Almost a week later, Beck paced the small waiting room at the University Medical Center in Las Vegas. It was the best level-one trauma hospital in the city. He should know; he’d interned at the facility.
He slanted a worried glance over at Buddy. “Tell me again what happened. Exactly.”
Just as he’d finished his shift at the hospital earlier this evening, Buddy had called, sounding shocked and frantic, blurting that Gloria had been attacked. Beck had tossed a few necessities into a duffel, then jockeyed through the last of rush hour to speed across the desert and reach Gloria’s side. She was still in surgery. It had been hours, and he was doing his best not to crawl out of his skin.
The older man swallowed. “She was coming home from the grocery store. When she unlocked her front door, two men jumped out from the bushes, then shoved her inside and tied her up. They demanded to know where she kept her cash and papers. They threatened to kill her if she didn’t hand them over.”
Son of a bitch. These fuckers had probably known who she was, what she did for a living. Were they disgruntled clients? Henchmen for some neighboring low-life pimp?
“I know Gloria too well. She didn’t give them shit.”
“She’s a stubborn broad,” Buddy confirmed. “But I don’t think they gave her a choice. They beat the crap out of her and knocked her out with the butt of a gun. When she came to, they were gone. At some point, they had ransacked the whole place and taken all the cash they could find.” He scratched his head. “But they left behind her electronics and jewelry.”
And since the woman adored both, that meant her attackers had walked away from a small fortune. Why?
“What did the police say?”
“They don’t have a clue. They’re calling it a robbery, but…”
Yeah, that didn’t make sense to Beck, either.
He paced. How much fucking longer before the surgeon was done so he could ask questions and see her? Fear sliced him deeper with each excruciating minute that ticked by.
“I should have been beside her instead of watching TV.” Buddy’s guilt-ridden tone broke the brittle silence. “I was tired and wanted to relax with a beer and…”
Beck scrubbed a hand over his face and dropped into the seat beside Gloria’s boyfriend. “It’s not your fault. Obviously the pricks who did this thought a woman carrying in groceries at dusk was an easy target.”
“They’d have thought differently if I’d been there with my Smith & Wesson.” Buddy gritted his teeth, looking all too ready to commit violence. “What’s taking so damn long, Ken?”
Had the surgeon found Gloria’s injuries more extensive than expected? It happened… But he kept that information to himself. Still, the longer she remained on the operating table, the harder it was to force down his panic. “Could be anything, man. Stay calm.”
Beck had no idea how to follow his own advice.
Excruciating minutes later, an older doctor wearing mint green scrubs and a shock of white hair entered the room. He and Buddy immediately launched to their feet.
“I’m Dr. Evans. Are you the Beckman family?”
“Yes,” the two men replied at once.
Beck extended his hand, anxious for a peer-to-peer conversation. “I’m Dr. Kenneth Beckman, RPVI.”
The surgeon’s expression lightened. “Vascular, huh?” At Beck’s nod, he continued on, “Ms. Beckman is your…?”
“Wife.”
The other doctor quickly banked his surprise—because of their age gap?—and took a seat. He and Buddy each claimed one as well.
“She was worked over pretty badly, but we’ve done our best to put her back together. I performed a splenectomy. I’m sure you know that she’ll need to schedule regular follow-ups with her primary doctor.” Beck nodded. “She sustained a broken ulna, so I called in our orthopedic surgeon. He did an open reduction internal fixation and inserted a couple of screws into the bone. The X-rays of her ankle didn’t show any fractures, but she’s got a sizable hematoma and will need to stay off it for a few weeks. Ribs eight, nine, and ten were fractured, but the pulmonologist assured me none perforated her lung. He stabilized her rib cage since he was there as well.”
The litany of Gloria’s injuries sucked the air out of the room. Rage roared through Beck’s system.
“She had a substantial laceration across her forehead—”
“Please tell me you brought in a plastic surgeon.” Because if Gloria woke up and discovered her face had been sewn up by someone without an ounce of finesse, Beck knew there’d be hell to pay.
“We did.” The doctor dropped his voice. “I know who your wife is.”
That gave Beck pause. “Client?”
“No, but…we have mutual friends.”
Thank god. “Anything else?”
“Edema of her numerous contusions, especially on her face. Several teeth were avulsed, but when the swelling goes down and her gums heal, a prosthodontist can fit her with a partial or full set of false teeth.”
“Jesus,” he breathed out.
The surgeon nodded grimly. “I suspect she’s concussed. When the anesthesia wears off, we’ll be keeping a close eye on her. They’re getting her set up in ICU now. I don’t foresee any complications, but we’ll keep her there for a few days before letting her go to the step-down unit. If all goes well, she’ll be home soon after that.”
After Beck thanked Evans, the surgeon left. He collapsed against the back of his chair, both seething and heartbroken.
“I don’t understand much of what that man said.” Buddy cut into his thoughts. “Will Gloria be okay?”
“She’ll be all right…eventually. But those bastards beat the fuck out of her.” Imagining her helpless while someone took delight in damn near killing her infuriated him.
As he and Buddy made their way to the ICU waiting room, Beck used layman’s terms to relay the extent and repairs of Gloria’s injuries. Buddy had already looked overwhelmed, but now he seemed in danger of crumbling.
“When was the last time you ate?”
“I don’t know.” Buddy shrugged. “I had a late lunch. Maybe two.”
Over fifteen hours ago? “The cafeteria opens for breakfast at six thirty. It will take you ten minutes to walk over there, so they’ll be open by then. Grab something to eat. We could be waiting awhile to see her.”
Buddy looked reluctant, but before Beck could give him the canned speech about eating to stay strong for her, the man nodded and left.
To his surprise, he received permission to see Gloria about twenty minutes later. Recovery must have gone well.
He dragged in a bracing breath, but nothing could have prepared him for the needles, tubes, and electrodes feeding air, fluids, and pain meds into her beaten and broken body. The bandages and mangled flesh of her face made her nearly unrecognizable. His gut twisted. His heart splintered. The strong, tenacious fighter who had saved his life and taught him love, fortitude, self-esteem, and a million other life lessons looked half-dead.
Beck buried his forehead into the corner of Gloria’s pillow, but he couldn’t seem to keep his shit together. Hot tears stung his eyes, falling into her starched linens. What the fuck was he going to do if she didn’t pull through?
No. Dr. Evans had her listed in stable condition. She was going to be fine. He had to believe that. Just like he had to pull himself together. If Buddy came back and saw him break down, the guy would freak out.
