“I think I’ve had enough,” Seth said. “I don’t usually eat a lot of carbs, but I really wanted to go out with you.”
God, did people actually think like that? Not eat carbs? Nothing tasted better than baked pasta and cheese on a cold winter night. I remained silent and darted a glance at Gabriel, who sat with a cappuccino. He raised a brow, and I wondered if he’d heard Seth’s comment.
“Can I ask you something?” When I nodded, Seth continued. “Why did you do it? I see your bank account, and you’ve got millions. So why?”
I’d expected that question, and I had my answer prepared. “I was a different person then. In retrospect, the only thing I know for sure is that I wouldn’t do it again. And honestly, I’d rather we not talk about it.”
Seth gazed at me thoughtfully. “Guess it was the temptation. I know the feeling. When I first started working with private clients, the temptation to skim a little off the top was strong.”
My jaw dropped. “You’re shitting me. You stole from your clients?”
Seth snickered. “No. But man, it was tempting. I mean, half of them are so old, they wouldn’t even notice.”
I wasn’t sure what to say to that, so I took another bite of pizza.
Seth watched me, and his brown eyes deepened and grew heated. “The reason I wanted your account is because you’re gorgeous. I begged my coworker to switch with me. Even though the client I was assigned to was richer than God and I could’ve made huge commissions from him, I wanted to meet you.” He stroked my hand with his finger. “I’m glad I did.”
I blinked, unsure how to answer. I wasn’t really into him, but it was flattering. “Thanks. It’s nice to get to know you too.”
“How about we get out of here and take a walk by the river?”
If I were feeling romantic, I would’ve been much more eager, but maybe I wasn’t giving Seth a chance. He was cute and had a full, pink mouth that looked like it would taste sweet.
“Sure, why not?”
Seth offered to pay, but I brushed it off, and we left Juliana’s, Gabriel trailing after us. Seth took my hand and nudged me, speaking low. “How about you get rid of the watchdog?” His tongue darted into my ear. “I can take care of you.”
“It’s okay. He knows to be discreet.” I stopped to talk to Gabriel. “Seth and I are going to walk along the river for a while.”
Gabriel nodded. “Understood.”
Seth laced our fingers together. “You mean he’s going to watch us? Damn, that’s hot.”
The path split off a few yards after entering the park, and Seth led me to a narrow, tree-dense trail. It was darker now, and few people took this route. After we’d walked halfway in, he stopped and wrapped his arms around me.
“You’re so fucking hot, Ronan. I really want to kiss you.”
Before I could answer, he plunged his tongue into my mouth. It wasn’t as delicious as I’d imagined, given his enticing lips. His mouth was wet and kind of slobbery. I put my hands on his shoulders, but he must’ve taken it as a sign I wanted more, as he put his hand on my crotch and rubbed me, then popped the button, unzipped me, and went in for the kill. With his hand in my pants, Seth started lowering to his knees, but I pushed him away.
“Whoa, dude, slow your roll. Come on. We’re in the park. Anyone can see.”
Breathing in short, hard pants, Seth wiped his lips. “Yeah? And? I wouldn’t mind someone seeing me suck your dick.”
The fact that I wasn’t hard should’ve been his first clue. “I would. And I’m not ready for this right now.”
“What? Are you serious?” Seth reached for me, but I took two steps back.
“Yeah. I’m seriously not interested. Sorry.”
I zipped up and hurried away, leaving him standing on the path. I heard footsteps behind me and increased my pace, bursting through the trees to the wide-open space, searching for Gabriel.
“I’m right here, Ronan. Are you all right?”
He put a hand on my shoulder, and my rattled nerves settled. “Yeah. I-I want to go home.”
He cupped my elbow and led me out of the park, speaking into his phone. In a few minutes a car slid in front of us, and Gabriel opened the door. “Get in.”
I scrambled into the seat, and we were on our way. I didn’t speak, for some bizarre reason ashamed and embarrassed over what happened. We’d traveled over the Brooklyn Bridge and were heading up the West Side when Gabriel spoke.
