Page 95 of Wild Tangled Hearts

I chuckle softly and shake my head, trying to downplay the idea. “Easy there,” I say, teasingly. “Let’s not jump ahead of ourselves.”

My mom laughs, a warm and knowing sound. “I’m just saying, Bella, it’s a beautiful thing when you find someone who shares your dreams and aspirations. And from what I can tell, Sebastian might just be that person.”

I pass Leilani to my mom, who cradles the baby with gentle expertise. “I hope so,” I admit, my voice tinged with both hope and uncertainty. “But you know, he’s still kind of a mystery I’m trying to unravel.”

“It takes time to understand people," she chuckles. “I’ve been married to your dad for over thirty years, and he still surprises me.”

As we share this moment of reflection, Sebastian approaches, his footsteps soft on the grass.

I glance up at him with a playful smile. “Are you overwhelmed by my crazy family yet?”

He chuckles. “They’re great. Although your aunt did ask me if my dad is single. I think she’s serious because she’s been hounding me for his number all night.”

My eyes widen, and my cheeks heat with embarrassment. “Oh my God, I’m so sorry about that,” I mutter, mortified by my aunt’s boldness.

Sebastian laughs it off, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze. “It’s all good. Who knows, he might be interested.”

“Let’s hope not,” I say, chuckling, then turn to my mom. “We’re going to head out now.”

The stars are starting to dot the sky as we say our goodbyes to my family, exchanging hugs and well wishes as we walk hand in hand through the crowd. As we reach the car, Sebastian turns to me with a tender smile. Without hesitation, he leans in and kisses me softly, his lips warm against mine. When we finally pull away, his thumb strokes my cheek.

“I’ve been wanting to do that all day,” he admits.

My heart flutters as I meet Sebastian’s gaze, and I can’t help but wonder if I was wrong earlier about his mood. His eyes hold a depth of affection and tenderness that reassures me.

“I have to go to New York for a few days,” he says, his tone filled with regret. “But if you can get some time off, I’d love for you to come with me.” He adds, his voice low and seductive, “I swear I’ll make it worth it.”

A rush of excitement courses through me at the thought of exploring New York City with him. His sexy smirk and the promise in his eyes only add to the temptation.

My palms rest on his stomach, and through the fabric of his shirt, I can feel the sculpted contours of his abs. The idea of spending three days alone with Sebastian in a hotel room is incredibly enticing.

“I’d love to go. But I’ll have to check and see if I can manage it.”

Sebastian kisses me again. This time it’s anything but soft. The potency of our connection electrifies the surrounding air, and I can sense his desire mirrored in every touch, every embrace.

When he finally pulls away, he looks into my eyes with a smoldering intensity. “If you can’t make it to New York,” he says, his voice husky, “I’ll block off next weekend just for you. Either way, Bella, I’m going to have you in my bed for three days straight.”

His words send an aching warmth to my core, and I don’t know what to choose, because both options sound absolutely delicious.

Reader’s Choice:

What should Bella do next?

Even if it means getting in trouble, take time off work and go to New York with Sebastian. Turn to this page.

As fun as New York sounds, it’s not a good time to go away. Miss him for a few days while he’s gone, and spend the entire weekend with him when he returns. Turn to this page.

Chapter42

Sebastian

CHOPPING THROUGH THE LAYERS

“My dad can be a stubborn ass,” Sebastian says, glancing at me, his hands firm on the steering wheel, his brows furrowed. “But he’s a good man. He’s not one to sugarcoat things.”

“I’m not nervous.” I put my hand on his forearm and give a reassuring squeeze.

He chuckles softly, the tension in his face easing. “Good. I’ll be nervous for the both of us.”

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