Page 110 of The Midnight Club

She looked up and saw Seth at the door and grinned at him. “Hey, you. Tell me you brought me some contraband.”

He laughed and held up a cotton bag full of books. “Oh, god, Seth Cantor, you are a life saver.”

“That’s not all,” he said, bringing up a paper bag. “I have fresh bread, cheese, and some peaches.”

Ori moaned. “God, that sounds good.”

“Shall we eat?”

“Hell, yes.”

As they ate, he studied her face. “You look brighter. More … awake.”

Ori yawned immediately, and he laughed. “Sorry.”

Ori grinned wryly, sipped her soda, and looked at Seth now, suddenly shy.

“Can I ask you something?”

Seth nodded. “Anything.”

“Why aren’t you married? Lord that came out wrong. I meant to say, you never mention any partners or girlfriends apart from Irina. I don’t even know what you do for work. I apologize for being so self-involved. Can we start again?”

Seth put his hands up. “Completely understandable. No need to apologize. It’s been quite a ride since I met you, what with … anyway. To answer your questions. Therehavebeen women. Just not for a while, and none of them really, well, they weren’t around for long. I’ve never felt the inclination to marry. Never met the right woman.”

He held her gaze for a beat too long, watching as two spots of pink flushed across her cheeks. She looked away, down at her food.

“And your job?”

He bowed his head. “I am lucky enough to be, let’s say, independently wealthy.”

“Thatislucky,” she teased, and he laughed.

“That’s not to say that I haven’t worked hard; I have, it’s in my nature. I can’t sit still.”

Ori smiled at him. “I always thought of you as the calm one, the one who the others look to. I know Maceo does.”

“He’s a good boy,” Seth laughed. “Man, how old did I sound just then?”

Ori chuckled. “Granddad.” She shifted, suddenly uncomfortable, and Seth noticed.

“Are you okay? Should I get a nurse?”

Ori shook her head, smiling. “Don’t worry, just a little stiff. I’m fine, Seth, truly.”

Seth sighed. “I’ll never forgive myself, Ori. Never.”

“There’s nothing to forgive,” she assured him. “I didn’t even know it was happening until it did.”

Seth didn’t look convinced. “Well, I’ll let you rest.”

“When are you going back to Montreal?”

“When I’m not needed here.” He got up and kissed the top of her head. “You’ll be okay until Maceo gets back?”

“Of course. Thanks, Seth. I really enjoyed this. And thanks for the books. You don’t know how bored I was.” Ori smiled gratefully, and he flushed a little.

“My pleasure. Later, sweetheart.”