Page 90 of Closer

He laughs, motioning at the counter while he removes a tray of croissants and bread rolls from the oven. “Food’s ready.”

I take a seat at the enormous marble island, and he dishes eggs, bacon, and toast onto two plates, setting one in front of me.

The smell wafts up to my nose, making my stomach grumble. He places another plate, filled with a croissant, bread roll, and fresh berries, before me.

I pick up my fork and dig in. “Thank you.”

“It was no trouble.” He sips on his coffee, observing me. “I can make something else if you’d prefer.”

“No, this is perfect.” I pick up the croissant, the flaky pastry melting on my tongue. “Delicious. Really.”

Is this really okay? Staying here with him. As his roommate?

I take another bite of my croissant, eyeing Sebastian’s untouched plate. He’s still watching me, his gaze unwavering. I swallow and set down the pastry.

“What about you? Not hungry?” I point to his plate.

“I ate earlier.”

“Uh-huh.” I don’t buy it. “So, you made all this for me?”

“Maybe I did, princess.”

I frown, noticing the dark circles rimming his eyes. “Did you even sleep last night?”

“I had some work to catch up on.”

“That’s not healthy.”

“I don’t need as much sleep as most people.” He pours himself more coffee, avoiding my gaze.

“You can’t not eat or sleep.”

“I’ll sleep when I’m dead.” His lips quirk up, but there’s no humor in his tone.

“That’s not funny.”

“Are you worried about me?”

“I’m not worried about you.” I scoff, rolling my eyes. “I think it’s irresponsible for a CEO to neglect his basic needs. What kind of example does that set for your employees?”

“So, you’re worried about my employees then?”

No. “Yes, exactly.” I’m worried about you. “Someone has to think about their well-being since you clearly don’t.”

He chuckles, shaking his head. “Whatever you say, princess.”

I open my mouth to retort, but— “Shit!” I leap up from my seat, the chair scraping against the floor. “I forgot to call in sick.”

“Call in sick?”

I’m already rushing towards the bedroom. “I still have a job, you know.”

I stumble into the room, scanning the nightstand for my phone. It’s not there. Fuck. I pat my pockets, but I have none. I’m not wearing my clothes.

Where the hell is it? Still at the apartment?

“Looking for this?” Sebastian’s voice comes from behind me, and I spin around to see him leaning against the doorframe, my phone in his hand.

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