The Chase

After death, people tried to feel alive in all sorts of ways. Some gorged. Some drank. A lot of them fucked.

“Hey, I’m more than willing to try, if that’s what she wants.” Beck gave a wry chuff. “Damn, we sound like Hammer and Liam, making ‘plans.’”

“We’re not as clueless as they were.”

“And we won’t beat the shit out of each other.”

“Unless you hire Zelda and Clovis the sex donkey to knock on my door again.” Seth laughed as the waitress delivered their drinks and rushed away.

“I wish I could have seen your face.”

“Dude, you’re fucking sick.”

“Blame Pike. It was his idea.”

“He’s a total freak, no doubt, but you actually paid that woman.”

“Since it kept you from taking Heavenly to bed, I considered that money well spent.”

“Fuck you.”

“And you, too.”

As they raised their glasses and toasted with a laugh, Beck caught a flash of blond curls. He turned to see Heavenly descending the stairs wearing a new red sheath that hugged every one of her curves.

His smile froze. His eyes bulged. His cock thickened.

Seth let loose a low wolf whistle. “Wow. Are those the shoes you bought her?”

When Beck dragged his stare down to the sexy, black-spiked stilettos, he almost swallowed his tongue. “Yeah.”

“They’re sexy as fuck. Got any guesses why she wore them tonight?” The innuendo in Seth’s voice was clear.

“A few. Are you really hungry for dinner?”

“I could wait an hour or two. Or four. Hell, breakfast would be fine.”

As Heavenly drew closer, he and Seth stood and each rounded the table to take her hands.

“You look beautiful.” The big PI brushed his lips against her temple. “And those shoes on you…”

She met their stares with a hint of a blush. “Thanks.”

Beck saw more sparkle in her eyes than he had in a week. Obviously, she wasn’t done grieving, but now that she’d put her father to rest, maybe she’d let him and Seth remind her that she was still very much alive…so they could persuade her not to leave come morning.

“If you’re not careful, little girl, those shoes could get you in trouble,” Beck teased to test the waters.

She cocked her head, lashes half-lowered. “A little…or a lot?”

Their girl was flirting. Softly. Subtly. He’d bet she wanted more than their gentle consolation.

“Maybe we should show you.” Seth planted his lips on her collarbone.

“Then you can be the judge.” Beck smoothed a hand down her hip.

She didn’t put distance between them. No. She closed her eyes, lips parted, and tipped her head back in welcome.

Not giving two shits about the nearby diners or whatever rosy-berry shade Heavenly wore on her lips, Beck covered her mouth with his. As she melted against him, he teased her lips open, so relieved when she kissed him in return.