Page 21 of Tempting Sebastian

She smiled and said, “I mean, no you shouldn’t have, and you should absolutely tell him the truth soon, because I think he’s really bothered by the thought.”

“What? Why? Why would he care?” I tried to play stupid. I mean, what happened in the hotel was an accident, but happened in the kitchen…well, wasn’t. He was hard. I felt it. He was so close to my ear.

“Seriously, Jackson. You’re just as dense as he is sometimes. He likes you. I know he does. I can tell. The way he’s acting, I’ve never seen him act like this before. Not even with the last relationship he was in, which wasyearsago.” She shrugged and grabbed a deviled egg out of the dish.

Lightly swatting her hand, I laughed and said, “Get out of there.” Stirring the mashed potatoes, I whispered, “He’s so fucking grumpy, Quinn.”

“Yeah, but that’s just Sebastian. He’s always been a grump.”

Shaking my head, “We’re opposites. Complete opposites and he’s, my boss.”

Quinn grabbed another egg, “Just for that, I’m eating another one. Shut up about the boss thing. Watch. Watch how he acts during dinner.” She winked at me. “Just watch.” And then she went into the living room.

Bailey arrived while Sebastian was gone. I invited her to Thanksgiving as a peace offering. She stood in the kitchen talking to me as I finished everything up. “Do you want to help me move everything to the table?” I asked.

“Of course. This is really great, Jackson. Thank you for inviting me. It’s great to see how well you’re doing. I’mreally, reallyhappy for you.” She set the pie on the table, while I brought the mashed potatoes in.

Turning to her, I said, “It means a lot to hear that and to see you.” She reached in and hugged me. I had forgotten howgreat her hugs were, and memories came flooding back. Then I heard someone clear their throat.

I let go of Bailey and looked up to see Sebastian standing there. He didn’t look pleased. “Bailey, this is Sebastian. Sebastian, this is Bailey.”

Bailey walked up to him and shook his hand. “The famous Sebastian Moore. Thank you for being there for Jackson when I wasn’t and should’ve been. It’s really great to meet you.”

Sebastian looked confused so I spoke up. “Bailey and I grew up together in foster care. We drifted apart but recently reconnected. Shewasmy best friend…”

“I deserve that.” Bailey said. “I got adopted out, and I just kinda fell off the face of the planet and left Jackson hanging.”

Sebastian gave a terse smile. “It’s nice to meet you, Bailey. I’m glad you’ve reconnected. I’m going to take these things to the kitchen.”

I looked at Bailey and said, “Don’t worry about him. He’s a grump. I’m going to go check on him.”

When I went into the kitchen, Sebastian was putting the soda in the fridge along with the other groceries. “Sebastian.”

He turned around and leaned against the counter with his arms folded across his chest. He didn’t say anything.

“Are you ok?” I asked.

“Are you?” He shot back.

I whispered and moved a little closer to him. “Don’t answer the question with a question. You were so cold to Bailey.”

“That’s because I thought Bailey was your girlfriend when I walked in. You know… the person you’re seeing. And I wasn’t excited about it.”

Laughing, I said, “My girlfriend, Sebastian. What…no…how…” I was struggling for words. “Sebastian, I am very much gay. I thought you knew that. I mean, even earlier…”

He shook his hand. “I know. I…I don’t want to talk about it. We should get to dinner. Everyone is waiting for us.”

He walked past me and went to the dining room. What in the actual fuck was wrong with that man was all I could ask myself over and over. He was so confusing.Girlfriend.How stupid and ridiculous.

Everyone was seated around the table. I never had Thanksgivings like that one growing up. Everyone there, smiling, and talking. It was a full house, and I was grateful for it. “Can I have everyone’s attention?” I stood up and everyone got quiet. “This…uh…” I was nervous. Clearing my throat, I continued. “This Thanksgiving is different for me in many ways, and I have Sebastian to thank for that. He saved my life and every day since he’s been caring and understanding as I get back on my feet. Thank you for having all of us here, Sebastian.” Sebastian smiled briefly and nodded his Sebastian nod. “Let’s eat.” I said.

I watched everyone grab food and conversate. Quinn was right about Sebastian. I kept catching him looking at me. He didn’t say anything but there was absolutely something there. He looked at me like he wanted to eat me and several times I just had to look away because the thoughts I was having were making me blush. I also noticed something that no one else had. Ian and Quinn. Something was going on there and they were trying to be discreet about it, but by the looks they kept giving each other, I’d say they were more than acquaintances. I reminded myself to tease her about it later. One good tease deserved another. I wondered if Sebastian knew, but my guess was no. I doubted he would be happy that his best friend and his sister had something going on. I smiled to myself at the mystery I couldn’t wait to figure out.

***

Quinn

I went into the bathroom to take a break. Ian being around was too much and he kept staring at me. Once I finished eating, I offered to start cleaning up to distract myself.

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