“I’ll make those gutless pricks suffer tenfold for what they did to you,” Beck vowed.
Gloria’s lashes fluttered. A low moan rose from her throat before she lifted her puffy, purple lids and peered at him. “Ken?”
Beck kissed her forehead. “Shh. It’s me, sweetheart. You’re safe now and you’re going to be fine. I’m so sorry I wasn’t there to protect you.”
“You already know you can’t protect every woman you care about,” she slurred from between split lips. “I’m alive. The bastards didn’t win.”
“They didn’t,” he assured as he watched her slide back into a drug-induced oblivion.
A few minutes later, Gloria woke again. “Christ, I hurt. Do I look as bad as I feel?”
“No,” he lied. “You look like a million.”
“Oh, god,” she groaned. “It must be worse than I thought if you’re feeding me that bullshit.”
“At least you still have your sense of humor.” Then he sobered. “When you feel up to it, the police will want to question you. Do you know who did this? Customers maybe?”
“No. I’ve never seen either of these guys.”
“How much do you remember?”
“Unfortunately, all of it—until they knocked me out. Whatever they wanted, they wanted it bad. And I don’t think it was cash. They seemed almost disappointed when I finally gave them the previous night’s take, which was fat. The tall, ugly asshole kept asking me for papers. When I told him I didn’t know what he meant and that I kept most everything important in a safety deposit box, he got pissed and slammed the butt of his gun to my head.”
Papers? Title to her car? Deed to her house? Beck had no idea what they meant. “Good god.”
“When I finally came to, my place was a wreck and the two clowns were gone. I managed to work my hands free, crawl to the phone, and call Buddy before I passed out again.”
If not disgruntled clients or competitors, who the hell would have done this to her? Who had an axe to grind? Beck had to find out if he intended to make them pay.
Days bled into one another before Gloria was finally released from the hospital. Once home, frustration and anger left her perpetually irritated. Beck couldn’t really blame her. Helpless wasn’t in her vocabulary, but she was trapped in her broken body. She even needed help to walk to the bathroom. Buddy hovered protectively. He meant well…but it didn’t improve Gloria’s mood.
The only thing that kept him sane was daily texts with Heavenly.
During Gloria’s second week of recovery, he sat in the living room while she napped, thanking god her disposition had finally taken a brighter turn. The chime he’d assigned on his cell phone to Heavenly pealed. Fuck, he missed the girl fiercely. He wouldn’t leave Gloria while she needed him, but he was counting the days until he could return to LA—and Heavenly.
Just wanted to say hi, her message read.
A goofy grin tugged one corner of his mouth as he tapped a reply. Hi back. How’s it going there?
The usual. Work, work, work.
“Not good, little girl.” He tsked as his fingers flew across the keys. You need to balance yourself with plenty of rest, too.
How is your friend doing today?
He noticed she didn’t acknowledge his command. A bit better.
Coming back soon?
She wanted him there. Because she missed him as much as he missed her? He hoped so because it would really suck if he were the only one mentally replaying each minute they’d spent together.
I’m hoping to be back in no more than a week. I still have another surprise for you.
What?
He’d love to text back dirty details of all the “fun” they could have if she were naked and splayed out on his bed. Instead, he told her, You’ll have to wait and see. It’s a date when I get back, right?
Absolutely. Oops. Gotta go. Incoming patients. Talk soon. She ended with a winking emoji.
Too bad there wasn’t an emoji for horny doctor giving his girl hours of pleasure. He’d send her that one. Since there wasn’t, he simply tucked his phone away, unable to wipe the grin off his face.
“How is Heavenly?” Gloria asked without even opening her eyes.
“Good.”
She smiled. “This is hardly the right time, but I’d love to meet her someday.”
Beck pulled at the back of his neck, trying not to grimace. “Someday, maybe. But, um…”
“You haven’t told her we’re married?”
The woman knew him too well. Guilt crawled up his spine.
“Of course you haven’t.” She gave an absent wave of her hand. “What was once so logical and simple is now so complicated.”
“Exactly. I don’t know where this thing with Heavenly is going but…”
Gloria grimaced as she struggled upright and patted the cushion beside her. She wanted to talk. More accurately, she had something to say and wanted him to listen. With a sigh, he crossed the room and eased down beside her.
She took his hand and threaded her fingers through his. “Ken, call your lawyer and have him draw up the papers. It’s time. Neither of us needs to hide behind the smokescreen anymore.”
Life was a series of changes. Beck knew that, just like he knew she was right. Besides, even when Gloria was no longer his wife, they’d stay close, talk often…be friends. “All right.”
“It makes sense. Our lives have been going in different directions for years. I have Buddy. And you have Heavenly.”
Not yet, but he hoped so soon. That meant he had to divorce Gloria. Having two wives was out of the question.
“I’ll call next week and tell him to give you half of my—”
“I don’t want your money,” she snapped. “I have more lucrative investments than I’ll ever need. All I want is for you to be happy. If Heavenly can help with that, then sweep that little virgin off her feet and march her down the aisle.”
The image of her walking toward him in a flowing white gown, a huge smile spreading across her face as her eyes misted with joy bombarded his brain. Lost in the visual, he progressed them, saw her beside him every morning, saw her belly round with his babies. He didn’t hate the idea. At all.
“We’ve only had two dates,” he pointed out.
“And you never called me back after either to give me the juicy details.”
“I’m glad we have such clear personal boundaries.” Beck chuckled.
“Fuck that. Tell me everything!”
“It’s a little weird talking to my wife about my feelings for another woman.”
“Please.” She rolled her eyes. “I talk to you about Buddy, so stop stalling. Where did you go on your first date?”
“Disneyland. She’d never been.”
“And she loved it?”
A fond smile curled Beck’s lips. “She really did.”
“And the second date?”
“I took her to an art gallery.”
“Oh, god,” Gloria groaned. “I did you a disservice. Since you were sixteen, you’ve had all the sex you could want and you never had to woo a woman to get it. You even took one of my girls to prom.”
He shrugged. “I got a date without any effort, and she was guaranteed to put out.”
“A mistake. Clearly, I forgot to teach you that women need to be charmed. If you want to keep one, the quality time you share out of bed is important, Ken. An art gallery? Really? Watching a round of golf would be more entertaining.”
“It was a BDSM exhibit.” He paused. “I had to know her reaction. I had to know if there was any chance…”
“Ah. And what did Heavenly think about kinky art?”
