The Choice

by Shayla Black

  “Now you’re just flirting.” She sent him a chiding glance.

  “Caught on to that, did you?”

  “It was hard to miss.” She pressed a melodramatic hand to her chest in jest. “And I’m not sure your intentions are honorable, Sir.”

  Oh, they’re quite dishonorable, especially if you call me Sir again.

  Seth grinned. “I’ll get back to you on that.”

  She giggled.

  Fifteen minutes later, they reached the park and scouted a spot beneath the shade of a huge oak tree. Heavenly spread out the checkered blanket he’d scrounged up, then she watched him set the wicker basket down before he settled beside her.

  “A picnic? How exciting!” She lifted the lid and withdrew a bottle of wine, various cheeses, sliced meats nestled in wax paper, and warm, crusty bread. She oohed and aahed over small jars of olives, pickles, and other condiments. Last but not least, she plucked free two large slices of raspberry-almond tart. “Wow! There’s enough food here to feed an army.”

  “I haven’t been on a picnic in years, but when you called, I thought why not do it up right?”

  “Where did you find such scrumptious goodies?”

  “I have my talents. One of them is knowing where to find good grub.” Maybe you’d like me to introduce you to my other talents, too?

  He’d heard plenty over the years that he had a very talented tongue…

  “Well, wherever you found lunch, it looks amazing. Should I dish us each a plate?”

  The fact that she wanted to serve him should not make him harder, but… “Please.”

  He reclined against the trunk of the tree and watched her make him a sandwich. She took direction well, putting together his meal exactly as he requested it. Then she handed him a plate, along with a corkscrew and the wine.

  “Could you open this? I don’t know how.”

  He broke the seal. “Have you tried Chianti before?”

  Heavenly shook her head. “I’ve never actually tried wine at all.”

  “Really?” Seth paused. “If you don’t drink or have an objection, I also brought sparkling water.”

  She waved his concern away. “No, I just haven’t had a chance to try wine. I’ve been saving the bottle you gave me for a special occasion.”

  “In that case, I might have one or two other things I’d like to introduce you to,” he drawled.

  Her eyes brightened as if the prospect excited her. “Like what?”

  For starters, what would you do if I leaned in and kissed you?

  Seth hesitated. He couldn’t stay in California much longer, so today might be his only chance. On the other hand, his gut warned him she wasn’t ready. If he scared her now, she’d never give him another opportunity.

  Holding in a curse, he downshifted. “In good time. I don’t want to spoil the surprise.”

  “Before today, I would have said I’m not into surprises, but I love this one so far.”

  Seth hoped that if—no, when—they did something more personal together, she’d love those surprises even more.

  For now, he took the glasses, poured a generous serving into each, then handed her one. He lifted his own. “Well, then… To sunny days, new friends, and exciting surprises.”

  “I like that.” She clinked her glass with his, then sniffed at the fruity aroma. “Do I sip this?”

  Damn, she was so innocent. “Have you eaten yet today?”

  She shook her head. “I usually skip breakfast.”

  While he’d love to see her without inhibitions and she might be a cute little drunk, he wanted her sober. “Then drink slowly, especially until we get some food in you.”

  With a cautious nod, she tipped the glass to her rosy lips and closed her eyes. Her throat worked. Watching her was a sensual experience, and Seth couldn’t shake the feeling that he was somehow corrupting her.

  Fuck, he loved that idea.

  “Well?”

  Her face lit up. “I like it. A lot.”

  “Good. Try it with some cheese.”

  They ate together, savoring the food and vino. When they were replete, they lazed in companionable silence, too full to move, and watched the other parkgoers around them enjoying the weather. People trekked the flowered walking path. Children laughed and played. The warm day had even tempted a few sunbathers.

  She closed her eyes beside him and sighed softly. “I never do this.”

  “Do what?” He turned to her. “Come to the park? Or take time out for yourself?”

  “Both. It’s nice.”

  “Why not?”

  She gave him a lazy grin. “Well, first, I’m originally from Wisconsin. We don’t do picnics in December.”

