Page 85 of Need You Now

Sal, her face, her eyes, adoring as she watches Luke, says, “I swear, he won’t stop fussing. He gets what he gets.”

Seth laughs, emotion overwhelming him. Sal and Luke—they’re happy. They’re gonna have a goddamn kid. Hell, he’s gonna be an uncle. Everything about tonight is too damn perfect.

As the group gathers, deciding to do happy hour on the patio, Seth realizes someone’s missing.

Lacey.

The sight of her hits him like a fist to the face. She hangs back against the counter, looking beautiful with her loose braid trailing down her shoulder. But her face is sad, her eyes far and away.

Fuck.

He’s the asshole of the century.

So caught up in conversation, he didn’t even notice she was all alone. So caught up in trying not to kiss her, he avoided her completely. The last thing he wants is for Lacey to feel alone, left out, or anxious.

He grabs a glass of whiskey, abruptly leaving the conversation, and strides toward her.

“I’m sorry,” he says in a low voice.

Her eyes meet his and she smiles, accepting the drink, her fingers brushing briefly against his. “Thank you,” she whispers, taking a long sip.

A husky voice breaks their connection. “Since when do you drink whiskey?”

Sal’s grinning.

Lacey looks flustered, all eyes on her. “Since ... since Seth.”

Luke raises a glass. “He’s learnin’ you right out there in LA.”

Alabama looks around, says, “Y’all wanna head to the patio?”

A chorus of agreement, people grabbing drinks, bottles of wine, the sliding glass door opening, the kitchen empty, leaving Lacey and Seth alone together.

“Fuck,” Seth swears, angry at himself. He braces hands on either side of her. “I’m so damn sorry, Lace.”

She shakes her head. “It’s not your fault.”

His hands drift down to tangle with her fingers. “No, it is. Hell, we’re friends,” he says, frustrated. “I stayed with you for two damn weeks. We ain’t got to avoid each other.” He evaluates her, the planes of her beautiful face, still so sad. “What’s wrong? What is it?”

“I feel weird here,” she admits, staring into the whiskey. “Like I maybe don’t belong.”

He winces.

The statement carries weight, and Seth’s heart hitches. After losing her mom, having an asshole of a father, she never felt like a part of her family, other than with Sal, and he should have done better at making her feel included. He knows Lacey—knows what she’s not showing to the others. She’s warm. Funny. Kind. A goddamn gift to know, and anyone who doesn’t is missing out. Still, she’s holding herself back. Protecting herself from getting too close so she doesn’t get hurt or left behind.

Seth leans in. “There ain’t nothin’ maybe about this. You belong here. With me. With Sal.”

Lacey stares at him. Seconds later, a faint grin graces her lips. “I wish I could kiss you right now.”

Seth grins. Exhales. Wanting to lay her down right there and show her how much he’s craving her. “I’m goin’ goddamn crazy here.”

She gives him a flirty grin. “Maybe tonight I’ll show you what you’re missing.”

Then, she pulls her shoulders back, grabs her whiskey, and heads for the deck.

All Seth can do is growl and follow her out.

If he wasn’t dying a slow death already, he is now.

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