“Mixed bag, but mostly positive. She’s got a few surprisingly edgier fantasies buried deep down.” Those kept niggling at him.
“Don’t we all?” Gloria chuckled. “Be specific.”
“Either being helpless at the mercy of a Master or being forced into that position flips her switch. I need more information to know for sure.”
“Intriguing. So what’s next?”
“Well, the Disney date proved we have chemistry and made her more comfortable with me outside the hospital. The art exhibit told me exactly what she’d respond to sexually…and probably gave her more than an inkling about what I want from her.”
“Inkling?” Gloria snorted. “Unless she’s stupid, you beating her ass with a paddle that reads I’M A SADIST would have been more subtle.”
“Funny. Now I just have to know how much she trusts me, so I’ll know how far and how fast I can take her.”
“How do you plan to do that?”
“Something unexpected,” he replied cryptically.
“Do I need to warn her?”
“Nope. It’ll be a surprise.”
“You’re being awfully cautious…and you’re overanalyzing the situation. Heavenly is the one. You know that, don’t you?”
“I want her to be.” He sighed and stared at the rug between his feet, gathering his thoughts. “I think she is…but I can’t say for sure yet. She’s got a lot of secrets. Then again, so do I. It’s too soon to spring everything on her. Hell, I still haven’t kissed her yet.”
Gloria’s mouth dropped open. “Even after two dates? Do we need to talk about the birds and the bees, Ken?”
“Hey, I’m wading through uncharted territory here. Like you said, I’ve never had to romance a woman,” he grumbled. “My gut tells me if I screw up with Heavenly, I may not get a second chance. At least Seth is back in New York, and I have all the time in the world. Patience…not as much. But I’m digging deep. She’s worth it.”
She gave him a sleepy smile. “It’s good to see you finally in love.”
Beck opened his mouth to argue, but it was pointless. First, because Gloria had already dozed off again. Second, because she was probably right.
Fuck.
As the sun set, he was still mentally gnawing on the L word. Buddy staggered out of the bedroom and headed straight to the coffeepot.
“Morning.” Beck chuckled.
“I don’t know how Gloria keeps these vampire hours.” Buddy shook his head, obviously trying to clear it. “Maybe she should retire.”
“Good luck convincing her of that.”
“I think I know how.” He took a long sip of coffee and even longer to swallow it down. Finally, Buddy raised his head. “I’d like to marry your wife.”
“Well, she’ll need to be my ex-wife first, but…we’re going to work on that. Have you asked her yet?”
“No. I figured I should talk to you first since…”
“I’m technically her husband?” Beck couldn’t help but grin. “We sound fucked up.”
“Yeah.”
He clapped Buddy on the shoulder. “Go get her, man. But you better make her happy or I’ll have to hurt you.”
Gloria’s boyfriend laughed. “I got it. Thanks.”
Twenty minutes later, the groom-to-be helped Gloria into a kitchen chair. She thanked him with a smile and a kiss. Beck sat across from the lovebirds.
“Ken, I really appreciate you dropping everything to take care of me. But you’ve been here for two weeks, and I’m feeling much better.”
“It’s no problem. I’d do anything for you.”
“I know. And you mean the world to me, but…Buddy and I want some alone time. And, well, you’re cramping our style.”
Beck raised a brow. “You’re kicking me out?”
“Think of it as me letting you get back to your life. To Heavenly.”
“Uh-huh. You just want to fuck Buddy’s brains out.”
“Yep.” She grinned.
Buddy choked on his steak, then tried to recover. “I’ll take good care of her, now that she’ll let me. I popped the question a few minutes ago and she said yes.”
Gloria flashed a modest engagement solitaire and a beaming smile.
“Congratulations!” Beck hugged Gloria, then clapped Buddy on the shoulder.
“Thanks,” the other man continued. “I’ll be moving in with Gloria. And I’m going to take her to the ‘office’ with me tomorrow night. Her girls are missing her something fierce.”
“Don’t scowl at me, Ken.” Gloria shook her finger. “There’s a bed in my apartment. I can convalesce there as easily as I can here. But you need to worry about your own problems. I’ve kept you from your job, your life, and your girl long enough.”
“I wanted to ensure you got the best medical care. And I knew I’d have to stand over you to make your stubborn ass follow doctor’s orders.”
“Stubborn?”
“I know you too well.”
“True. I’m glad we got everything straightened out. After dinner, you can pack your shit and go back to LA so Buddy and I can get naked.”
Beck pinned the other man with a pointed stare. “You sure you know what you’re getting yourself into with her?”
Buddy settled a delighted smile on Gloria. “I do.”
After dinner, Beck packed, then paused in the doorway, duffel in hand. “I’m leaving. No going to the grocery store alone anymore, all right?”
“You got it,” she promised.
“I’ll make sure of that.” A beaming Buddy slung his arm around Gloria’s shoulder. “Now go home and get your own girl.”
December 22
Seven weeks earlier
Seth flew all night to reach home, getting zero rest on the plane. Every time he shut his eyes, he saw Heavenly’s last forlorn glance.
He’d begun yesterday full of hope that he would finally have her. Today, he was three thousand miles away, greeted by a New York sunrise shrouded in gray drizzle.
When he stepped off the plane, festive wreaths, lights, and bells filled the terminal, assaulting him with holiday cheer. Sighing tiredly, he made his way to baggage claim, expecting to find his brother waiting to chauffeur him to the Cooper family house for a big, loud, probably white Christmas. Instead, he saw his mother…but not as he remembered her.
The gray streaks were gone from her dark hair. So was her usual messy bun. Suddenly, it was shoulder length and styled into loose feminine curls. Even her clothes looked more fashionable and flattering. The change startled him. Then again, at fifty-three, his mother was still a beautiful woman.
“Hi, Mom. Wow, you look great.” Seth hugged her as she rushed to greet him.
“Thanks. I decided to spruce up a bit for the holidays.”
It was more than a mere sprucing. She looked ten years younger. “Um, I thought Danny was picking me up. Is everything all right with Maggie and the baby?”
“Fine. The baby hasn’t come yet. I thought you’d be happy to see me. We haven’t been apart this long since I sent you away to that summer camp you hated when you were thirteen. But if you didn’t miss me, I can turn around and go home.”
“Sorry. Of course I missed you. It was just a long, sleepless flight.” He frowned. “You shouldn’t be driving in this crappy weather.”
“Pfft. I drove you boys to every sport in creation on slick streets for years. You have any other luggage?” She frowned at his duffel.