  “Isn’t this weather insane? But in a good way.” He held up his hand as if he could capture the sun. “Believe me, days like this in New York are in May or September, but December? We’re huddled around a fire watching football or something.”

  “I don’t know if I can get used to all this warm sunshine. I always thought if I had the chance to escape the snow, I would. But now…I think I’m missing the seasons. There was no fall here, no changing leaves or crisp breezes. I miss snowmen and ice skating. I’m beginning to wonder if Christmas will feel like Christmas if it’s eighty degrees.”

  He grimaced. “Good question. If I ever moved here, I’d definitely miss the big tree at Rockefeller Center and, stupidly, freezing my balls off at Times Square on New Year’s Eve.”

  “New York sounds fascinating. I’ve always wanted to go. In fact, I plan to explore the big world one day.”

  He heard the yearning in her tone. “You should. Maybe you could start with New York?”

  “Maybe. Is that where you’d rather be?”

  “Yes and no. I miss my family, but I like the company here. I have to admit being able to hit the beach almost year-round is sweet. But I’m pretty sure a big quake will send this whole hunk of land into the ocean someday.”

  Heavenly cocked her head. “You’re afraid of earthquakes? Hmm. It never occurred to me to worry about that.”

  “Afraid is a strong word. I’d say concerned.”

  She laughed. “No. You’re totally afraid. It’s…cute.”

  “Cute?” He raised a brow at her that dared Heavenly to say that again.

  “In a very manly way, of course.”

  “That’s what I thought.” He sat back, enjoying the easy conversation between them. He liked that she wasn’t nervous anymore. He especially liked the way she kept stealing glances at him between her sips of wine. “So if California isn’t for you, why did you move out here?”

  Suddenly, she wasn’t smiling anymore. “A couple of reasons, mostly school.”

  “Couldn’t find a good one to attend in Wisconsin?”

  “Something like that.”

  Her vague answer set off his internal alarms. “Don’t you attend nursing school online?”

  Heavenly froze, then nervously began tucking away the leftovers in the basket. “I do, but it’s a long story and I’m monopolizing the conversation. You haven’t told me much about you.”

  Heavenly was a terrible liar. The Dom in him wanted to growl his displeasure and find delicious ways to make her atone. The cop in him wanted straight answers. Had her parents kicked her out? Had she followed a boyfriend here? Neither of those scenarios rang true, but there was a reason she’d moved. And she didn’t want to say why.

  “I don’t mind long stories,” he countered. “I’ve got all the time in the world for you.”

  “I’m boring. Tell me how you met Liam and Hammer. Have you always lived in New York? What kind of cases do you work as a PI?”

  If he called her out again for her desperate change of subject, his gut told him she’d cut the date short.

  “I met Liam and Hammer through mutual friends.” He glossed over the truth since revealing the fact they’d all bonded at Graffiti, a Manhattan BDSM club, would also reveal his kink. “They lived in New York then. Hammer moved here eight years
ago, Liam just a few months back. Let’s see… What else? I was born and raised in Brooklyn. My father was a cop. He died in the line of duty when I was sixteen. My mom still lives in the house where I grew up. All of my brothers have spread out but still live between New York and Boston.”

  “All of them? How many?”

  “Five, including me. We’re a loud Catholic family.”

  She gaped. “Oh, my goodness. That sounds chaotic. And wonderful. I don’t have any brothers or sisters.”

  Seth filed that information away. “It was a lot of fighting and roughhousing, teenage hormones, and smelly feet—at least according to my mother.”

  That made her laugh. “Are you the oldest? Youngest?”

  “I’m the oldest, so I ended up kicking a lot of younger-brother ass over the years. And that’s enough about me. Now, tell me about you.”

  “Wait! What kind of cases do you work?”

  “Mostly cheating spouses, some embezzling business partners.” He shrugged nonchalantly but looked her straight in the eye. “I’m good at spotting dodgers and liars.”

