Page 16 of Seduction

“You’re missing a certain brown-eyed hunk,” I fill in the blanks.

“Yeah. I just wish said hunk would make up his mind about what he wants. It’s been more than a year, and I can’t even introduce him as my boyfriend. I don’t know how much longer I can live in limbo.”

“You just have to be patient,” I offer. “Guys like him do things at their own pace.”

“Exactly,” Raven agrees. “Just give him time.”

“How much longer?” she asks in exasperation.

“Do you love him?” I ask.

Chrissy turns her gaze to me, her eyes answering the question before her lips can. “Yes.”

“Then as long as it takes, honey. Another thing about these guys: they love hard, but fight harder to keep it hidden. He wouldn’t be with you this long if it wasn’t headed somewhere.”

“You think so?”

“I know so.” I smile wistfully, remembering how Eddie used to act tough, especially around his friends.

“Thanks, Ellen.” She gives me a grateful smile.

“Just in time,” Raven says. “That brown-eyed hunk is on his way over here.”

From behind, Ron wraps his arms around Chrissy’s waist, kissing her neck.

“You ready to go, babe?”

“Yeah.” Chrissy blushes, turning in his arms.

“Mrs. Hunter.” He nods at Raven, flashing a gorgeous smile before turning to me. “Miss Ellen.”

“Boy, please. I’m only a couple years older than you.”

“Sorry.”

Chrissy hugs Raven and me, and then she and Ron leave. Raven mumbles something under her breath before telling me Gage needs her.

“I’ll be right back, sis.”

“Go. I’ll be fine.”

I turn back to my drink, taking a sip as someone sidles up next to me, a smooth, deep voice drifting into my ears.

“Hey, darlin’.”

I turn my head, finding a gorgeous blond staring down at me, green eyes glinting. He’s wearing a cut, so he’s family.

“Hello.”

“Steele.” He extends his hand. Well, as best as he can with the crowd in here.

I take it, blushing as he slides his thumb over my knuckles.

“Steel? Like metal?”

“Well, metal is hard, so I guess it could have kind of a double meaning. There’s an ‘e’ at the end, though.”

“So what’s the other meaning?”