“Nope.”
“Then let’s go. Traffic is going to be terrible.” She threaded her arm through his. “It’s good to have you home.”
Seth wanted to say it was good to be home. Right now, it felt like hell.
No, it felt like defeat.
Emerging from the airport to a telltale overcast gray and the scent of snow after so many balmy blue Los Angeles days was a rude awakening. Seth hadn’t packed a winter coat. He’d worn a hoodie, which had been more than warm enough out west. Now, he was fucking freezing. He blew on his hands and rubbed them together vigorously.
“How’s everyone else?” he asked as they reached her car.
The West Coast sliding into the ocean had been only one of Seth’s fears before jetting out to LA. The other had been leaving his family. Since his father’s death, Seth had been head of the household. For fifteen years, he’d helped his mother cope, pay bills, maintain the house, and keep his four younger brothers in line. In the grand scheme of life, his three weeks’ absence equaled three minutes. But he also knew from experience things could go horribly wrong in the blink of an eye.
“Fine. Anxious to see you.” She cast him a curious glance. “We expected you home weeks ago.”
Yeah, he’d expected to be home much sooner, too. Seth didn’t have an excuse, other than his dick—and his heart—had been stupid. And he was fucking furious that he’d let himself be led around by either. But he kept that to himself.
“How’s Maggie feeling?” he asked as he climbed into the passenger’s seat and turned on the heater. “She’s getting really close to her due date.”
“The poor girl looks ready to burst, and last night was rough,” Mom answered as she pulled out of the lot.
“Danny handling that all right?”
Seth remembered the night Danny had shown up at his door and shoved a six-pack in his hands, apprehension blazing in his eyes. After shooting the shit and draining three beers, his brother had finally confessed that Maggie was pregnant. Seth had put on a big show of being happy for them and banked the rest, especially since his mother was thrilled. There hadn’t been a baby in the house for years.
“I think so. Matthew, Jack, and Conner are all good. And Matty has a surprise for you. He finished up the cradle you’d been making for Christmas.”
Seth scowled. “It was my gift. Why did he do that?”
“Oh, honey. He was only trying to help.”
He probably had been, but Seth had been looking forward to getting lost in the project. Carving something beautiful from a simple block of wood had brought him peace, especially in recent years. Matt finishing the cradle had robbed Seth of some much-needed serenity. Of course, Matt had done a great job. Their father had painstakingly taught them both to work wood. But having the ability to finish the cradle didn’t give Matt the right.
“Well, I’m here now, so I’ll put the beeswax on it before Christmas Day…or the baby’s birth, whichever comes first.”
“Matty did that, too.”
Seth stared. So basically, he was useless?
“Don’t scowl. The warm honey color looks amazing.” His mom patted his hand. “They’re going to be thrilled and touched by your gift. That’s what’s important.”
Since Mom was right, he let his irritation go. “Did the mattress arrive yet?”
“Yes. I tucked it away before anyone saw it.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
“You’re welcome.” She sighed wistfully. “I wish your father was here to see our family now. But then, I tend to believe he’s only a whisper away, watching over us all…”
Seth had been sixteen when his father had been killed in the line of duty. That miserable day and the aftermath were still imprinted on his soul. The crushing shock. The parade of somber strangers who’d converged on their house. The funeral procession that had wound down the streets like an ocean of officers dressed in blue. The eerie wail of the bagpipes crying out “Amazing Grace” still haunted him. Despite the devastation, their mother had been a force of nature and seen the family through.
Years later, tragedy had struck again. Though his family had rallied together with all their strength and love, it had taken years to heal.
Sometimes Seth wondered if he ever really had.
He and his mom each slipped into silence. Snow flurries began to sweep across the landscape as she navigated the busy roads brimming with both rush-hour and holiday traffic. His thoughts drifted.
Echoes of another Christmas slid through him. Then, like now, the city had been decorated in festive lights and snow blanketed the ground. As always, ghosts of guilt and remorse raked him. What-ifs echoed down the years, which would linger long after he and his mother had lit candles in remembrance.
Shelving his gloom, he turned and caught the knowing sadness on her face. “Try not to dwell on it, sweetheart. We’ll get through the holidays. We always do. Tell me about Los Angeles.”
The change of subject was a welcome reprieve, but the mention of LA launched images of Heavenly through his brain, huge blue eyes gazing up at him above her gorgeous smile. Her little laugh lingered between his ears. He could all but smell the intoxicating scent of her, something so unique that he’d recognize it—even blindfolded—in a crowded room.
Every moment he’d spent with her only made him crave her more.
But she’d chosen Beck.
Seth still couldn’t process that without his blood boiling. Hell, he couldn’t even remember the last time a woman had turned him down. He’d certainly never had one dump his ass.
It was done. He refused to be hung up on her. Heavenly wasn’t the only gorgeous woman in the world.
“The West Coast is an acquired taste.” He forced a smile. “Damn place is perpetually sunny and has a million palm trees. Did I mention the earthquakes, fires, and weirdos? And their traffic can be even snarlier than ours.”
“Oh, dear.” Grace cringed. “And Liam? How is he doing?”
“Better now.” Dancing through a minefield might be easier than explaining his friend’s unorthodox relationship to his very traditional Catholic mother, but he didn’t keep many secrets from her. “He’s in a serious relationship. Actually, he and Hammer both are—with the same girl. Raine is a little dark-haired spitfire.”
“She’s with them both? At the same time?” Grace gaped, eyes wide.
This conversation wasn’t awkward at all. “Yeah, Mom. It’s called polyamory.”
“Goodness,” she tsked. “How would you know that? Never mind. Don’t answer.”
He laughed, this time for real. His mother might suspect he had an interesting sex life, but she never asked. “Liam and Hammer are really happy with Raine. They’ve even got a baby on the way.”
“Oh. My. Well…babies are always a blessing.”
Seth knew what his mother was thinking. “You don’t have to worry. That kind of relationship isn’t for me.”
“Whew! I’ve always tried to be open-minded. Remember when you mooned over that grunge girl—”
“Mom,” he groaned. “I was fifteen.”
“But I don’t think I’m ready to handle something as unconventional as a threesome…”
“Put your fears to rest. Tell me, has Matt had any problems with the agency while I’ve been gone?”
“None.” She seemed happy with the change of subject. “In fact, he’s even started contacting the clients on your waiting list.”
First the crib, and now his business? Matt was taking care of every fucking thing these days.
