Riley had excellent night vision, so he could see that Seth had closed his eyes and that his lips were curled into a rueful smile, a little echo of Riley’s own expression earlier.
“To rationalize and cast doubt,” Riley recited.
Seth hummed. “It seemed like a good idea.”
“I don’t want you to.” Riley scooted closer, until Seth’s bare foot was just brushing his ankle. “I want you to keep talking through it with me.”
“Do you get everything you want?”
“No. Hardly ever.”
Another laugh, soft and sleepy. “Preying on my sympathies.”
Riley nodded against his pillow. “If I have to.”
“I’m going to sleep now.” Seth jabbed a toe into Riley’s calf in warning, his eyes still closed. “Save your trickiness for the morning.”
“Okay.” Riley smiled into the dark. “I will. Good night, Seth.”
“Good night.”
16
SETH
Seth woke up alone.
He also woke up warm and toasty, wrapped up in the comforter he’d been lying on when he’d fallen asleep. But definitely alone.
It was a surprising turn of events, considering Riley seemed the type to strangle-cuddle a guy all night long.
Maybe he was giving Seth the space Seth had claimed to need. Space Sethshouldtake advantage of to make his escape. It was the principle of the thing, really—he couldn’t just stay here after they’d stranded him on purpose. If nothing else, they’d think he lacked backbone.
And Seth needed to get out of here before he saw Riley and had to remember all the lovely things his supposed mate had said.
And I think you’re beautiful, but maybe that’s obvious.
Yeah. Things like that.
It was still dark outside—Seth was an early riser, unasked for day off or no. He tried his best not to think of his bakery stayingclosed for the day without warning. He hoped his regulars would forgive him the inconsistency.
After poking his head out the door, Seth made his way to the bathroom across the hall Daphne had been so kind as to point out the day before. (Although, after sabotaging his car, providing him with a restroom was really the least she could do.) There was a toothbrush still in its packaging and a tube of toothpaste on the counter. Seth assumed they were meant for him and used them accordingly. There was also a clean hand towel with cheery sunflowers embroidered on the hem, and he splashed water on his face while he was at it, patting his face dry and trying to ignore how soft the fabric was.
Then he grabbed his tote from the guest bedroom and went downstairs.
Seth could hear music in the kitchen—Etta James, if he wasn’t mistaken. He found Daphne and Sybil sitting at the table, delicate cups of tea in hand. They were both wearing silk robes. They looked timeless, stylish in that type of way that didn’t seem to belong to any particular era.
“Darling Seth!” Daphne greeted with a smile. “Good morning! How did you sleep?”
Kidnapping or no kidnapping, Seth couldn’t be anything but polite in the face of a smile like that. “Really well, thank you,” he said. “Could I get a ride home now, please?”
He could still open the bakery for a half day, with limited offerings. It would be at least some semblance of normalcy to cling to.
“Oh, I’m so sorry,” Daphne told him. She once again looked perfectly regretful. Seth was beginning to wonder if she’d spent some time on the stage. “I’m afraid we’ve lent our cars to a friend in need.”
Seth rubbed a hand over his jaw to stop himself from screaming like a lunatic. He was fine. This was fine. He should have expected it, really.
Still, he couldn’t stop himself from pointing out, “It’s a little after four in the morning.”