  As those words sank in, she swallowed. “Oh. What about—”

  “My turn.” He cocked a brow. “Were you born in Wisconsin? Do you live alone? What about your parents?”

  Her eyes went wide, then the windows guarding her soul slammed shut so quickly he almost heard the audible click. “Well, I was born in Wisconsin. There’s not much else to tell.”

  Bullshit. Before he could confront her evasion, a bright red ball landed with a thwack on the blanket between them.

  When Heavenly reared back, Seth grabbed the ball as a couple of little boys came panting up to them. They looked beyond eager, and as he stood, he couldn’t help but smile.

  “Who wants it?” He tossed the ball up a couple of times, making them wait.

  “Me!” the towheaded scamp on the right said.

  “It’s my turn, not yours. You kicked it out of bounds.” The other boy frowned.

  “How about I give it a kick? You can both chase it.”

  When he did, they ran after it like a pair of eager puppies. Then he turned and sat beside Heavenly again.

  She smiled softly. “You like kids?”

  “When they’re someone else’s and I can give them back. So what were you saying before we were interrupted?”

  “That I’m beat after a long week and I should go home. I have to study for finals.”

  As if on cue, the sun dipped low and a chilly wind blew leaves across the grass, signaling an end to their date.

  Damn. He’d overplayed his hand. Normally, he was a patient man. In his profession, it paid to be. He should have been able to coax Heavenly into talking. Like an idiot, he’d given in to impatience. Sure, he could investigate her and probably learn most everything in ten minutes or less. But he wanted the satisfaction of earning her trust, of her offering him her truth. Besides, if she found out he’d violated her privacy, she wouldn’t forgive him.

  The question was, could he manage to win her over before the holidays? He didn’t know, but his gut told him that if he had to choose between opening Heavenly up and going home for Christmas, he should stay.

  “All right. Thank you for coming with me today, angel. I hope we can get together again.” He wouldn’t give up unless she flat out told him no.

  “I’d like that.” When he stood and offered his hand, she let him help her to her feet. “Gosh, there’s so much leftover food.”

  “I don’t have any way of keeping it where I’m staying. Want to take it home?”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Absolutely. Take the basket, too. Maybe we can use it another day.”

  She smiled. “That would be great. Thank you.”

  “Can I drop you off at home?”

  Heavenly shook her head. “The hospital, please. I left some books in my locker I need for studying.”

  He opened his mouth to assure her that he’d wait and drive her when she’d collected everything. But he’d already pushed her past her comfort zone. Instinct told him he had to back off…for now.

  Shoving down his itching curiosity, he lifted the basket with one hand and held hers with the other as he led her to his car.

  He might not have figured her—or this crazy attraction—out today. But he would. No way was he giving up.

  On Monday afternoon, Beck sat across from Heavenly in the hospital cafeteria, fixating on the lush bow of her lips and wondering if Seth Cooper had already kissed her.

  “When you didn’t text me for lunch on Friday, I worried Manwhore was bothering you again. I asked around, and Jennifer said you left at twelve thirty.” He pinned her with a stare. “Were you studying? Or did you do something fun?”

  Yes, he wanted information. He’d spent all weekend gritting his teeth because he knew she’d gone somewhere with that smooth-tongued bastard. As he’d left the hospital’s parking garage that evening, he’d seen Seth drop her off. Their good-bye might have looked like a mere hug and a chaste kiss on her forehead, but there’d been nothing platonic about Seth’s stare as he watched her walk away.

  “I went on a picnic.” Her cheeks turned pink, as if the memory had her blushing.

  What the hell kind of picnic had that been, the sort where Seth spread her out on a blanket and made a feast of her body?

  Beck tried not to growl. “By yourself?”

  “No.” She focused on the water cup in front of her. “Seth asked me out the day he gave me the gift basket. I said yes.”

  “Isn’t he thoughtful?”

  Heavenly blinked at him and smiled, making it obvious she’d missed his dripping sarcasm. “He is. We had a nice afternoon. I even drank wine for the first time.”

