Seth (Casella Cousins #2) - Kathryn Shay Page 0,27
I let my friendships wane because I had you and your family.”
“I don’t care if you make friends.”
“If you’re like what you were a year ago, and I have no reason to think you’ve changed, you’ll want to see me on all our free time.”
“And I can’t have that?”
“Absolutely not. I want to see Ali alone. Spend more time with Liliana, maybe even Anabelle, who I really like.”
He blew out a heavy breath.
“Listen, it’s fine if you have to think about these things.”
“Hell, no. I begged for a second chance. If you’re giving it to me, I accept any conditions.”
The hole in her heart started to close a fraction. “Thank God.” She stood. “Now let’s go back to the room and make love.”
He bolted up. “It’s my pleasure.”
“And mine.”
* * *
As soon as they got to the room, he pressed her against the door and kissed her. A sweet, poignant exploration of her mouth, her neck. Then he led her to the big bed and removed her clothes slowly. Julianne trembled with the touch of his fingers on her face, her arm, her waist. He’d always taken his time to arouse her. Letting her head fall back she moaned. He leaned in, then, and drew a nipple into his mouth. She startled. He chuckled. “You always did like that.”
“Hmm.”
He stayed there until she was squirming. She opened her eyes. “You’re still dressed. What’s wrong with you? Take your clothes off.”
Again, he chuckled. But disrobed fast.
They dropped down on the bed then and stretched out face-to-face. Seth inhaled the scent of lemon on her hair, the flowery smell of lotion she’d put on earlier. “I want to look in your eyes when I touch you. Don’t close them.”
She nodded.
His hands went to her breasts and he kneaded them. “So supple. So responsive.”
He went slow, kissing the underside of her arm, her torso. But when he cupped her, her eyes closed. He stopped. “Open them sweetheart.”
“It’s a spontaneous reaction.”
He ground his hand against her. “I guess I’ll let you. If you come.”
“I want you inside me.”
“I will be, the next time.”
* * *
Seth and Julianne both dressed up for the night, she in a calf-length dress, with fall leaves on it that dipped nicely in the front. He’d donned a dress shirt and pants with a navy sports jacket. At seven, they met Hayley and Paul in front of the Richard Rogers Theater on 46th Street. A big gray stone building, the huge marquee with a long row of lights advertising Hamilton.
Hayley kissed them both on their cheeks. “I’m so glad you stayed, Julianne.” Her gaze transferred to Seth for a moment. “Do I dare ask?
“We’re back together.” Seth’s voice was thick. “She’s giving me another chance.”
Hayley grinned. “That’s wonderful news.”
“For us, too.” She studied Seth’s cousin. “I love your outfit.” Hayley was dressed in a beautiful maroon, one-piece, slinky thing. They both wore light coats.
Paul asked, “What time is Finn coming?”
“I’m right here.” Seth’s cousin had approached them. “Am I late?”
“No.” Hayley squeezed his arm. Seth had told Julianne about Ronan making an appearance at the party and that both Hayley and Finn had been upset by it. But they seemed good tonight.
“Let’s go then.” Paul took Hayley’s hand and started toward the entrance. The crowd jostled them as they walked through the doors, and once inside, Julianne grinned at the lobby’s looming pillars and high ceilings and red velvet walls. The din of the crowd as they walked in was exciting.
When they got in line for the auditorium itself, Paul handed out tickets. “How did you have six?” Julianne asked him.
“My date canceled.” Finn’s gaze darkened. “Typical of her.”
“Who was it?” Hayley teased as the line crawled on.
“Let’s not get into that.”
Julianne asked her, “Do you miss living with Finn?”
“Of course.”
Paul feigned indignance. “How can you say that, love?”
“I can want to be with you and still miss my brother.”
“I’m kidding.” He kissed her nose.
The banter was familiar and fun.
“Are you getting clients in your private firm, yet?” Seth asked, dodging a waiter as he carried drinks to patrons who were hanging out in clumps.
“Enough pro bono. We still need a few more paying customers.”
Finally, they got to the top of the line. An older woman dressed in black handed them programs. “Orchestra seats, center row 12.”
“Wow. How long ago did you get these?” Seth asked.
“A few weeks.” Paul seemed embarrassed. “Actually, a former colleague of mine has a connection to the theater, and he owed me a favor from