Page 48 of Sebastian

“I haven’t even shown you my favorite part yet.”

“How can you pick just one thing about this house that’s your favorite?”

“I know, it’s tough, but there’s a deck that spans the entire length of the house with a very large hot tub if you go out that door right there and down the stairs.” He pointed to a door on the same wall as the bed. “I love to sit out there and watch the snow fall when I come during winter.”

“The deck is two stories on the back? God, this place is a palace! I bet the hot tub is really relaxing.” Why was she rambling so much? She needed to get into her pajamas and go to sleep. Emma really hoped Natalie ordered her something cozy to sleep in.

“Want to try it out with me?”

“The hot tub?” Yeah, that sounded like a recipe for disaster. Sebastian in swim trunks, all warm and wet and close enough that she could touch him…nope. She needed to stay in her room, as far away from Seb as possible.

“I don’t know. It’s been a long day and I’m kind of ready to turn in.”

“Just a couple minutes. It will feel good to relax before you try to sleep.”

It actually did sound delightful, and she could almost feel the heat sinking in to her sore muscles. She had warning bells going off in her mind about regretting her decision in the morning, but that was a problem for future Emma.

“You know what? You’re probably right. Do you think Natalie thought to have a bathing suit sent for me?”

“You don’t need to wear one. We could always skinny dip.” A mischievous shadow danced across his features and her skin flushed.

“Maybe if I was just by myself I would, but with three God-like former SEALs here with me, yeah, no, I think that would be a little too adventurous for me.”

“Well, it was worth a try.” Sebastian laughed as he walked out of her room. “I definitely mentioned you needing a swimsuit as part of your wardrobe. Maybe try the drawers in the closet? I’ll see you out there in five minutes,” he called over his shoulder.

Emma walked into the large closet and began opening drawer after drawer. About halfway through, she found what she was looking for. Shit, could it be any skimpier? She doubted the two tiny triangles on the bikini’s top would cover her nipples, let alone provide her with any semblance of modesty. She was going to kill Natalie when she got back to Bell Ridge. What was her friend thinking?

Frantically, she searched through the other drawers. Silk tops and tight, figure hugging bottoms were plentiful, along with the skimpiest pajamas she’d ever seen in her life. Was she hiding out from someone who wanted to kill her or was she about to be in a sexy photo shoot?

Closing the drawers, Emma searched the shelves in the closet, where she found some old sweats and a few worn t-shirts. She’d wear the tiny bikini, but would happily cover up in a shirt, so Seb didn’t get the wrong idea. Besides, there was no way she wanted him to see her scar.

Satisfied with her cover-up skills, Emma walked downstairs, and into the enormous gourmet kitchen. It might be nice to put together a little snack for everyone. After all, none of them had eaten since before getting on the plane. Emma’s stomach let out a rumble as if to agree.

Plopping her hair on top of her head in a messy bun, Emma opened the enormous refrigerator and peaked inside. She knew Sebastian had a housekeeper who had prepared the house for their arrival, but she never imagined that preparation would extend into a fully stocked kitchen.

Emma quickly pulled out a selection of cheese, fruits, and veggies, and started assembling a snack board. She was so in the zone, she didn’t hear Gage walk into the kitchen.

“Yum. This looks great.” His voice made her jump.

“Jesus, Gage! I know you’re a former SEAL, so you’re used to operating in stealth mode, but maybe make a little bit more noise when you are sneaking up on me if you don’t want to be accidentally stabbed.” Emma waved around the knife she was holding, before turning back to the strawberries she was cleaning.

Gage laughed. “Do you want some wine to go with that hangry attitude of yours? I know where Seb hides the good stuff.”

“Do you even need to ask? Point me to the glasses!”

Gage returned a few minutes later with a bottle of red and a bottle of white. “Wasn’t sure what would go best with all that,” he pointed to the platter she’d assembled, “and I figured you might want to pick before you head out to the hot tub.”

“Are you and Nash going to come out?”

“Nah, we’ve got stuff we need to go through downstairs.”

Damn. There went all the hope she had at any self control. She was about to be all alone with Sebastian in a hot tub. Surrounded by the beautiful forest. Drinking wine. In her itty-bitty bikini. Yeah, she was in trouble.

* * *

The hot water seared into his aching knee. He wouldn’t dream of mentioning it to Emma, but getting down on the floor to help her during her panic attack earlier hadn’t only brought on his own flashback, but had tweaked his old injury as well.

Now, the dull throbbing in his knee was replaced by the punch of desire that hit him right in the stomach as she walked out, her gorgeous pale peach legs sticking out from underneath his old t-shirt. Fuck, she looked perfect in his clothes.

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