Page 18 of Sebastian's Secret

Rebecca

Enjoying one last sumptuous mouthful of pasta, she placed down her fork. “I’m done.” She stared at the remaining food. “Pasta’s always more filling than it looks.”

“I agree,” Sebastian replied, having already devoured his dish. “I guess I was just hungry.”

“I like a man with an appetite.”

She tried to avoid having to eat with Oliver or their father, and it was refreshing to have a meal with a man who was not only interested in her, but who also intrigued her. Aside from his reluctance to communicate, Sebastian had the potential to be someone special.

“Tell me more about you.” His voice was warm and smooth like the wine.

“Like what?” she asked, abruptly self-conscious.

Rebecca wasn’t used to being interviewed by men. Most of her conquests were temporary and she chose to never set eyes on them again. It was another reason why Sebastian was different. She’d wanted to see him again. That’s why it had stung so much when he’d not been in touch.

“I don’t know.” Leaning back in his chair, he grasped the thin stem of his glass. “What do you like to do for fun?”

You. The answer burst into her mind, her lips twitching as it echoed there. “Is shopping too stereotypical an answer?”

“Of course not.” Sebastian chuckled, swirling the remaining liquid in his glass. “I have three brothers—none of whom like to shop—so it’s a novelty for me.”

“I like photography, too.” Her tone was considered. “I used to travel a lot and take pictures, but…” Her voice trailed away as she recalled the reason why her plans had been ruined.

“But what?” he prompted.

“But Oliver.” She tensed, realizing they’d agreed not to bring their siblings into their blossoming passion, and yet had both managed to do just that.

“Your brother?” Sebastian’s brow creased, causing one eyebrow to arch. Rebecca’s tummy swirled at the gesture, and she wondered if he knew how sexy it was. “Yeah.”

“Why would he stop you from traveling?”

“It’s complicated.” She laughed, acknowledging the way she’d mirrored his words.

“Our brothers sound like hard work.” His voice was sympathetic.

“Mine is just a pain in the ass,” she admitted. “He’s good at wrecking things.”

“What does he do?”

“Aside from souring things?” Her tone was wry.

“Yes, apart from that.” Sebastian’s laugh deepened, a sound that resonated in her core.

“He runs my dad’s business.” Or, some of them.

She didn’t add the final sentence, not wanting to reveal the murkier side of the Monroe empire to the man who’d captured her attention. Sure, maybe he’d need to know one day, but not today. This was their second chance and she didn’t want to taint it.

“That sounds familiar.” His brow rose as he drained the last of his wine and placed the glass down.

“Really?” Her focus was drawn to his long, attractive fingers. She already knew how talented he was with them. “Is that what you do?”

“Not me so much,” he told her. “My oldest brother tends to handle most of the work since my dad died.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry to hear about your father.”

She watched his responses carefully, hoping she hadn’t inadvertently touched a raw nerve. The irony was that Rebecca didn’t have any tears for her own dad, but realized most people cared if their father lived or died.

“Thanks.” His even tone revealed no obvious hurt. “It was sudden, but we’re moving on.”

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