Page 132 of Sebastian's Baby

“What? You thought that because I like to code, that I would like a place that’s cold and clinical?” She laughs as well.

“Okay, princess, not this place; got it.” I grin back at her, knowing she’s caught me out in my flawed logic.

I can’t resist taking her hand as I lead her back to where Vincent is waiting for us. I stroke the skin of her hand—it’s warm and soft, and I miss herso much. This is so nice, though. I fucking wish I’d never told her that I was in love with her.

Vincent looks up expectantly when we get back to him, and I say, “Sorry, Vince, maybe we’ll have better luck with the others.”

I let go of her hand when we get to the car so that she can get inside, and I wish I hadn’t. I miss that feeling as soon as I do, but it seems weird to hold it again when we’re driving, so I don’t. I remind myself of the position I hold in her life.

Baby daddy. Not boyfriend. Remember that, Sebastian Fox.

When we arrive at the second apartment, Lita and I walk through it again, and she takes everything in with a blank expression, so I can’t tell what she’s thinking.

“Maybe it’s the way they’ve decorated the place,” she eventually says while wrinkling her nose, “But it feels like somewhere that my nonna would live. So many florals, so little time.”

I laugh because her distaste is now very obvious. “Okay, but ignoring the decorations, because we could always change those, what do you think of the layout?”

“I’m not a massive fan. The master bedroom is on the opposite side of the apartment from the other bedrooms. I’ll be too far away from the baby when it eventually goes into its own room.”

“Good point, Lita. I hadn’t thought of that.”

For a moment, the pain is intense. She’ll be too far away from the baby. It’s another casual reminder that she doesn’t envisage me in their lives. I’m just going to be a visitor and that hurts alot.

I can’t stop myself from frowning, but I manage to say, “Okay, let’s go check out the last one.”

It’s only a five-minute drive to the final apartment. It’s in a new high-rise building in the center of Seattle, and Vincent puts a code into the elevator so we can go upstairs. I’m eager for Lita to see this one because it’s the one I think is completely perfect.

“You have to use a code for the elevator?” Lita asks.

“Yes, this is the elevator that goes to the penthouse,” Vincent tells her.

“Hayden’s apartment in Chicago isn’t a penthouse, but it has the same kind of thing for his elevator.” I shrug my shoulders.

“Penthouse, you say? Why do I get the feeling that this is the one you like the best?” Lita rolls her eyes.

I smile at her. “What, just because it’s the penthouse? I don’thaveto live in a penthouse, princess; I justlikeliving in a penthouse.”

“Exactly.” She smirks at me. “Which is why I think this is the one you like the best.”

I’m determined not to sway her decision, so I don’t confirm that she’s right. When we get upstairs, I’m reminded of how much I liked this place. Across from the entryway we’re standing in is a big open area.

I point it out to Lita. “I could get you a pool table as a housewarming present.” I can’t resist teasing her, “I can even have the Cruise Control symbol put on it, fangirl.”

“Shut up,” she laughs and nudges me with her elbow.

There are massive floor-to-ceiling windows showing views of Seattle to the south of us, and to the right of us is a kitchen and dining area. We walk through the doors that lead out onto a private balcony, and Lita gasps at the view. I stand next to her and watch her reaction with a smile on my face. She seems to love this place as much as I do.

“It’s spectacular,” Lita whispers.

“Yeah, it is.”

Lita takes a deep breath and sighs as she looks at Seattle in front of us. She’s quiet for a few seconds, and I just watch her, wishing that things could be different between us. I love her so much.

“This is the one you like, isn’t it?” she finally asks.

“I don’t want to influence your decision, princess.”

“I know it is, though. Let’s see the rest of this place; it could be awful, and I just don’tknow it yet.”

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