Page 94 of Closer

“Can you blame me? You have quite the collection.”

Heat rises to my cheeks, and I busily unzip my suitcase, avoiding his gaze. “Didn’t realize you were paying such close attention.”

He chuckles, low and deep. “Oh, I always pay very close attention when it comes to you.”

I clear my throat, desperate to change the subject before we venture into dangerous territory. “So, um, I really appreciate you letting me stay here. I promise I won’t be in your way too much.”

He pushes off the doorframe and takes a step closer. “You’re never in my way. I want you here.”

The sincerity in his voice catches me off guard. I lift my head, searching his face for any sign of insincerity, but find none. Only a raw honesty that makes my heart ache.

“Sebastian.” I don’t know what to say or how to respond to the intensity of his gaze.

He reaches out, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. His touch lingers, and my pulse picks up speed. “I mean it. Stay as long as you need. I’ll be right across the hall if you need anything.”

“Thanks.” I pause, suddenly shy. “Um, do you mind if I cook something for dinner? As a thank you for letting me stay.”

A slow smile spreads across his face. “I’d like that.”

With that, he turns and leaves, the door clicking shut behind him. I release a shaky breath.

So, we’re really going to do this?

We’re really going to be roommates.

I wander into the kitchen, rummaging through Sebastian’s fridge and pantry. To my surprise, it’s well-stocked with fresh ingredients. Who knew he became like that?

I settle on making a simple lasagna and start layering the noodles, sauce, and cheese.

Me, staying with Sebastian. Cooking dinner in his kitchen like it’s the most natural thing in the world. If someone had told me a week ago that this is where I’d end up, I would’ve laughed in their face.

But here I am, sliding the dish into the oven and setting the timer. The scent of garlic and tomato fills the air, and my stomach grumbles.

Would this be a normal situation? Could this have been our reality? Maybe I’d even have a ring on my finger by now.

I shake my head.

Now, with dinner taken care of, what should I do next? It feels strange to be in Sebastian’s space, as if I’m intruding on something private. Still, I wonder how the rest of his apartment is.

Is it as impersonal as his room?

Curiosity gets the better of me, and I start to explore. The living room is sleek and modern, with a large flatscreen TV and leather couches. A few abstract art pieces hang on the walls, but otherwise, the decor is minimal.

I round the corner and stumble upon a room that takes my breath away. Except this. It’s a library with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and a rolling ladder. A large bay window overlooks the city skyline, and two plush armchairs sit invitingly in the corner.

It’s like something out of my wildest dreams.

I trace my fingers along the spines of the books, marveling at the sheer variety. Business manuals, classic literature, and wait, is that—

I tilt my head to read the titles. Some I’ve read before and are my favorites. Others are new to me, and most of them are pristine and untouched.

A whole shelf with Regency romance novels.

Does he really read these?

I pluck one from the shelf, flipping through the pages. This one looks worn, and the spine cracked from repeated readings. Wait, that’s—

“Find something interesting?”

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