-pink lip gloss—the same shade Heavenly wore. The accompanying message read: You’re not the only one who’s kissed her, motherfucker. And when she comes, her moans are so sweet…
Seth’s blood boiled.
Beck. Had. Touched. Heavenly. And kissed her, too. Thoroughly from the looks of it. Had he also fucked her?
He growled at the picture. “Oh, yeah? Game on, cocksucker.”
As he typed out those exact words, Matt frowned and tried to peek at his screen. “What’s up? Who are you talking to?”
Seth darkened the device and tucked it away. “Nobody important, just someone out west who needs his ass kicked.”
“You’ll do that, no sweat.” Matt clapped him on the back. “The guy doesn’t stand a chance.”
“You’re right. But…this problem might be more pressing than I thought. Can you…um, give me a lift? I need to grab my suitcase and head to the airport.”
“Today?” Matt blinked in total confusion. “Now?”
Normally, Seth wouldn’t sweat this stuff. If some girl wanted to mack on another guy, that was on her. But…this was Heavenly, and Beck was the kind of shithead who wouldn’t hesitate to take advantage of her.
“Yeah.” He whipped out his phone again and launched the airline’s app, relieved to see a seat on a flight to LAX in a little under four hours. “I’d appreciate it. I’ll call you when I get settled. Tell Mom I love her and I’m sorry. But I’ve got to get home.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Two days after their lunch date at Angelo’s, Beck’s doorbell rang—right on time.
Eagerly, he pulled the portal between them open. There Heavenly stood, a golden braid wrapped around her crown while long, loose curls flowed over her mostly bare shoulders. She wore a sunny orange dress with a teasing V neckline, held together by simple straps. Its flirty hem played peekaboo with her slender thighs.
He almost swallowed his tongue.
“Come in.” Beck took her hand and pulled her into his arms.
He couldn’t wait another second to touch her.
Shutting the door, Beck backed her against it, cupped her nape, and crushed her lips under his. Fuck, kissing her was like instant relief and utter torment at once. He had her on his tongue, but it wasn’t enough. The way he felt right now, he wasn’t sure it ever would be.
When he finally let her up for air, she was pink-cheeked, breathing hard, and looking both flushed and excited to continue where they’d left off after lunch.
This was it, the day he’d finally claim her.
Since she’d agreed to let him cook her brunch today, they were totally alone. He intended to get her into bed. He didn’t want to wait anymore. Hell, he couldn’t afford to.
Not with Seth breathing down his neck.
On Friday night, Beck had knocked back a beer with Hammer and Liam while Heavenly was waiting tables. He’d been sure his frenemy would stay in New York for at least a couple of weeks. It should take that long to sell his place and his car, close his business, say good-bye to friends and family…and whatever else. Or so he’d thought, until Liam mentioned that Seth was on a plane back to LAX as they spoke.
What the fuck? How did it take a mere four days to move across the country?
Maybe you shouldn’t have lit a fire under Seth’s ass with that picture of you wearing Heavenly’s lip gloss.
The instant Liam dropped the bombshell, Beck had texted Heavenly and reaffirmed their date to have brunch at his place.
“Thanks for inviting me,” she said softly, scanning the length of his tri-level contemporary pad. “Wow, your house is so interesting…striking. It’s you.”
“Glad you like it. Let’s head to the kitchen. I hope you’re hungry.”
“Hmm,” she moaned as he led her toward the back. “I am. Something smells amazing.”
“I made you French toast casserole, eggs, bacon, fresh fruit, and”—he leaned across the island to pick up the two flutes he’d poured a few minutes ago—“mimosas. Ever had one?”
She shook her head as she accepted the glass. “Orange juice and…what?”
