Page 44 of The Lucky One

He moves to the window again, his expression shifting. This is not just a man looking outside, he’s searching for something. Or someone.

I follow his gaze, hoping to find an answer but all I see are people bustling around the farm and cafe. Gaby is working with kids in her costume, the tables full of kids after our performance. Bridget and her sisters are huddled around her niece—who I’ve yet to meet—so there’s not an easy way to narrow it down.

For a moment, Sebastian’s mask slips. I see it in the way his posture stiffens, the way his hand flexes at his side like he wants to reach for someone.

“Who is she?” I ask.

It’s none of my business, but I’m staring at the world through rose-colored glasses following the high of my first kiss with Bridget. While I’m a perceptive person, the telltale signs of love are there if you notice the details.

Sebastian stills. He’s clearly not a man used to being questioned, so I expect the silence that follows.

I even expect him to stay quiet.

His voice drops low, with an almost wistful tone. “No one you need to worry yourself with.”

It doesn’t take a genius to figure out this man is a mystery wrapped in an enigma, but I think he’s onto something about being misunderstood.

There’s probably quite a bit I don’t know about Sebastian Gold. But I know the universal look of a man who’s experiencing unrequited love.

Movies have made a lot off that look.

I’m not going to push, because he’s not going to tell me anyway. So I change the subject back.

“I didn’t ask for anything.”

“No.” Sebastian shakes his head, still focused on outside. “But you seemed like you needed a boost of sorts. You seemed a little broken… a little lost.”

That’s… not what I expected.

“You don’t seem like the type to take in strays. So to speak.”

Sebastian chuckles then. “I’m really not. You’re an exception.”

“So is Bridget right? Do I need to be worried about you?”

He turns to me and sighs. “If you’re asking if I used magic to force whatever is happening between you and Miss Mitchell, the answer is no.”

I open my mouth to clarify, and he holds a hand up, silencing me.

“There may have been a slight manipulation, but your relationship is evolving on its own. No magic. Except maybe the Faerie Tart.”

“But that doesn’t make people fall in love.”

“Maybe it doesn’t do anything the folklore says,” he shrugs. “But no, love can’tactuallybe forced. No matter what, love comes from free will.”

Huh.

So whoever he’s pining overdefinitelydoesn’t share his feelings.

But at least I know Bridget and I are fine.

“Best of luck to you,” I say, stepping toward the door. I’d really like to meet Bridget’s family and enjoy the rest of our day.

“Don’t take it for granted.”

I’m at a loss. The man standing in front of me doesn’t match the quiet rumors I’ve heard in the days since Bridget’s warning. I half expected a Boogie Man the way some people talk about him.

All I see is a heartbroken man who maybe has some boundary issues.

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