Page 28 of Wild Tangled Hearts

I can’t shake the feeling that there’s something I’m missing, something beneath the surface of Sebastian’s actions. And a sense of caution rings warning bells in my head. Should I end things before I become too emotionally invested? The fear of being hurt looms heavy in my thoughts. As I weigh my options, I can’t help but wonder if it’s better to step away now, while there’s still a chance to protect myself from potential heartache.

Reader’s Choice:

What should Bella do next?

Wait for Sebastian’s promised text. Even though there’s a mystery to the man, there’s also some serious chemistry. Turn to this page.

If there are warning bells already, it’s probably best to move on now. Maybe it’s time to give someone else a call. Turn to this page.

Chapter11

Sebastian

A SCOOP OF SECRETS

Moonlight dances on the rippling waters of the river, casting a spell of enchantment as Sebastian and I stroll hand in hand along the promenade. Our laughter fills the night, punctuated by the occasional murmurs of people walking by, and the distant hum of city life. I steal a glance at him, and my heart flutters like a trapped butterfly.

Each date with Sebastian feels like a piece of a beautiful mosaic falling into place. But there’s something I can’t quite put my finger on, a mystery in his eyes, a guardedness that keeps me from diving headfirst into the sea of my emotions.

As we continue our leisurely walk, the aroma of freshly baked waffle cones drifts toward us.

“How about some ice cream to sweeten the night?" he says, nodding towards the food truck parked at the water’s edge.

“You know the way to my heart,” I say, grinning. “Double chocolate fudge.”

He orders two cones and hands one to me, our fingers brushing. It’s a fleeting touch, yet it sends warmth shooting through me.

We stroll to a nearby bench overlooking the river.

“What a beautiful night,” I say between bites.

“It is,” he replies, his voice soft and sincere. “Even better because I’m with you.”

There it is again, that tantalizing promise of something more. I want to ask him what he’s thinking, to delve into the depths of his heart and soul, but I hesitate.

I can’t help but think he’s keeping things from me, a secret that he’s not ready to reveal. The way he hesitates at times, the slight furrow in his brow when certain topics arise — it all points to a hidden part of his life that he’s chosen to keep locked away.

Sometimes I think I still only know as much about him as I did on our first date. And I’m desperate to know more. To unravel the mystery that is Sebastian Sinclair.

“So,” I say, glancing at him, my tongue darting out to catch a drip of ice cream escaping from my cone. “I know that you’ve never been married. But what about other relationships? Anything serious?”

He takes a nonchalant lick of ice cream, his expression cool as he shrugs. “Nothing significant.”

“I get it,” I tease, “you left a trail of broken hearts in your wake? Love ‘em, and leave ‘em type of guy?”

“Not quite,” he chuckles. One arm rests comfortably behind me on the bench, and he takes another leisurely bite of ice cream before answering. “Considering I didn’t kiss a girl until my freshman year of college—”

I nearly choke. “Wait, what?”

Sebastian chuckles at my reaction, his laughter like a soothing melody in the night. “It’s true,” he confesses, a hint of sheepishness in his tone. “I was a late bloomer when it came to the whole dating scene.”

I set my half-eaten ice cream aside, my attention fully on him now. “Tell me more,” I urge. “What took you so long?”

“With all the hospital and doctor visits, my mom homeschooled Toby and me,” he begins, his voice softening as he delves into the past, “until...” He glances toward the river, his gaze distant as he trails off.

I place my hand on his leg, and he takes it, entwining his long fingers with mine.

“I started at the local high school the following year. Let’s just say the scrawny, socially awkward new kid didn’t have girls lining up for him,” he says, chuckling. “Thankfully, by college, I’d put on a few pounds and grown a foot taller.”

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