Page 110 of Closer

I could—No, that’s stupid.

But I could.

I mean, this was kind of my job before I came here, and if it helps him be at ease more.

I turn but then stop in my tracks. Roommates help each other out, right?

Instead of leaving, I sit down at the coffee table, my eyes carefully sifting through the documents. Several discrepancies and irregularities, which I mark with neon blue post-its, jump out at me.

By the time I finish, my neck is stiff, and I look back, admiring Sebastian’s sleeping form.

When was the last time I saw him at peace like this? Not since our college days, surely. No wait. The spa weekend.

That was the last time.

The stern lines of his face are softened in sleep. He looks younger like this, the usual tension eased from his features. The hem of his shirt is raised, offering a glimpse of his sculpted abs.

An urge rises in me to run my fingers along that strip of bare skin. To trace the contours of his abs, chest, and face and smooth away the last remnants of the crease between his brows.

I should let him sleep. He looks more exhausted each day.

But that glass has to go.

I reach for it, trying to pry it from Sebastian’s fingers without waking him. But as I do, his eyes flutter open, still hazy with sleep.

“Lil?” His voice is rough, groggy.

I squeak as he yanks me onto his lap. “I was trying to—”

“Yes?” His hands settle on my waist, his thumb rubbing slow circles through the fabric of my sweatpants.

“The glass. I didn’t want you to drop it.”

He places the drink on the little table next to him. “Always so thoughtful, aren’t you, princess?”

I can’t tell if he’s teasing or not. My heart hammers against my ribs, and I try to ignore the solid warmth of his thighs and the firmness of his chest.

“I…”

His hands slide higher, his fingers grazing the bare skin of my back where my top dips low. “You what?”

I point behind me. “I should go. Dinner’s getting cold.”

“Is it now?” He brushes his nose along my jaw, his hot breath soaring over my cold skin.

“Mhm.” Every nerve in my body is attuned to his touch, his proximity.

“It’s nice coming home to…” His lips ghost over my pulse point. “…you.”

A whimper escapes me. “Sebastian.”

“Yes, Lil?” His fingers tangle in my hair, tilting my head back. “Say my name again.” His mouth hovers over mine, so close I can almost taste him.

Roommates. Lil, you are roommates.

“We can’t.” I don’t want him to stop. I want him to keep going. To touch me, to use me. To make me forget everything but the feel of his hands on my skin.

“Can’t we?” His hand cups my cheek, his thumb brushing over my lips. “Say my name, princess.”

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