Monty grinned at him and the last thing he saw before the lights were dimmed was Hilliard smiling back.
The movie was typical of an Edie Haywood flick: tons of sexual innuendos, people tripping over themselves to get the main character’s attention, and glib little lines delivered in a thick New Jersey accent. Edie always knew the right things to say, thanks to her magic. And since she was a big enough star to pick out her own writers and directors, the dialogue in her movies was always rich with wit. Monty’s stomach hurt from laughing by the time the film ended.
As they left the theater, Hilliard invited Cal and Jesse to join them in celebrating the Fourth of July. The beach trip was news to Monty, but he couldn’t deny he was looking forward to it.
He and Hilliard discussed the movie on the drive home, recalling their favorite lines or which of Edie’s costumes had been the most striking.
When they got home, Monty popped open a bottle of cabernet and poured them both a glass. “For not making the front pages this weekend,” he said, holding his glass up.
“You behaved excellently,” Hilliard agreed, clinking their glasses together. “Well done.” He sat down on the sofa and crossed his legs.
Monty stayed standing, struck by how the shadows played across Hilliard’s face in the low lighting. He looked so dashing. His jaw looked particularly sharp. The curve of his lips was even more tempting than usual.
Hilliard took a sip of his wine and cocked his head. “Anything the matter?”
Monty decided to take a gamble. “Yeah. I can’t get that one scene out of my head.”
“Which?”
“The seduction scene.”
Hilliard paused with the glass up to his lips. “I thought it was a great little scene. The lighting tech did a particularly good job. Did you notice the way the light framed her entire body?”
Monty gave a hum. “But I don’t think that’s how a good seduction would work.”
“Well, you are the expert in that field.”
“Seduction’s no easy thing, you know. It takes a lot of focus. It takes…knowing the other person.”
“Having charm magic probably helps.”
“True.” Monty sipped his wine and then shook his head. “But if I really wanted to do it right, I wouldn’t use my magic at all. Or maybe just enough to know if the person was interested, I guess.”
“Seduction the old-fashioned way? That’d be something to see.”
“For someone important, it would be worth the effort.” Monty’s voice came out huskier than he’d meant it to.
Hilliard seemed to notice. Slowly, he set his glass down on the side table. “How would you go about it then?”
Monty hardly dared to breathe. The question sounded almost like a dare, or an invitation. Was Hilliard welcoming his interest? Carefully, he spooled out the tiniest hint of his magic. He didn’t even realize how much he’d braced himself for the bounce-back until it didn’t come. He stared at the other man. Hilliard was still looking comfortable, with one arm stretched out across the back of the sofa, and the other hand resting on his crossed legs. His eyes were heavy lidded and his smile was soft. He gave the tiniest nod.
Monty gulped and set his glass down. He rubbed his hands slowly on the sides of his pants, overly aware of his every movement. “Well, for one thing, I’d set the tone, you know. Lower the lights. Maybe some soft music. That kind of thing.”
“And then?”
“Well, it’s important to start slow. That’s what makes seduction different than, say, necking.” He lowered himself onto the sofa beside Hilliard, worried that a sudden movement would break the spell between them or, worse, Hilliard would change his mind.
“I didn’t realize there were categories to this kind of thing.”
“Oh, it’s a very delicate operation. One has to tread with care. I like to start with soft kisses.” Monty leaned closer and planted a few on Hilliard’s cheek. He felt Hilliard smile.
“That’s a good way to start, I think.”
“It’s just a start though. People tend to think kisses are innocent things. But they can be potent when wielded properly.” He began kissing along Hilliard’s jaw and then behind his ear. “You see what I mean?”
“Definitely not so innocent,” Hilliard breathed.
“Well, when it comes to seduction, innocence is certainly not the tone.”
