Seth's Cravings: An Endless Series: Book 2 (31 page)

     “It really doesn’t matter if I care or not. This thing
between us is a time bomb waiting to explode.” She mumbled into the window.

     I frowned at her remark, not liking or understanding
it. Turning off the cab light I stepped out of the truck and strode around to
her side. When I opened the door she stared at me in confusion.  

     “Let’s go for a walk. We need to discuss some things.”

     Nadia stared at me broodingly for several seconds
before finally taking my hand. I breathed a silent sigh of relief…her obstinacy
could have gone either way. Leading her down to the waters edge I took a knee
lifting her foot onto my other knee. She gripped my shoulders in surprise.

     “What are you doing?” She gaped down at me.

     I smoothed my hands over her silky smooth calf wanting
nothing more than to keep sliding them all the way up. Instead I slipped her
foot out of her sandal setting it to the side. “It will be easier to talk if we
wade at the same time.”

     “Is this something that’s been tested or personal
experience?” She asked sounding breathless.

     Smiling at her reaction to my touch I lifted her other
foot. “Personal experience mostly, but I’m certain there something written
somewhere on the communication therapy of wading.” I removed her other sandal.

     She replied with a quiet, “Uh huh.”

     Rising I toed off my shoes and socks and then led Nadia
down into the shallow water. She let out a soft moan of pleasure and I knew the
refreshing coolness probably felt soothing on her work worn feet.

     “Dig you feet into the sand.” I demonstrated. “Wiggle
those toes deep down in there.”

     Nadia giggled and I looked at her inquisitively while
at the same time pleased at her improved mood.

     “Having some big burly guy telling me to wiggle my toes
in the sand is just too bizarre.”

     “This big burly guy is not afraid of sounding bizarre
as long it makes you feel better.”

     I saw her mouth twist as she strove to suppress a
smile, but she did as I instructed digging her toes into the wet sand giving a
sigh of bliss. I moved in behind her setting my hands on her waist unable to keep
my hands off her any longer. She neither stiffened nor pulled away and I
breathed another inward sigh of relief.

     We stood there soaking in the tranquility of the night
and the comforting effects of the water for some time. I mostly enjoyed the
feel and proximity of Nadia next to me. Gradually she relaxed back into me and
I moved my hands around her waist embracing her.

     Two days had been too long of a wait to see, and touch,
her again. It was startling how much she’d consumed my thoughts. Things between
us were moving rapidly, were extraordinarily intense, and a bit unsettling at
times, but I didn’t want to change anything about it. Being with her was
amazing.    

     “Why do you feel things between us will explode
eventually?” I murmured in her ear.

     “There are almost too many things to list.” She
whispered.

     “Give me one at a time.” I commanded softly while
caressing her taut belly.

     Her muscles quivered under my touch and she shuddered
out a breath. Her reaction set off one in me but I forced myself to stay
focused. After a small pause she spoke. “I have barely any free time; eventually
you will tire of waiting around for me to fit you in my schedule.”

     I gave a small snort. “I could actually say the same
thing to you. I have classes, a work out schedule, and then hours of school
work. Lacrosse will be starting soon and then free time will become even rarer.
You will probably get tired waiting around for me.”

     “You know Luka and Issy come first for me above
anything else.” She proclaimed decisively.

     “I know, it’s something I find exceptionally remarkable
about you, and I would never ask you to contravene that fact.”

     She sighed as if I was irritating her with my
acquiescence. “I’m stubborn and bitchy, and have major trust issues.”

     I smiled as she listed her faults and let my thumbs rub
the undersides of her breasts. Clutching my arms her chest expanded and she
pushed back against me aligning her backside to my front. It was an agonizing
and blissful feeling. I controlled myself though, because tonight wasn’t a
night to get carried away.

     “Nothing wrong with being stubborn and bitchy, on you it’s
hotter than hell. As for the trust issues, we’ll work on them one day at a
time.” I countered huskily.