  Had that prick gotten her drunk so he could take advantage of her?

  Beck gripped the edge of the table, biting back a demand that she stay away from Seth. He couldn’t. Heavenly wasn’t his. But Seth had plowed through a whole bunch of panting subs his first few days in LA. Hard not to hear through the walls that the guy enjoyed dishing out spankings. Seth liked the screamers, too. And now the douche wanted to bag Heavenly? Not on his watch.

  “Did you like it?” Beck ground out.

  “I did. Everything was delicious. I haven’t enjoyed myself that much in a long time.”

  Her starry-eyed expression made him want to punch Seth Cooper ugly.

  “Are you planning to see him again?” Say no. Fucking say no.

  “I think so. He’s fun to be with. And he put so much thought and effort into all the little touches.”

  With his hands? With his tongue? Beck gritted his teeth. She probably meant Seth’s attention to detail…but his subversive brain played an image of the bastard lowering his head between Heavenly’s pure white thighs. Beck nearly lost his shit.

  “You’re scowling. Is something wrong?”

  “Don’t be disappointed if it doesn’t work out between you two. He’s going home to New York soon. You should be careful.”

  She frowned. “I-I thought Seth was your friend and he’d be safe to date. Was I wrong?”

  The litany of reasons Seth would be terrible for her rolled through his brain. Captain America might not have a sadistic streak, but that hardly meant he was a saint. Then again, every one of the reasons Seth wasn’t good for Heavenly was doubly true for himself. Unfortunately, logic didn’t stop Beck from wanting her. And if Seth had managed to seduce her, he’d skip the man-to-man chat and rip the asshole in two.

  “I only met him a couple of weeks ago. But he’s been…very popular with the ladies since coming to LA.”

  “He’s already dated other girls here?”

  Beck smiled tightly. “I don’t know that I’d call it dating.”

  “Oh.” She looked crestfallen. “I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. He’s handsome. And charming. He made me laugh and… Of course other women would find him as hard to resist as I do.”

  How difficult had it been? Too hard to bother?

&nbs
p; At the thought, Beck’s stomach turned and he pushed his sandwich away, untouched. “If you need me to tell him to back off—”

  “He’s not bothering me. But if he’s really, um…busy and he’s going back to New York soon…” She sighed glumly. “Well, it was just nice to have fun for a change.”

  That shut Beck up and broke his heart all at once. He’d love to show her fun, but he doubted she’d enjoy being strapped to a cross while he introduced her to the joys of impact play.

  Shit. Time to change the subject before he crawled across the table and did something they’d both regret.

  “So, have you talked to Raine since she left the hospital? By the way, if she says anything bad about me, don’t believe it.” He tried to lighten the mood with a wink.

  “I’ll ignore every word.” She flashed her dimples. “I have talked to her. She invited me to a get-together at her house on Wednesday.” Heavenly slanted a glance his way. “Will you be there?”

  Did she want to know because she was curious? Or because she was interested? “I will.”

  Her face lit up. “Thank goodness. I almost turned Raine down, since I usually can’t get away in the middle of the week. But I’ll wrap up my classes for the holiday break tomorrow night. And if you’ll be there, I won’t have to worry about not knowing anyone.”

  Unfortunately, unless Seth hauled his ass back East, that fucker would be there, too… Hopefully, once he left for Christmas, he’d fuck off for good.

  “Don’t worry, little girl,” Beck assured. “I’ll be beside you.” Superglued to your side every moment.

  Her smile turned even wider. “Thanks. You’re such a good friend.”

  Just like that, his mood—along with his dick—deflated.

  He’d been relegated to the fucking friend zone? Yep. And he had no one to blame but himself. Still, that didn’t stop him from wrapping his fist around his desperate cock every night while he fantasized about taking her hard and dirty to the breathy soundtrack of her pleas.

  He forced a smile. “Well, you can never have too many of those.”

  Heavenly absently stroked the side of her water cup. “It’s been so long since I’ve had any, so I really value the time you spend with me. I know you’re busy—”