Page 133 of Closer

Reality begins to seep back in, and Sebastian presses a soft kiss to the nape of my neck. “I think I’m ready for the other food now.”

I let out a breathy chuckle.

“Stay there.” He releases my hands, and I slump onto his desk.

Sated.

I hear a drawer and then the rustle of fabric. A damp cloth slides between my legs, gently wiping away the remnants. When he’s finished, he lifts me into his arms, carries me to the couch, and wraps me in a blanket, holding me close against him.

“Thank you for coming.” His breath tickles my ear. “I really needed this.”

“I’m glad I did,” I murmur. Right here, at this moment, I have everything I need.

“I love you.”

My heart stutters. “I…” Joy and fear war within me, though joy seems to have the upper hand. I already told him that I still love him, so why is it so hard now?

“You don’t have to say it back.”

I nod.

“For what I do want to have an answer, is if you want to come to brunch with me this weekend?”

“Brunch?” I meet his eyes.

“Yes, my mother invited us. She has her weekly Sunday brunches with friends, and sometimes they invite more people.”

“So, like a party?”

“Yes.”

That would mean everybody knows. It would be like the ultimate declaration of us being together again. Like in a novel, the first appearance of a couple at an event, and everybody knows she’s off-limits. Promised.

Me. Meeting his parents. Officially. As his girlfriend. This time. Would be the same.

“We can skip it if you don’t want to.”

“No, I’d like to go.” Cupping his cheek, I pull him in for a kiss. A kiss that hopefully conveys what I can’t say yet.

I love him.

There is no doubt.

Chapter 40

Lilian

“Relax.” Sebastian’s hand interlocks with mine, guiding me into the Astoria Club’s grand dining room for the brunch with his mother. “I’m right here with you.”

The place is bustling, an orchestra of clinking silverware and animated chatter. It’s like a high society parade in here.

I spot Mary giggling with Connor at a table, her eyes sparkling. Guess she finally got him out of his cave. Gemma and Elijah are here too, the picture of newlywed bliss. Brandon’s got his arm slung around Naomi, whispering something that makes her blush.

And, of course, Serena is here, surrounded by several men, and I swear that the red-haired girl beside her is Blake.

He squeezes my hand. “You’ve got this, princess.” His breath is warm against my ear. “Just be yourself.”

Right. Myself. The girl who bolted from her own wedding, who’s been playing house with her ex for weeks now. The one who still can’t quite believe this is real, that Sebastian wants me, baggage and all.

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