     Nadia chuckled. “There’s something wrong with you.”

     “Probably, but I think it’s the same thing that’s wrong
with you.” I rejoined.

     “Yeah, probably.”  

     I grinned at her tone. She made it sound as if it was a
given. However, I did feel like at least one trust barrier had been breached. 

     “You know I can’t take you to any more of my games,
right?” She commented.

     There was no way I was agreeing to that. “We’ll talk
about it.”

     Nadia snorted. “Good luck with that.”

     I laughed.

Chapter Nineteen

NADIA

     Two days later I was having a text argument with Seth.
He wanted to go to the poker game tonight with me and I was saying ‘no’. I
wanted to see him, but he was just too distracting.  

     Seth:
Let’s try one more time.

    
Me:
I don’t want to lose any more money.

     Seth:
I’ll reimburse you if you do.
    

     Me:
That’s not funny.

    
Seth:
I wasn’t trying to be funny. I want to
try one more time. If I cause you to lose again this second time then I will
reimburse you. All on me.

     Me:
I don’t need you to reimburse me.
       

     Seth:
So I can go. Any girl comes near me this time
I’ll give her my worst scowl sending her running.

    
Me:
I like your scowl. It’s kind of
endearing.

     Seth:
You’re weird though. No one else thinks that.
My scowl frightens men twice your size.

     Me:
You’re like a big old teddy bear to me.

     Seth:
I’m not. I’m a big old grizzly bear that
scares all the other girls away.

    
Me.
Pause, thinking
.

     (Two minutes later)

     Me:
One
more time. No reimbursement. If
doesn’t work, last time. Are we in agreement?

    
Seth:
Pause. Thinking.             

    
(Three minutes later)

     Seth:
I
agree under duress. Still don’t like
it though.
I leave the option of different stipulations open to
discussion.     

    
Me:
Eye roll. Game starts at nine o’clock.
Twenty minutes from my house.

    
Seth:
You’re a princess among princesses
.

     Me:
I
am, and again, don’t forget it.

     “So who lives here?” Seth asked as we pulled up to the
house.

     My eyes roved hungrily over his frame as he parked the
truck. I hadn’t seen him in two days and I wanted to soak in his presence. It
amazed me how quickly he’d worked himself into my thoughts and emotions. It was
like one minute he’d just been Seth, and the next he’d become SETH.

     It was all so disconcerting…and electrifying. Every
nerve ending in my body charged up at the sight of him. Hell, just the thought
of him charged me up.  

     He had shown up early again tonight. The game was
scheduled for nine o’clock and Issy and Luka had finished their school work by
the time Seth had arrived at eight. The three of us had been playing Yahtzee
and Seth had joined right in.

     The way he comfortably fit in with both Issy and Luka
made the man so much more irresistible.  

     Seth shut off the engine turning to me. “So whose house
is this?” He repeated.

     I shook myself out of my contemplations. “David
McCarty. From what I hear he’s some kind of tech wiz. This is my first time at
his house.”

     He frowned. “I really don’t like the idea of you going
to someone’s house you don’t even know. And you were going to do it alone.”

     I waved toward the cars lining the driveway. “There’s a
bunch of other people here. If there had been less than ten cars I wouldn’t
have gone in. I told you Seth, I’m careful. You know, in some way it’s no
different than when I go on a plumbing appointment. I make sure people know
where I am and I have protection with me.”

     “Great.” Seth exclaimed looking anything but reassured.
“Now I have to worry about you during work hours as well.”

     I blew out an exasperated chuckle and opened my door.
“You’re crazy. Come on, let’s get this over with.”

     Seth jumped from the truck and walked around to my side
taking my hand. I was starting to get accustomed him doing that; taking my
hand, gently brushing my face, or just rubbing my shoulders. All of them sent
my heart jack hammering, but it was the other touches that sent me into an out
of control tail spin. Those are the ones I needed to get a handle on.

