"Was it? Because I distinctly remember you pacing holes in my carpet the next morning, convinced she'd run screaming to the dean about the two guys who seduced her.”
"And?"
"And she showed up to your office hours two days later wearing that tiny skirt and ridiculous heels." Seth swings his legs over the side of the bed. "Some things never change, old friend."
He's right. Damn him. "Point taken."
I turn and start down the hallway, Seth not far behind as we head to the kitchen. His housekeeper must have snuck in while we slept - fresh coffee and pastries wait in the kitchen. The rich aroma hits my nostrils as I pour us both a cup.
"So." Seth tears into a croissant. "You planning to see her again?"
"Already texting." I slide my phone across the marble counter. "She seems... okay with everything."
"Okay? The girl was practically glowing." Crumbs spray as he talks. "Though I notice you got rather possessive there at the end."
Heat rises in my neck. "You noticed that, did you?"
"Hard to miss the 'she's mine' growling." He wipes his mouth with a napkin. "Not that I'm complaining. The view was spectacular."
"Speaking of spectacular views, what's the timeline on our meeting this afternoon?"
"Smooth subject change." Seth pulls out his tablet, tapping through blueprints. "Contractors say two more weeks. The pergola's giving them fits."
"Better be done before the charity gala. Half the board's expecting to network up there."
"It'll be ready." He drains his coffee. "Though maybe we should do a test run. Private party. See how the space flows."
I know that tone. "With a certain bartender on the guest list?"
"Your bartender. I'm just along for the ride." He grins. "Speaking of rides, don't you have that meeting with the investors at eleven?"
Shit. My watch confirms I'm cutting it close. I grab my jacket from the back of the chair, patting down pockets for keys.
"Thanks for breakfast. And... everything else."
"Anytime, buddy." Seth's expression turns serious. "Just don't overthink this one, okay? She's good for you."
The drive home gives me too much time to replay last night in my head. The soft curves of her body. The way she trusted us completely. The morning text that suggests she wants more.
Maybe Seth's right. Maybe I should stop analyzing and just enjoy whatever this is becoming.
My phone lights up with my best friend Donovan's name as I merge onto the highway. I tap the steering wheel, hitting 'connect'.
"Don, What's up?"
"Want to explain why my godson called me at six in the morning asking to borrow my Cutlass?" Donovan's gravelly voice fills the car. "Something about taking some little bitch on a date?"
A laugh escapes me. "Let me guess - his Jeep's probably sitting in an impound lot again."
"Bingo. Told him I'd rather set the Cutlass on fire than let him drive it. Kid's got some balls, I'll give him that."
"Sorry about that. He's been blowing through money faster than usual lately. Last week it was concert tickets, now this."
"Remember when we used to hot-wire cars for dates?" Donovan chuckles. "At least he's asking permission first."
"Don't remind me. And don't give him any ideas - he's already costing me a fortune in parking tickets and trashed hotel rooms."
"Maybe it's time for some tough love. Make him work for his own money."