Page 39 of A Sudden Romance

CHAPTER 10

Early Friday afternoon, Sabastian parked his Dodge Ram in Leo’s driveway behind Paulina’s Buick. Leo had better be home as he’d said when Sabastian called him from the grocery store. The last person he needed to be alone with was Paulina. With his current lack of patience, he might spit out the wrong words.

Leo’s wife usually parked in the one-car garage. She not only drove the kids to and from school but also ran errands, so Leo made sure she didn’t have to spend time scraping snow from the car.

Stepping out of the truck, Sabastian opened the back and hefted out his supply box. The first year Leo had suggested an employee dinner, Sabastian volunteered to cook. Now, going into the third year, he continued to be the chef for his friend’s work parties.

He didn’t mind helping when he had the time and means to do so. Leo always offered to pay, but Sabastian turned him down.

Figuring out what to do with Iris was becoming exhausting.

Silence was his only defense, and he’d resorted to it yesterday when she came to help cook breakfast.

While she’d asked when he wanted to go to Leo’s house, Sabastian told her he wasn’t sure. That had been the truth.

She must have gotten the memo that he needed his space. So why did it feel like a knife stabbed his chest when she didn’t come with him now? He wanted to see her, even if they didn’t have to talk. Again, he wasn’t like anyone else. He was awkward, to say the least.

The awkwardness had him skipping dinner with Iris and her parents. Kyle and Regina didn’t expect him to join them at every meal, but it felt right not to be near Iris. Now more than ever, he didn’t know how to hide his feelings as he’d managed in the past years.

He’d been just fine until she barreled into his life and crept deeper into each recess of his heart. And now that she’d split it open, he doubted she cared if it shattered to pieces.

Perhaps she’d care if she knows how I feel. He winced.

Ugh! How he hated his terrible communication skills.

Still, he felt betrayed. After their time together, she’d ignored the pull of attraction she must feel as much as he did. What more was he supposed to do to express his feelings for her?

Or had he read the signs wrong? Hadn’t that been longing in her eyes whenever she looked at him?

Great. Much more of this and he’d drive himself crazy. Just because he wanted Iris to fall for him and get the memo didn’t mean she would.

But really, what did he know about women, about romance?

After he’d cooked breakfast and served Iris and her parents this morning, Kyle asked if he was joining them. So he’d said he was heading to the resort.

Being a snowboarder and skier, Kyle knew one had to hit the slopes early to avoid crowds. He and Regina wished him luck. When he’d stolen a glance at Iris, she kept her focus on her mug. Obviously ignoring him.

How had things gone from bad to worse?

By the time she returned to Boston, they’d better be back to somewhat normal.

The front door swung open before he started up the steps, and Leo peeked out his head, frowning. “Why are you so early?”

He’d asked the same question when Sabastian told him he was coming, but Sabastian hung up, not ready to explain his troubling thoughts.

“Told you I finished snowboarding early.” He’d expected the thrilling sport to solve his surly mood, but it hadn’t. “If you want to get the other box from the truck, I’d appreciate it.”

Leo looked at his feet and lifted one, displaying the slippers he was wearing. The black sweatpants and sweater with a hole in the chest indicated he’d been home all day.

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