     The house was another pricey colossal monstrosity of
wealth and privilege. And again it was open to the public.

     “I don’t understand how these people can just leave
their homes open to everyone.” I grumbled walking in the door.

     “The hubris of the rich.” Seth chuckled.

     “Do you guys leave your house open to all and sundry
when you have a party?” I asked.

     “Sorry to say that we do.” Seth grinned.

     I shook my head.

     “But it would take some balls for someone to come into
our house and steal from a houseful of lacrosse players. I might even give them
a handshake before I beat the crap out of them.”

     I laughed. “That’s if you caught them.”

     “The only things of value any of us have are large
pricy items; like televisions, DVD players, and laptops. They aren’t sneaking
out of the house with any of those without someone noticing.”

     “They could still slip out a window or something.” I
argued.

     “Again, people are everywhere downstairs, and they
would more likely break their neck going out a second story window, but if by
chance someone did get away with something there is always renter’s insurance.”

     “Shoddy.” I groused.

     He chuckled.

     We made our way through the house looking for the game
room. People were everywhere and I could tell this wasn’t the standard party
environment. Instead of standing around talking and drinking, these people
congregated around televisions and monitors playing computerized games.

     “This is a little different.” I commented looking
around with interest.

     “It looks like a gamer party.” Seth said.

     “Seth, my man. What are you doing here?”

     We both turned to see a tall lanky blonde haired male
making his way over to us with a smile. Seth must know him because he nodded in
greeting.

     “Trick. Hey, man, how are you?” They did a fist bump.

     “I’m doing good, my man. What the hell are you doing
here?” Trick’s gaze lighted on me with interest.

     “I’m actually here with Nadia. She’s playing poker here
tonight.” Seth wrapped his arm around my waist pulling me into his side. He did
seem to like placing his claim on me.

     Trick’s gaze reassessed me with greater interest.
“Seriously, that’s cool. Name’s Trick, Nadia.” He held out his hand.

     Taking his proffered hand I gave it a shake. “Nice to
meet you…Trick?”

     The guy smiled. “Trick’s my gamer name…because I’m so
tricky.” He wiggled his eyebrows which had me laughing. “Nice accent by the
way.”

     “Spasibo (thanks).” I looked between him and Seth. “How
do you two know each other? Don’t tell me you’re some closet gamer.” I grinned
at Seth.

     He gave me a crooked smile. “I like video games just as
much as the next guy, but I’m not a gifted player like Trick here. He excels at
all things computer related.”

     Trick slapped him on the back. “Stop, my man. You’ll
make me blush in front of the little lady.”

     There they went with the ‘little lady’ classification
again.

     “Trick and I have been in a few classes together. I’ve
even gotten him to tear himself away from the monitor every now and again to
come to one of our parties.” Seth ribbed.

     “Hey, while your lady’s playing you should hang with us.
We’re playing the new PS4
Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare.
”

     Seth frowned.

     This would actually be good. I wouldn’t worry about him
hanging with
skanks
if he was with other gamer guys. They’re eyes would
be glued to the television.

     “Trick, how about you let Seth get me settled than I’ll
kick him back to you.” I said with a grin.

     Trick returned my grin widely. “You bet little lady.”
He took a step back pointing at Seth. “See you in a few, my man.” He ambled
away.

     Seth turned his frown on me. “Trying to get rid of me.”
He growled.

     For the first time I took the initiative. Stepping
forward I brushed softly against him while clutching at his forearms. “I just
want you to have fun. I told you, baby shouldn’t be stuck in the corner.” I
grinned saucily.  

     His eyes heated. Wrapping his arms firmly around me he
pulled me in tighter and I could feel his arousal awaken between us. I mean I
could literally feel it swell and rise against my stomach! My panties went wet
instantly in response. In fact, everything in me went liquid and gooey causing
me to sag into him.