Page 15 of Sebastian's Secret

“Yeah,” she lied, aware of how easily she might burst into tears in front of the stranger.

“Here.” The stranger thrust his palm out from over her shoulder. “Let me...” His voice trailed away. “Rebecca?”

Just like that, his identity fell into place in her head. His height, soft tone, and the kindness in his voce that she’d recognized.

“S-Sebastian?” Her jaw fell open as she climbed to her feet. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m out for a run,” he answered.

“Dressed like that?” she balked.

“Erm, yeah.” Shifting from one foot to the other, he offered her a sheepish smile. “What about you?” Anger flared in his tone. “I saw some prick push you.”

“Yeah.” Rebecca’s head was spinning. “I’m okay, but what about my messages?” As the shock reverberated, she was abruptly reminded of the numerous times he’d disregarded her. “Why did you ignore me?”

“I’m sorry.” His brows knit, Sebastian’s remorse sounding genuine enough, but it didn’t move her. She’d had just about enough of men of late. “I thought it was for the best.”

“For the best?” If Rebecca hadn’t felt so vulnerable, she’d have wanted to wallop him. “For who?”

“Us.” He closed his eyes as if the sight of her was painful. “I told you I can’t get involved.”

“Then why give me your number?” she demanded. “Why tell me you wanted to see me again?”

“Because I really wanted to.” His voice lowered. “I still do.”

“You’re not making any sense.” Her head throbbed with the contradiction of it all. “You want me, but you don’t. You’d love to see me again, but you won’t.”

“I’m sorry I was such a dick.” Sebastian shook his head. “I don’t have a good enough excuse for you.’

“Oh, God.” Sighing, she wrapped her arms around herself as a gust of wind flicked her hair away from her face. “Was the number you gave me even yours?”

“Yes.” He nodded. “I saw your messages. I longed to reply to them.”

“But we can’t be together,” she parroted, mimicking his earlier explanation.

“We shouldn’t be,” he corrected. “That’s all.”

“Because?”

Honestly, after all the angst he’d put her through, she didn’t know why she was pestering him, but gazing into his blue eyes again reminded her the hours they’d had together. She had been disappointed when he hadn’t got in touch. Maybe this could be a chance for him to make it up to her?

“Because I can’t marry.” He blurted it out as though it explained anything, his expression grave.

“Marry?” Rebecca spat the word at him. “Who the fuck was talking about marriage? I was thinking dinner at best.”

“Right.” His lips curled and she watched as some of the tension sagged from his body. “That’s true. Listen, I know I messed things up, but…”

She knew what he was going to say, but didn’t intervene, wanting to make him say it out loud. “But?”

“Can you give me one last opportunity?” Stepping forward, he brushed the loose strands of hair from her face. “I’d really love to see you again, to take you for that dinner or whatever you wanted.”

Craning her neck to meet his gaze, she considered refusing him, or making him wait for her answer at least. He merited that at least, deserved it for time he’d been silent, but as she stared into his ocean eyes, only one thought resonated.

Yes.

Chapter Seven

Sebastian

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