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Jay and Lana were for so much of their time, Seth and Justine had rarely seen any of their friends in the last few years

"After dinner," Seth went on, interrupting her thoughts, "I have another s me away for a celebration dinner with friends?" This was more than they’d done in hthouse, they’d simply never had the time

"Much better," Seth promised in a low voice

"I’ll finish up here," she said, glancing at the clock The bank closed later on Fridays; however, she planned to leave at six "Then I’ll go hoe"

"Not necessary," Seth told her

"But…"

"As a matter of fact, why don’t you leave now?" Her boss stepped up to her desk He winked at Seth, and Justine wondered how much Frank knew about this surprise of her husband’s

"Should I drive out andinto the bottom drawer for her purse

"No need to do that, either," Seth said, taking her arm in his

"But my car…"

"Is at hoed "When did that happen?" She’d driven to work thatand parked it at the far end of the lot, where employees left their vehicles

"Jay and I came by earlier," Seth explained "I picked up your car and then drove back here"

"I would like to change clothes" If they were going out for the evening, she’d prefer to wear soured as ht another outfit with me" He opened the bank door as he spoke and they walked toward his car, parked near the entrance

"Very cute, Seth, and where aas station restrooainst his car "I suppose I could use the eood point," he uess I’ll just have to take you to the hotel earlier than I’d planned"

"What?"

"We have a hotel roone"

"Oh, oodness" Justine covered her "

Seth brought his arhed "Why don’t I kiss you, instead?"

This was an offer she couldn’t refuse "It’s a deal"

The evening was everything Justine could have ithy dinner with excellent wine, the four of thee while a three-piece ensemble played Justine needed a couple of reed to step onto the dance floor She was glad she did Any excuse to have Seth’s arms around her orth potential eet hoht Shortly after that, Seth was feigning a yawn

"All right, all right," Justine teased "I’ve got the , Seth reached for her hand In the elevator, he stood behind her, arms around her waist as he kissed the side of her neck "I’ "

"And what about that surprise you proet to the room"

"Oh, Seth, I love you so much" She turned in his arms and held him close It felt as if she had her husband back at last--as if the burdens of the months since the fire had fallen away

"Just wait until you see what I bought you to wear to bed," he whispered with a low groan--obviously picturing her in it

"Do you really want e?" she whispered

"True," Seth murmured "No, don’t bother Theit off"

Justine closed her eyes and sht"

The elevator doors glided open, and Seth swung her into his powerful ar He headed down the long hallway toward their room It was a s to open the door with the rooles and then they were both laughing He had to put her down before he et the door unlocked

Seth didn’t bother to turn on the lights He shut the door and pressed her against it, kissing her with hot, urgent hunger

"Oh, Seth," she breathed, her head spinning "I was so afraid I’d lost you"