Some part of Seth realized he should be thrilled and impressed. Instead, it just pissed him off that his younger brother had stepped into his shoes so easily. First, Heavenly hadn’t wanted him. Now, Matt seemed determined to usurp him.
“Well, good for him.”
Grace didn’t miss his sarcasm. “I thought you’d be happy that everything is going smooth as silk. Well, almost everything. The twins have been driving me batty—all the girls and booze and…I don’t even want to know what else. I’m sure the good Lord put Jack and Conner on this Earth to test my patience.”
“I’ll talk to them tonight.”
“Matt already did. They’ve been better since.”
Of course.
“In a few weeks, they’ll head back to college and the rest of you boys will go back to your lives,” she went on. “Then I’ll have the house to myself again, and I’ll miss the chaos. Maybe.”
He felt like snarling too much to share her laughter.
As his mother stopped at a red light, she turned to him, grin fading. “What’s wrong?”
Honestly, he couldn’t explain it. He should be happy he wasn’t coming home to a Christmas present unfinished, a business in shambles, and a family at each other’s throats. Instead, he was annoyed that the Cooper family didn’t seem to need him. If that was the case, why the hell was he here?
“Okay. Enough is enough.” Grace darted a concerned glance his way. “What happened in LA? You’re not melancholy about coping through Christmas. You’re pissy. Start talking.”
Though she’d been a wonderful wife and a terrific mom, the woman would have made a kick-ass shrink. Grace was intuitive and tenacious, especially when it came to her boys. Seth knew better than to feed her a string of platitudes. She’d only dig until she unearthed the truth.
He sighed. “I met someone…”
“Really?” She sounded shocked—with good reason. “That’s great. Why are you here, instead of with her?”
“Because it’s Christmas, and I’d never live to tell about it if I missed the holidays at the Cooper household. Plus, I have an agency to run. I can’t blow off my responsibilities indefinitely.”
“I’d miss you terribly if you weren’t here, but you deserve to spend your life with someone special. You’ve taken such good care of your brothers and me over the years. But your duty to us is done.”
Those words felt like a kick in the balls. Even his own mother didn’t need him anymore?
“Don’t look dumbfounded. I’m not trying to make you feel unappreciated. You’ll always be important to us, and of course we’re glad you’re home—”
“It’s fine, Mom.” It wasn’t, but nothing she said was going to change the fact she’d spoken about him like he was dead. Shit, he’d been gone three weeks, not three fucking years.
“I just don’t want you to feel like your obligations to the family or your job take precedence over your happiness.” She darted a firmer look. “Why didn’t you bring this girl home with you for the holidays?”
“Because she’d rather be with another guy.”
“Oh.” Finally, his mother looked as bewildered as he felt.
“Yeah. I only saw her a handful of times. We had one date. After all these years, my gut told me I’d met someone, but…”
In his mind’s eye, he could still see Heavenly, fingers clutching plastic grocery sacks and plodding toward a bus stop, head bowed. A part of him had itched to pull to the curb, drag her into the car, and kiss her until she forgot about Beck. The other part had been too shocked—and pissed—to do anything but drive away. No matter how many times he replayed their conversation, what he heard above everything else was that she didn’t want him. Oh, she’d been willing to have sex with him…but her heart belonged to Beck.
Fuck that. And fuck her, too.
“I understand. Your father and I took one look at each other and fell in love, but our relationship wasn’t without its trials. If you thought this girl was special—”
“I was wrong. End of story.”
“So that’s the reason for the long face. Who is this other guy?”
“Beck. He’s a pal of Hammer’s, a surgeon—and an asshole—way beyond Heavenly’s speed. I knew he was her friend,” he drawled. “I just didn’t know she wanted him to be more.”
And didn’t he feel like a fucking fool?
“Heavenly… Is she as beautiful as her name?”
He’d given her the whole speech, and that’s what she wanted to know? “Mom…”
“Is she?”
He groaned. “And then some. But it doesn’t matter now.”
“Seth James Cooper, if you thought she was important, it does. You’re letting stupid male pride overrule your heart and backing down from a challenge. It’s unlike you.” She tsked. “What would your father say?”
He glared at her. “Don’t bring Dad into this.”
“I’m not trying to upset you. But when you find someone, you stay and fight. You know that.”
Seth was over this conversation. He was still shocked, not to mention bone-tired, disgruntled at all the changes, and fucking furious that everything had gone so wrong. “There was no reason to stay and nothing to fight for. Heavenly chose Beck. Game over.”
Grace pursed her lips together. “Tell me about her.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m your mother and I asked you to, young man.”
Great, now she was going to get stubborn. Since disrespecting her wasn’t in his genes, he sighed. “She’s a tiny little thing with blond hair. I’ve never met a woman so innocent. I enjoyed making her blush with just a few words.”
“Innocent and blushing?” She raised a brow. “That’s a departure from the women you’ve spent time with these last few years.”
How the hell did his mother know who he dated? Well, screwed. He never brought women home or talked about them. One of his brothers had obviously turned snitch. He held in a resentful sigh. Probably Matt.
“Heavenly is only twenty-two. She’s a baby inside a thoroughly gorgeous woman’s body. She cares about people. She’s studying to be a nurse. She’s kind and funny, and she has this pure heart…”
Just listing out her qualities crushed him again. Should he have tried harder? Done more? Said something else? Thrown caution to the wind and kissed her? Or just taken her to bed, despite her feelings for Beck?
“Oh, honey. She sounds wonderful, and the fact she made you feel hopeful and alive again is…” Pity lined his mother’s face. “Is there any chance you left too soon?”
“No, Mom.” He scrubbed a hand through his hair as his mom pulled the car into the driveway. “Let’s drop it, okay?”
The glow of the Christmas lights strung around his childhood home brought a bittersweet smile to his lips. Then a scowl replaced it. The snow had been cleared, not only from the driveway but from the front steps as well—a job Seth had always been responsible for. No doubt, Matty Poppins had taken care of that, too.
Your duty to us is done.
Shoving aside his mother’s words, he stepped out of the car. The front door opened, and the whole family rushed out to greet him. Danny grabbed Seth first, clutching him in a bear hug before he’d even left the driveway. He stared over his brother’s shoulder, smiling at sweet Maggie, who waited patiently with one hand at the small of her back and the other cradling her heavy belly. She really did look ready to burst. How was it possible her pregnancy had progressed so much in a few short weeks? Seth wrapped her in a gentle hug, then carefully released her before the twins, Conner and Jack, latched onto him in a boisterous hug that nearly tumbled him to the snow.
