I look over at him, his face outlined by streetlights shining through his window.
"Maybe some do. I don't dress like this at work for that very reason."
His eyes wander over to me, and we stare at each other for a second before he looks back at the road. I clench my thighs together, trying to make the aching sensation down there go away.
"Lord, I should hope not."
His voice is gruff, and I look out the window so he won't see my face. My attraction to him must be written all over it. Part of me wishes he'd take one hand off the wheel and place it on my thigh. It would be a bold move, and we'd probably end up wrecking the car because it would lead to me climbing onto his lap. I'm grateful when he speaks again, because it breaks me out of my R-rated reverie.
"I'm actually going back to school this fall. Are you too warm?" He taps a button on the dash and cool air gusts through the vents.
"I'm fine," I assure him, although the longer I'm alone with Seth, the warmer I get. "What are you going back for?"
"I'm getting my nursing degree." He looks over at me again. "I want to work in the I.C.U. eventually, but that requires experience and even more training. That's why I haven't been up to New York lately or traveled much at all. As former military, I don’t have to worry about tuition, but I want to go part-time at work to focus on classes. I need to save up money to do that. I haven't even told Renata yet.”
"That's amazing," I say. "I'm thinking about a career change, too, actually. But I don't know what I want to do."
"You don't like teaching anymore?"
"I need a change." I grip my purse tightly and look away.
Memories of Dan come flooding through my head, souring the good mood that's been building during the ride. Dan and I flirting. Dan and I kissing. Dan texting me that he's trashed his marriage. Suddenly, I'm ready for that drink again.
* * *
Ricky's is packed,maybe more so than last week.
"College kids are home for the summer," Seth explains. "It always gets crazy in here this time of year."
Seth and I approach the bar together and order drinks.
"Gin and tonic," I tell the bartender. "No, wait, make that a shot of tequila and a Bud."
She lifts her eyebrows, but doesn't say a word. Seth on the other hand lets out a low whistle.
"That's a serious order. I'll just have a Bud."
When she leaves, I lay down my purse and casually drum my fingers on the bar.
"Are you trying to get wasted?" he asks. "If so, I'd say you're off to a good start."
I fix him with a stony look. "It would appear so, yes."
"This should be interesting," Seth says under his breath.
The bartender sets down our drinks, and we both pull out our wallets.
"I'm buying your drink," I say, pushing his hand away. "You gave me a ride here, it's the least I can do."
"Thanks," he says, slipping his wallet into his back pocket.
I gulp down my shot and slam the empty glass on the counter. Then I pick up my beer and clink it with his.
"Cin cin," I say, before taking a hearty sip.
Seth watches me carefully. "I hope that means 'I won't vomit in your truck later.' "
I make claws and hiss softly at him like a cat before draining a third of my beer.
