“I love it.”
He smiles shyly, and I can’t take my eyes off that fucking dimple. “Yeah?”
“Yep. It suits you.”
“Thanks.”
Everyone is watching our interaction again, but I don’t give a damn. Seth has all my attention.
Once we finally get started, it’s been fun playing poker with these guys. I thought there would only be talk about kids, and while they did, they also talked about all sorts of things, from business to current politics. Meanwhile, I’ve been completely distracted by Seth and his fucking new cologne, forcing me to lose a few hands.
“How is Braeden adjusting to everything?” Reuben asks. “Life has got to be hard on him.”
“He’s doing okay, I think. He’s still grieving and adjusting, but from what I can tell, he’s a smart kid. I hope that once I get full custody of him, we can get settled down and comfortable.”
“It’s such a good thing you’re doing,” Paul says.
“Well, I don’t want to let my friends down, you know? It’s been an adjustment, and I’m at a loss as to what I’m doing half the time.”
Seth elbows me as he tosses a green chip into the pot. “Don’t underestimate yourself. You’re doing so well. Trust me.”
“I do… trust you, that is.” And I do. More than I’ve trusted anyone for a long time.
And there go those adorable cheek blotches. I swear to god, it’s going to be my life’s mission to make him perpetually blush.
I look around the table to see everyone watching our interaction once again. They definitely know something that I don’t. It onlyconfirms for me that there’s more going on here than a friendship with Seth. It’s not like he’s a closed book. Not like me. Well, I’m not so closed whenever I’m around him.
Seth coughs, sets his cards face down on the table, and stands. “Does anyone need some water?”
Everyone raises their hands, and he heads off to the kitchen.
I grin and wink at the men, while Reuben and Travis give me a knowing smile. “I’ll help, Tiger.”
Seth doesn’t acknowledge me as I follow him into the kitchen. I’m not quite sure what my plan is yet. Maybe I’m looking for his confirmation of what’s going on between us, if anything. For the first time in years, I’d like to have something between me and someone else. If it’s going to be anyone, it’d be Seth. We’ve only gotten to seriously know each other in the past few weeks, though I’m comfortable around him. He’s not only attractive but safe.
When I step into the kitchen, I find him bent over, digging in the fridge, pulling out several bottles of water, and setting them onto the counter. I take a moment to admire his pert little ass.
Seth shuts the refrigerator door and starts gathering all the bottles. While his back is turned to me, little knots of excitement dance around in my stomach. I like the sensation, and it’s something I haven’t felt in a long fucking time. I’m running on pure instinct when I press my body against his.
He freezes. Before he reacts, I lean close to his ear. “Are the new look and cologne for me, Tiger?”
To my fucking delight, his ears burn. Seth doesn’t deny it. In fact, he gives me a quick nod.
I can’t tell you the thrill that’s coursing through me right now.
“But… I know you don’t want to date. It’s cool. I just… I don’t know.” He sighs out that last part.
“You don’t need to change for me. Ever. I like you exactly the way you are. Although Iloveyour new cologne, enough for me to start dating again.”
He cranes his head to look back at me. He’s gripping the counter like his life depends on it, but I can’t read what’s on his face. Seth hasn’t pushed me away yet, so I take it to the next level.
“Will you let me kiss you?” I ask him. If he lets me, from here on out,everythingwill be about consent and communication after what happened to him. “Or do you want me to step back?”
“Kiss me,” he whispers. “Please.”
“Oh, I like this begging thing.”
He huffs at me before I spin him around, press up against him again, and gently cup his jaw. His hands rest on my waist as he looks expectantly at me.