As they wandered inside, Matt stepped in beside him, clapped him on the shoulder, and began catching him up on his caseload at the office.
“Thanks.” Seth tried not to sound resentful. Matt had done him one hell of a favor. Many, in fact. “I’ll head in soon to handle the paperwork and return phone calls.”
“Oh, you don’t have to. I’ve already taken care of it so you can kick back and enjoy your holiday. You know…I think I have a knack for this shit.”
It sounded like he did. Not surprising. Matt had always been both strong-willed and snoopy.
“Good for you.” The words popped out, then he winced. “I appreciate everything you’ve done.”
Forcing a smile, Seth hurried up to his old bedroom, tossing his duffel on the mattress. He scrubbed a hand over his face. He’d been here three flipping minutes and already he wanted to be alone. It was going to be a long two weeks under one roof during the holidays… Not that he wasn’t happy to see his mom and his brothers, but the usual joy had been obscured by a dark cloud. How long could it possibly take to get over a woman he barely knew?
Maybe he was off-kilter for a different reason. Jet lag. Lack of sleep. Weather change. Or…being rejected by the hottest girl on the planet. He sighed. For whatever reason, his body was in New York, but his mangled heart was still in LA, bleeding and in pieces.
After he rejoined the others, they finished decorating the tree as a family, hung stockings, and sampled some of his mom’s holiday cookies. As afternoon waned into evening, they caught up over chips and beer before sitting down to a big, home-cooked dinner. The raucous mealtime was familiar, but he felt oddly removed, as if he merely watched his brothers laughing and ribbing one another from a distance.
His mother leaned over to him. “You’re quiet.”
“I’m tired.” It was true…but that wasn’t the only reason.
Tomorrow would be better, right?
Shortly after dessert, Seth bid everyone good-night, then wandered back up to his room and stretched out on his bed. Despite his exhaustion, he only managed to stare at the ceiling.
Had Heavenly been interested in Beck all along? Had she used him to make the prick jealous? No. Anger aside, she didn’t have a manipulative bone in her body. She’d simply been honest about her feelings—more honest than he could take.
With a grunt, Seth closed his eyes, resolved to get over her, then fell into a fitful sleep.
But the next day wasn’t better. He found himself measuring every hour by how long it had been since the last time he’d seen Heavenly’s face. The bigger the number, the blacker his mood got.
By evening, he’d decided that enough was enough…and went through a couple of six-packs with his brothers, laughing about old times. He was feeling all right—until he received a text from her.
I’m sorry about the other day. I upset you and I never meant to. I just talked to Raine. She said you’ve gone back to New York. I’ll miss seeing you. Happy holidays.
Translation: Sorry, but I like Beck more than you. Merry fucking Christmas.
He gripped the phone and counted to ten. But no, resentment still simmered. He had things to say, questions to ask. But none of them mattered. He refused to give her more of his energy. And no way would he wish her luck with the sadist who’d break her spirit, her body, and her heart. Seth just wished he’d been smart enough to fuck her out of his system before he left.
Instead, he replied with, It’s fine. Same to you.
Grumbling, he deleted the text, darkened his phone, and shoved it in his pocket.
Was it possible he’d misread her? He was admittedly out of practice actually getting to know a woman.
He didn’t want to care…but he couldn’t stop wondering if he would ever talk to her again. If he did, would it change anything?
Matt leaned in, his expression concerned. “You okay?”
Seth forced a smile. “Oh, don’t act concerned about me and forget to fess up about that time you put an air horn under Sister Mary Rose’s chair in Sunday school.”
The rest of his brothers howled with laughter.
Matt gave him a sly grin. “You’re just mad because you got blamed.”
That made them laugh even harder.
And thankfully no one gave his mood a second thought.
The next morning, he tried to enjoy Christmas Eve with his family. He plastered on a cheerful mask and skated through the long, frustrating day as if he didn’t have a care in the world.
The Cooper family celebrated Christmas Day with a new dusting of snow and a lavish, chaotic, all-too-familiar shit storm of crazy. Presents were waiting to be unwrapped beneath the massive tree in the living room. The fire that never went out crackled and filled the whole house with fragrant pine. Mom had cooked a huge meal. As usual, the overindulgence of feasting, family, and festivities lasted throughout the day and well into the night.
After the winter sky had gone dark, Seth, Matt, and Danny sat outside around a roaring fire pit, sipping whiskey, smoking cigars, and talking smack. It was one of his favorite Christmas traditions…but the shitty movie where the pretty girl chose the villain kept pelting his brain.
Suddenly, Conner rushed out of the house. “Danny, hurry! Maggie… It’s time! Mom’s helping her put on a coat.”
His brother stood and spit his whiskey into the fire, looking wide-eyed and terrified. “I-I’m not ready to be a dad.”
Grace approached, a smile tugging at her lips as she pressed her forehead to Danny’s. “You’re going to be an amazing father. You had the best role models on the planet.”
Seth swallowed down a lump of emotion. She meant their father…and him.
Danny gathered his mental shit and nodded. “Let’s do this.”
Seth was really proud of him—until Danny dashed to the edge of the patio and spewed his guts all over the pristine snow.
“Way to suck it up, bro.” Seth clapped him on the back. “Don’t worry. We’ve got your back.”
Danny wiped the back of his hand across his mouth. “I’m good.”
Piling into two cars, they caravanned to the hospital. Anna Mae Cooper was born an hour later, making her the highlight of their Christmas. Mother and daughter had come through with flying colors, while the loud Cooper clan had cheered, earning disapproving frowns from the nurses.
Over the following days, the new baby filled the house with joy. It was bittersweet for Seth. He remained annoyingly unbalanced. Everyone gave him a wide berth. The extra bit of breathing room was nice, but he couldn’t shake the oppressive need for something…somewhere…or someone. Seth would have written it off since this time of year always messed with his head. But it felt as if he’d outgrown his own skin.
Things would get better after the holidays. They had to.
Finally, New Year’s Day arrived—along with a bitch of a hangover. At least his brothers hadn’t fared any better.
He packed up his belongings and prepared to head back to the city and his normal life, relieved the holiday confinement with his well-meaning family was at an end. Then he spent the weekend righting his brownstone and trying to lose himself in work. But continued emptiness rode him hard. Where was the warmth and cheer? He’d left them in LA. With Heavenly, who kept intruding into his thoughts.
How had she spent Christmas? Rung in the New Year? Had she celebrated in Beck’s bed?
