CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Seth and Alex did the usual Korean tug-of-war over the bill, and Tara watched with avid attention. They were both so stubborn, she wondered who would get the honor of paying for their meal. It was a win-win situation for her. She got free breakfast either way.

“You’re a guest in our town,” Alex insisted, tugging the bill toward him.

“And I’m grateful for you welcoming me here. It wouldn’t be right for me to let you pay,” Seth countered with a tug toward his direction.

“We’ve been inconsiderate in not inviting you to a meal sooner. Let us make it up to you.” Tug.

“This might be our last meal together. It’ll be my farewell treat.” Tug.

Then her big brother brought out his ace card. “I’m the oldest one at this table. It’s my prerogative to treat everyone to breakfast.”

“I … fine.” Not having anything to trump the age argument, Seth grudgingly released his hold on the check. “But you have to let me treat you next time.”

“Sure. Of course,” Alex answered disingenuously. There would always be a who-gets-to-pay tug-of-war. Her brother handed their server his credit card, wearing the high of his victory on his face. “Here you go.”

Seth sighed ponderously. “Thank you for breakfast. It hit the spot.”

“Anytime,” Alex said.

Once their food was paid for, they shuffled out onto the sidewalk and said their goodbyes. Except for Seth and Tara. He caught her gaze and lifted his eyebrow a couple millimeters, and she gave a tiny nod. They were going to spend the rest of the day together.

When Tara didn’t follow her brothers down the street, they turned to look back at her. Jack cocked his head to the side. “Coming?”

“Alex was right about us needing to hustle on the website. I have the late shift today so I might as well lend Seth a hand,” Tara said, stepping closer to him. “You guys, go ahead. I’m sure he’ll give me a ride back after.”

“All right then. We’ll see you later,” Jack said, and Alex waved them goodbye.

Once her brothers were out of sight, Seth placed a possessive hand low on her back, sending a delicious shiver through her body. His breath was warm against her cheek when he growled, “Eager to get to work?”

“If by work you mean hot, sweaty sex, then yes,” Tara whispered, leaning closer to him.

“Dammit, woman.” His laughter sounded both amused and pained. “You can’t turn me on like this in the middle of the street.”

“Oops, sorry. But you started it.” Her sympathetic smile matched the sincerity of her apology. “Maybe you can walk it off.”

He raised his eyebrows. “Walk it off?”

“Yeah. We’ll take a stroll to Comfort Zone as an excuse, and pick up some dessert for after lunch.”

“You have to promise to be on your best behavior. I’m a little trigger-happy right now. I couldn’t stop thinking about you last night.”

It was Tara’s turn to flush. She’d been in such a jealous craze last night that his words were a balm to her soul. He wanted her. Even if it was only for now. He wanted her badly. And her primal instincts told her to make him hers. Now. But alas, they were in the middle of the street, as Seth pointed out. She needed to walk it off herself.