“You already said that.”
She poked a finger in my ribs, making me jump because it tickled. “I know, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth repeating.”
Charles appeared behind her, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her closer until her back rested against his front. “I think it’s time to go home,” he murmured.
Yancy smiled, looking blissful as she melted against him. “You’re right.”
After I gave everyone else a quick hug, Seth walked me out. “Do you need a ride home?” he asked.
I initially planned to use the rideshare again but decided that it wouldn’t hurt for him to give me a ride home. I might not be insanely attracted to him, but I trusted him. “Sure.”
The interior of the car was quiet and dark as I gave him directions to my apartment. He held my hand, our laced fingers resting against his thigh. After he parked in front of my building, he turned to face me.
“I enjoyed your company tonight,” he said.
“Me, too.”
It surprised me that it was the truth. While the warmth I felt toward him was nothing like the overwhelming heat that Elijah stirred within me, there was a small spark there—an attraction that might have the potential to become more.
“What are your feelings about a good night kiss?” he asked, his eyes sparkling in the dim interior of the car.
Instead of answering verbally, I twisted further, reaching across the armrest with my free hand to cup his cheek. I lifted my chin as I leaned in, and Seth met me halfway.
Our lips met with a soft, brief brush. His mouth was damp and hot as it clung to mine. The tip of his tongue touched my bottom lip momentarily before he pulled away.
It had been a pleasant first kiss. Maybe even sweet. But that was it. I didn’t feel the urge to pull him in again, to deepen the caress. It felt a lot like kissing a friend.
Seth’s eyes studied me from a few inches away, and I knew he saw it when a sheepish smile tugged at his mouth.
“Friends?” he asked.
Relieved that he wasn’t going to push the issue or make things difficult, I sighed. “I think that’s best because as much as I like you, that was like?—”
“Kissing your brother?” he asked, wincing.
“Uh, not quite. More like kissing a buddy. It was nice but…”
“No sparks,” he finished.
“Yeah,” I whispered. “Kinda sucks because you’re hot.”
A bark of laughter escaped him. “Well, I still had a lot of fun with you, even if we don’t want to jump each other.”
“I had a lot of fun with you, too. Will I see you at the gallery?”
“Yeah. I’ll come by with coffee sometime soon.”
I slid my hand from his face to his neck, pulling him closer for a hug. “You’re a good guy, Seth.” He winced again, which made me laugh. “That’s a compliment,” I said, pulling back to smack him lightly on the shoulder.
“I’m sure you think it is, but any man knows it’s also the kiss of death to his horny hopes.”
I couldn’t control the guffaw that escaped me. “Oh, my God. Stop it.”
He leaned forward and kissed my forehead. Dammit, why was I getting all these lovely forehead kisses from men that I wasn’t romantically interested in?
“Text me when you’re safely in your apartment,” he said.
“I will.”
