“She needs to move the hell on,” Seth says.
“Who is she?” I ask.
He shakes his head. “I barely remember her.”
Then he’s already moving, pushing back from the table and heading for the bar with that purposeful stride, like the footage lit a fire under him. He leans in to speak to the owner.
“Can you send that footage to my lawyer?” he asks loud enough for us to hear him this time.
The owner nods without hesitation. “Of course. I can do it now.”
Seth pulls his phone out, already typing, already in work mode.
Hazel nudges my side with her elbow, and I look at her, brows raised. She’s grinning like a troublemaker. Then she makes an exaggerated kissy face and flicks her fingers toward Seth’s back like she’s launching me at him.
I clamp my mouth shut to keep from laughing out loud, but a giggle still slips out.
Hazel’s eyes sparkle. She mouths,Talk to him, touch him.
I glare at her, but it’s weak, and she knows it.
A minute later, Seth returns to the table, sliding back into his seat like he never left, only his focus is sharper now, the edges of him drawn tight.
“Just gotta step out and talk to my lawyer,” he says. “Then I’m going to swing by the station and get this in front of them.”
Hazel nods, all business. Then his attention shifts to me, and for half a second, he hesitates like this part isn’t as easy as dealing with footage and police.
“June,” he says, quieter, “can I ask a favor?”
“Depends,” I tease, trying to keep it light.
He clears his throat. “I came here with my lawyer, and he’s gone. Any chance I could catch a ride back to the ranch with you?”
Hazel makes a noise that is absolutely not a cough and absolutely a laugh.
“Of course,” I answer immediately. “We were just finishing up anyway.”
The corners of Seth’s mouth lift, and he’s so handsome that I lose my thoughts. “Take your time. I’ll wait for you.”
Then he rises, phone in hand, and heads for the door to make the call.
The second his back is turned, Hazel leans in, eyes bright. “Oh, yeah,” she whispers, grinning. “You’ll wait for that piece of candy.”
I choke on a laugh. “Hazel.”
She laughs too, quiet and wicked, and I can’t help laughing with her as Seth disappears outside.
12
SETH
She’s trying to pretend I can’t smell her, and it’s the most adorable thing I’ve ever witnessed.
June walks beside me toward her car, keys jingling in her hand, and I’m fighting not to grin like an idiot. Because something has changed since this morning. Something fundamental. The scent that’s been driving me crazy since the moment we met—lemon zest and honey and wildflowers—is stronger now. Clearer. Like someone lifted a veil I didn’t even know was there.
“Thanks again for the ride,” I say as we reach her sedan. “I owe you.”
“You don’t owe me anything.” She unlocks the doors, and I fold myself into the passenger seat, suddenly very aware of how small this car is. How close we are. How her scent is filling the enclosed space like it’s staking a claim.
