Page 27 of Wild Tangled Hearts

“You don’t take life too seriously. It’s refreshing.”

I meet his gaze, sensing a connection that goes beyond the superficial.

“You only live once,” I say, my voice filled with conviction. “Might as well enjoy every moment you get.”

A shadow darkens his features, fleeting yet noticeable. It’s a subtle shift, but one I’m becoming increasingly aware of. There’s a depth to him, a complexity that I can sense just beneath the surface, and it intrigues me.

He nods in agreement. “You’re right. Life is meant to be savored.”

I lean in a little closer. “So, how do we savor it tonight?” I ask, my voice low and suggestive.

His lips curl into a seductive smile. “Well,” he begins, taking my glass and placing it down. He pulls me close, arms wrapping around my waist. “I have a couple of ideas.”

As I lean towards him, our chemistry crackles, and the heat between us intensifies.

“Tell me,” I whisper.

Without a word, his lips capture mine. His kiss is hungry, and my fingers find their way to his strong shoulders, pulling him closer.

Sebastian’s hands move with a purpose, trailing down my back, igniting sensations that send shivers through my body. His touch is electric, setting every nerve ending ablaze with desire.

Our tongues dance in a sensual rhythm, exploring and teasing. When he breaks the kiss, our ragged breaths mingle in the air, and his eyes search mine.

“How about we—” He coughs suddenly, a harsh, rasping sound that interrupts our intimate moment. He turns away, and his second cough is even harder, punctuated by a string of curses muttered under his breath. “I’ll be right back,” he says, voice strained, and he excuses himself.

My concern deepens as I listen to his coughs from the other room.

When Sebastian returns, his face is visibly paler. “I’m sorry,” he says, voice weak.

I reach out to him. “Are you okay?”

He hesitates, that shadow crossing his features, before nodding. “I’ll be fine. I’ll have a car drive you home.”

There’s a noticeable change in his demeanor, a wall that has risen between us.

In silence, he orders a car, the tension palpable in the confined space of the elevator. The distance seems to grow with each passing second, and I feel a sense of unease.

When we finally reach the ground floor, the rain has let up, leaving the night air cool and refreshing. Sebastian walks me to the curb, but the connection we shared now seems muted.

“Goodnight,” he says, his tone formal.

My mind races with thoughts about what could have caused the sudden shift in his demeanor. The uncertainty gnaws at me, and I can’t help but wonder if I’m the reason for his abrupt withdrawal.

Unable to shake off my concerns, I muster the courage to voice my worries. “Did I do something wrong?”

Sebastian’s walls seem to crumble, and I catch a glimpse of vulnerability in his eyes. His head shakes slowly, and he reaches out to brush his thumb over my cheek.

“I’m sorry for ending things so abruptly.” He offers a faint smile. “I don’t want to get you sick.”

His explanation seems reasonable on the surface, but there’s a nagging feeling that it’s not the whole truth.

“I understand. I hope you get better soon.”

“I’ll call you,” he reassures me, though his words leave me with a lingering sense of uncertainty about what lies ahead for us.

I get into the car, a mixture of concern and confusion coursing through me. As the vehicle pulls away from the curb, I steal a glance back at Sebastian, who stands alone on the sidewalk, his expression unreadable.

It dawns on me that I left my rain-soaked clothes in his restroom. But in his hurry to see me off, he’s left me no opportunity to retrieve my belongings. And not only that, his car is still parked outside my house, yet he didn’t come with me.

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