As he stood in the shower on Monday morning, his thoughts once again gravitated to the blue-eyed beauty. Even before he’d reached down to wash his balls, his cock stood at attention. Refusing to jack off yet again, Seth cranked the hot water off and let the icy spray pelt his body until, teeth chattering, his eager appendage finally gave up. When he stepped out and stared at his reflection in the mirror, an unfamiliar face with hollow eyes stared back.
“What the fuck is wrong with you?”
Nothing mindless, uncomplicated sex won’t cure.
That had to be it. Between Liam’s woes, Heavenly’s wiles, and all the family closeness, he hadn’t gotten laid in weeks. Time to fix that shit.
He walked through his workday, his mind already on the evening and what he’d do to shake this malaise. After a frozen dinner in front of some cable news, he checked his watch. Nearly nine. Time to find his leather pants, head to Graffiti—his kinky home away from home—and take control of his life again.
Twenty minutes later, he sat on a stool, absorbing the palpable hum emanating from the Doms and subs scening in the dungeon as he breathed in the heady scent of sex.
Gemma, a sub with whiskey-brown hair and pale green eyes, sidled up to him. “I was beginning to think you’d left us for good, Seth Sir.”
While he hadn’t had the chance to work her over, she’d definitely been on his radar before Liam’s distress call had taken him out west. Gemma was his type—a few years older, experienced, and not interested in a full-time Master. A few weeks ago, he’d itched to have her under his control and in his bed. His impatient cock had scraped his zipper the instant he’d set eyes on her trim, scantily clad body. Now, it didn’t even twitch.
Too bad. That fucker between his legs was going to get happy.
He nodded Gemma’s way. “Good to be here.”
“If you’re looking for someone to play with, I’ll happily volunteer, Sir.”
Yeah, he was going to move the hell on and stop giving his mental power to Heavenly. He would find the goddamn will to bend Gemma—or someone like her—to his.
“Then kneel, girl.”
The smug smile Gemma sent him from beneath her dark lashes and her graceful slide to the floor was all the consent he needed.
So how was it that, less than forty-five minutes later with Gemma still tied to his bed, looking rosy-assed and well fucked, he itched to free her, forego his usual lavish aftercare, and go home?
Because the only woman he wanted naked and at his mercy was thousands of miles away.
Right on cue, the dreaded movie in his head starring Heavenly played in its entirety again.
Clearly, settling back into his apartment, his routine, and his sex life hadn’t cured him.
What the fuck was he supposed to do now? He could pick up the phone. Hell, he could catch the next plane. But no matter how strong his feelings for Heavenly were, they didn’t change hers for Beck. He was going to have to give himself time. Suck it up and move forward.
After a seemingly endless stream of pointless days, January crept to a close. Seth avoided Graffiti and picked up a compulsive gym habit, morning and night. In between, he drowned in work, eschewing cheating spouse cases for pursuing bounties and criminals. Between the endorphin and adrenaline highs, he managed to get through each day and reach exhaustion every night.
But it didn’t take long before his cheap escape stopped working. His steady-paying business dropped off, and he couldn’t bring himself to give a shit. Instead, he began looking for some other way to fill the time and emptiness. Insomnia set in. Since he hated infomercials, he figured he had two choices: climb the walls or indulge in pointless fantasies about Heavenly.
A busy but hollow self-sex life won out.
A craptastic blizzard ushered February in. Finally, Seth’s yearning trumped his pride. He almost didn’t care that Liam would give him a ration of shit for dodging his calls since Christmas. He couldn’t stand not hearing about Heavenly anymore.
With a sigh, he dialed Liam and apologized for being “busy.” His old pal tormented him for twenty minutes with the happenings in the Hammerman/O’Neill/Kendall household, Raine’s pregnancy, and their first holiday in their new home. All the while, Seth burned with wanting news of his angel…
His old friend finally paused, letting the silence between them stretch uncomfortably. Then Liam sighed. “Go on, then. Ask me.”
Seth didn’t bother playing coy. “How is she? Tell me now or I’ll throat-punch you next time I see you.”
“You can try.” Liam gave a hearty laugh, then sobered. “Are you sure you want to know?”
“Christ, what do you want? I’ve been an idiot. A jerk. I was wrong. Just tell me.”
“Say you’re sorry,” Hammer taunted in the background.
“Fuck off,” he groused. “I need to know.”
He imagined a million reasons Liam was stalling, everything from yanking his chain for fun to Heavenly eloping with Beck.
“She’s fine. Better than fine, actually. I did warn you what would happen if you pissed off and left the gate open, didn’t I?”
Seth’s heart stopped. “Are she and Beck really together?”
“They’re dating.”
He gripped the phone tighter. The two-ton weight on his chest got heavier. “And?”
“She seems happy. So does Beck. You, my friend, might have been, too, if you’d stayed.”
So there was no hope at all. He wasn’t surprised. But it still hurt like a bitch.
“She gave me no reason to—”
“She gave you no reason to leave, either,” Liam insisted. “If you want to be a part of Heavenly’s life, you have to earn your place in her heart.”
Liam’s cutting observation hit a painful, perfect bull’s-eye. “You just told me she’s taken. I don’t poach.”
And I can’t make her want me.
His friend’s platitudes about not giving up went in one ear and out the other. Seth hung up minutes later, feeling more discouraged than ever.
Early February was full of frenetic, meaningless shit, except now he saw hearts, flowers, and lovers everywhere as Valentine’s Day approached. Seth tried not to lose his damn mind. Each monotonous day bled into a long, miserable night in which he’d fall into a fitful sleep, only to gasp awake with his fist clutched around his cock and Heavenly’s name on his lips.
After skipping out on Mass and family dinner the previous Sunday, Seth tried to shelve his surliness and visit his mom before heading to the office. He’d been avoiding her because he didn’t want her grilling…but maybe it was time for her sage advice.
As he entered the front door, he heard a feminine groan from the kitchen. Shit. Had she fallen? Burned herself? Or gotten hurt trying to move the damn refrigerator to clean behind it again?
Seth rushed through the family room, only to come to a violent halt when he caught sight of his mom in the breakfast nook bent over their family kitchen table with her flushed cheek pressed to the surface. He stood unmoving, unblinking, struggling to process the sight of her eyes closed and holding the hem of her skirt around her waist. Her panties lay bunched between her knees as a bear of a man Seth had never seen stood behind her, his big hands gripping her hips, plowed into her from behind. His mother’s moan filled the air again. The man threw back his head and groaned with her. Christ, he hadn’t even dropped his trousers, merely unzipped his fly, and—
Seth lurched. Shit, he was going to puke.
