Page 27 of Shrouded in the Dark

“About earlier, with Cody.” Seth looked down at me. “He’s very affectionate and sometimes doesn’t think before he does things.”

I shook my head. “He’s a sweet guy. I’ll get him back for cheating later.” I finished my steamer and threw the cup in the trash can outside of the restaurant.

Seth grinned as he held open the door to the pizza place again but he kept our hands together as we entered and went up to the counter again. The same cashier was there, but her smile had turned cold, professional, and was no longer flirty. I hoped she hadn’t made the food.

She turned around from the counter and opened a warming oven and pulled out several large pizza boxes and a smaller box that was the garlic knots. She placed them on the counter next to the register and pointed to a display fridge.

“You can get your tea from there. This is everything. Did you want to look at them?”

Seth shook his head and let go of my hand. “No, it smells fantastic. Thanks.” He looked at me as he picked up the boxes. “Would you grab the teas?”

“Yup!” I pushed open the door for him. “I’ll be right there. You can get the car door?”

“Yeah. The back will open for me with my foot.” He glanced back at me briefly before walking through the door.

I went to the fridge and had just pulled out the two gallons when the cashier spoke.

“You know, the second he realizes you’re not worth his time, he’ll dump you.”

My heart pinged in pain as I gaped at her in shock. “Excuse me?” I might not have paid for the food, but I was still a customer. Not to mention, you don’t say that kind of shit to people. Period.

My shoulders squared back and I walked out of the restaurant. Seth had just closed the back and met me at the passenger side. He took the tea and his eyes furrowed. “Are you alright?”

I had an idea and it was so out of character, I could already hear Felicity screaming in celebration for stepping out of my comfort zone. I looked up into Seth’s eyes.

“Is that cashier watching us?”

He looked confused but looked up before looking down at me. “Yeah?”

I gulped but took the plunge. “Would you kiss me? I promise I’ll explain once we get going.”

His eyes widened slightly but I could have sworn they darkened a little before his lips curved. “Sure.” I didn’t have time to change my mind because he tilted my chin up with his index finger and slowly lowered his face. Just before his lips met mine, he grinned wickedly. Then his lips were on mine and all thought fled.

His lips were hot as he moved them along mine. My mouth opened to his instinctively and my tongue slipped out to lick at his lower lip. Seth made a noise deep in his chest that sounded like a rumble and my hands smoothed against his shirt. The heat from him was almost burning.

Seth nipped at my lips, dragging my lower lip gently between his teeth. A moan I couldn’t stop came from me as I felt Seth’s other hand hold the back of my head and tilted my head up more. That gave him easier access to my mouth as his tongue plunged into mine and our tongues danced with each other.

Seth had just moved his hand that was under my chin to my waist when a passing car honked next to us. That noise jolted both of us. I started to jerk back, but Seth kept me close holding the back of my head gently.

“Remember, you’re still messing with the cashier.” Seth kept his voice soft as he pulled up slowly before stepping back from me and the heat, he’d generated within me, sizzled out. “Come on, babe. In the car.” His hand brushed my shoulder as he walked around the front of the SUV and got into the vehicle.

My throat constricted, but I gulped in a deep breath. Holy crap. That just happened and I was the one who asked for it. I swallowed as I got into the SUV and buckled in. I looked up just as we were pulling out of the parking spot to find the cashier glaring at me. The reason for the kiss flashed through my head and I grinned at her and flipped her off with both hands.

Seth burst out laughing as we turned onto the main road. I grinned over at him in triumph.

“Thanks for that.”

“I can honestly say it was my pleasure. What did she do to earn that lovely display?” Amusement made his tone light.

I shook my head as I leaned back in the seat and relaxed. “It’s not a big deal. That display was more than enough to teach her a lesson about civility.” I sniffed and nearly moaned. “Oh man, that pizza smells so good. I can’t wait to eat.”

Seth looked at me out of the corner of his eye as he smiled. “Make sure to grab the pieces you want before any of us start for ours. That way you have food.”

“Alright. You know I’m not sharing the garlic knots, right?”

Ignoring how that kiss made me feel was probably the wisest choice for the time being.

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