Page 15 of Sebastian

Her hands ran up and down the fabric on her body. God, she felt so sexy. How had he known her measurements? It certainly wasn’t an off-the-rack dress, and she didn’t want to even think what a couture piece like it cost.

Maybe that’s why she always caught him sliding his stormy eyes over her body when he ordered his coffee each morning. Shit. Just thinking about how he looked at her, how he flirted with her, subtle at times, possessively at others, was negating every ounce of tension that shower had melted away.

Six

The town hall had been completely transformed for the evening and Emma couldn’t help but admire all the hard work that had been put in by volunteers to make the night successful. Scanning the tables, she saw Daisy and Grace chatting with Sam in the far corner. She’d make her way over there after she looked over the items up for auction. If there was anything from the new spa attached to the Bed and Breakfast in Lark Lake, she wanted to bid before anyone else could.

“How nice of you to wear the dress I sent, Sprinkles.” The warm and gravel-filled voice whispered in her ear as she looked over the offerings.

She turned to see Sebastian, of course, in a black tailored suit that fit his body like a glove. There was a single red rose in the jacket pocket and her stomach did a funny little shutter at knowing he had worn it to match her. Emma swallowed hard, willing herself to look unaffected by the way his muscles curved and bulged beneath his suit.

He laughed, as if able to read her mind. “You look nice yourself, Emma. I like that you wore this for me tonight.” His fingers dusted over the fabric on her shoulder.

“I’m not wearing it for you, Sebastian. This is one hundred percent for me.”

“Tell me one thing. Did you think of me as you slipped into it tonight?”

“No,” she smiled. “I thought of myself, and how amazing I looked in it. I stood in the mirror, running my hands all over my body to memorize how the fabric felt on my bare skin.” She watched Sebastian swallow and wondered if he was imagining the scene she was describing. “As much as I love the little black dress I’d already picked out for tonight, I couldn’t let couture go to waste, even if it’s just for a small town fundraiser.”

“Mmm yes, I hear there are lots of interesting things up for auction tonight.”

“Perhaps you’ll be able to win the dance lessons from Ms. Kaitlin’s Dance Company.”

“And what would I do with a dance lesson?”

“Take someone on a date, obviously. Dancing is super romantic and there are at least a hundred eligible ladies in Clarence County who would love to be seen out and about with you.”

“Is that so?”

“Are you blind, Suits? Maybe you should opt for the free eye exam at Dr. Harmon’s office before you do any bidding tonight. I have to even stop all the ladies in their eighties from drooling over you when you come in for your morning order.”

“Too bad there is only one woman in Bell Ridge who I’m interested in.” His hand dusted lightly along her collarbone and her traitorous thighs clenched as her skin pebbled. Why did he have such an effect on her? Damn hormones.

“Well, on that note, I hope you have a wonderful time with her tonight if she’s here, and if not, get her a good gift, okay? Maryanne’s massages are amazing. I’ve got to go find Hank and Daisy.”

She turned to leave, but stopped when his warm fingers closed around her wrist. His body pressed against hers as he bent to whisper in her ear.

“Thank you for wearing the dress tonight, Sprinkles.”

“I might not have thought of you when I put the dress on, Seb, but I definitely thought about you in the shower before.” Emma whispered back, running her finger from his ear to his jaw before winking as she walked away.

* * *

His mouth fell open as he watched her hips sway while she crossed the room. Fuck. Emma looked amazing in the dress he’d sent her. He hadn’t even taken the time to say a proper hello to everyone. The second his eyes landed on her in the fire-engine red dress, her delicious curves on full display, he’d lost his cool and walked straight over to her.

If he was a betting man, he’d have lost a fortune because never in a million years would he have thought she’d actually wear it. But that last little whisper of her voice in his ear had him wishing his tailor had left these particular suit pants a little looser than normal.

A smile formed across his face as he lifted his drink to his lips.

“What’s got you so happy?” Jackson slapped his shoulder.

“Oh, just a certain baker who likes to keep me on my toes.”

“Ahhh. Are you responsible for that dress she’s in tonight?”

“I might be.”

“Well, the single men of Bell Ridge thank you, I’m sure.”