Page 109 of Closer

“Didn’t know you were into Taylor Swift.”

Startled, I pivot on my heel. Sebastian stands in the doorway, eyes latched on me.

“How long have you been standing there?” I ask.

“Long enough.” He presses his lips together, the sides curving up.

Heat creeps into my cheeks, and I duck my gaze, fiddling with the mixing bowl. “You’re home early again.”

He saunters over, the sleeves of his dress shirt rolled up and his tie hanging loose. How does he look so hot?

“I forgot some documents.” He dips his finger into the cream and sucking it off with a hum.

“Hey.” I swat his hand away. “You’ll get a cupcake later.”

“Can I take one now? You know, food for my nerves while going over the headache-inducing documents?” He points at the finished cupcake bases.

“The frosting is missing.”

“They’re delicious either way.”

“Fine.”

“Thanks.” He winks at me. “Can I help you with dinner?”

“No, I got it handled.”

He checks his watch.

“Everything okay?”

“Got a message. I have to make some calls. Sorry.”

“No worries.” I check the noodles in the pot and turn down the heat. They should be ready soon. “I’ll call when it’s ready.”

“Thank you.” He walks out, leaving me alone.

I set the table and plate the food with the roast chicken from the microwave, which kept it warm. Lastly, I add some pesto to the noodles and fill the remaining place on our plates.

I hope he likes it.

I peek my head into the hallway. “Dinner’s ready!”

No answer. No noises.

“Sebastian?”

Still no answer.

I make my way to his study, knocking and then pushing the dooropen. “Sebastian, the—”

He’s fast asleep on the couch, papers strewn on the table in front of him and a half-empty glass of amber-hued liquid clutched loosely in his hand. He even changed into more comfortable clothes.

I creep closer, scanning the documents on his table. The name MireTech catches my attention, along with pages of scribbled notes in Sebastian’s slanted handwriting.

So this is what’s been distracting him for weeks. Some new rival company he’s been obsessively researching.

I gather the papers, sorting them into a neat stack and placing them back down.

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