Suddenly, his mom jerked her head up and saw him.
Grace gasped, but the man fucking her mistook it for passion, because he clutched her tighter and bellowed in a feral, hoarse roar.
Finally, Seth’s body unfroze and he stumbled into the living room.
“Seth!” his mom called in a trembling voice.
“I’m on the couch. I’ll give you a minute.” Or however long it takes to pull up your panties and lower your dress. “In fact, I’ll come by tonight.”
Grace appeared in the doorway, hand across her mouth and tears streaming down her cheeks. “No. Wait. I-I’m so sorry you walked in—”
“Don’t be.”
Sure, no child wanted to think about, let alone witness, his mother sexually, but she’d never remarried. She’d never even dated when they were kids.
Embarrassment tightened her face. The last thing Seth wanted was to see her beat herself up for being human.
As he hurried toward her, she broke down in sobs. He wrapped her in his arms. “It’s okay.”
“Please understand… I loved your dad. He was my whole world and I was devastated when… We all were.”
“Mom, don’t—”
“After he was gone, I concentrated on raising you boys. I didn’t have time to dwell on my own needs. But…things change.”
Yeah, they did. That truth had been slapping him in the face all winter.
“Don’t cry. I just came to talk. I didn’t know you were…” fucking a stranger on our kitchen table. “You’re a single woman entitled to…” fuck a stranger on our kitchen table.
The man peered around the corner, regret thick on his face, before he stepped into the family room, shoulders thrust back, head held high. He leveled a worried stare on Grace, then stuck out his hand. “Carl Mahoney.”
“Seth Cooper.” He accepted the man’s shake.
Grace grimaced. “Someone please shoot me.”
Despite the situation being awkward as hell, they all laughed. Seth would have stayed to calm his mom, but Carl took over, folding her in his arms. She glanced up at the man with love in her eyes. He met her stare with devotion. It was strange to witness his mother’s affection for another man, but Seth was glad she’d found happiness again.
After vowing to call before dropping by again, he kissed her cheek and headed to work.
Hours later, he was seated at his desk, shuffling papers while trying to forget the morning’s debacle, when his phone rang. He picked it up, expecting his mother. Instead, he was shocked to hear the sweet Irish lilt of Liam’s mom.
“It’s good to hear your voice, Bryn. How have you been?”
“Fine, but you’ve had a day of it, haven’t you?”
“As a matter of fact…” She had some wicked psychic abilities. He’d never believed in that shit—until her. So Seth wasn’t surprised she knew the sight he’d encountered that morning.
“Send your mother some flowers. She needs reassurance.” Bryn paused. “They’re in love, you know? She doesn’t need you watching over her anymore.”
Yeah, he’d gotten that message. And after all these years, she deserved to move on.
“If you give them your blessing, they’ll make each other deliriously happy for the rest of their lives.”
Had Bryn called him just to say that? “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome. Now I have a lot to tell you, and we’ll get through this quicker if you listen.”
Bryn called him occasionally without warning. She’d steer him in this direction or that. Though skeptical at first, he’d eventually accepted her words as well-meaning gifts. In fact, he’d thought about calling her a time or two over the past few weeks to ask about Heavenly…but he hadn’t wanted her to confirm the situation was hopeless.
“What’s going on?”
“I’m concerned about you.”
The hair on the back of his neck prickled. “Me?”
“Of course. You haven’t stopped thinking about your girl for weeks. Honestly, dear…” She sounded exasperated.
As always, the woman was spot-on. “Go on. I’m listening.”
“The minute we hang up, order those flowers for your mother and tell her you love her. Then pack your bags.”
He froze. “Where am I going?”
“Don’t be daft. It’s time you headed back to LA. In fact, you’re almost too late.”
Seth didn’t pretend to misunderstand. “You mean I still have a chance with her?”
“You do—if you hurry. And if you don’t give up this time.”
His stubborn feelings for Heavenly weren’t ridiculous and hopeless?
Maybe it wasn’t logical, but hope lit the dark corners inside him for the first time in almost two months.
“Am I coming back here?” But his gut already told him the answer. He would put his business and his life here behind him if it meant having a future with Heavenly.
“Do you feel as if you belong in New York anymore?”
“No.” He’d been an outsider looking in from the moment he’d returned.
“You’ve come to that conclusion time and again. Why are you asking me what you already know?”
No sense arguing the truth. “I’ll be on a plane this weekend.”
“I’m afraid it has to be today. Right now, in fact. Time is not only critical for you, but…Raine, Liam, and Hammer are about to face their most difficult hurdle yet. Your expertise and support are imperative. Give your family that excuse if you must, but grab a bag and meet us at LaGuardia when our flight from Dublin lands at two. I’ve already arranged a plane ticket out west for you. It’s at the counter. And while you’re waiting for us, you might want to replay the last conversation you had with your wee angel.”
He didn’t need to replay it; it was hardwired into his brain.
“And when you see her, this time find out how she feels about you,” Bryn suggested.
Seth froze. Damn, the woman had a point; he’d never asked.
“She needs you, more than you know,” Bryn went on. “The sooner you look deep enough, the sooner you’ll understand.”
“So you’re saying…I’ll end up with Heavenly?”
“Nothing is preordained. The future is always fluid. What I see are paths. If you stay in New York… Well, that would be a shame. Such misery. On the West Coast, you stand a chance of being happier than you’ve ever imagined. But it’s up to you. I have to go now. Our flight to New York is boarding. I hope we’ll see you at the airport.”
“Wait! I—”
But Liam’s mom had already hung up.
Despite her stunning bombshell, Seth saw light at the end of this dark, miserable tunnel. Screw how Heavenly felt about Beck.
Looking around the office he’d been content to work from for the last two years, he realized it was nothing but a skeleton of a room cluttered with a large desk, chairs, a pair of filing cabinets, and an aging copier—none of which he gave a shit about. This had been a place to pass time while he sought direction. Now it seemed cold and dingy, like the gray day outside. After snagging his keys off his desk, Seth locked the door, then hauled ass to his apartment, rambling absently on the phone to a florist along the way.
Ten minutes later, he’d packed his bags, squarely focused on the future. He couldn’t wait to see Heavenly. To fill his nose with her scent, to finally fucking kiss her—and let her know he was in her life for good.