Page 18 of Perfect Three

Chapter Nine

Lucy took it and hepulled her up close to him.She took a deep breath, smelling a distinctive heady male aroma.It was an earthy smell, like the bush after rain, yet somehow it reminded her of power wrapped up with a hint of danger.

He looked down at her for a moment, and Lucy had this wild idea he thought about kissing her.She bit her lip.

He sighed and then walked out of the room, still holding her hand.

They traveled down the stairs and out into the garden.

Sebastian sat her at one of the tables.“What do you like to drink?”

“A latte, please.”

He walked down to the coffee shop as Lucy tried not to hug herself in delight.Instead, she did a tiny shimmy.She knew she had a silly, maniacal grin on her face.These two men had been dominating her dreams as well as most of her waking moments for the past week.She’d long ago convinced herself she’d never see them again, and yet here they were—and seemingly delighted to see her.

Sebastian returned with two coffees.He handed her one and pulled out a chair, sitting opposite her.He put his black espresso in front of him and looked across the table at her.“Where to start?”

Lucy cocked her head and frowned, puzzled by his words.

“Do you know Jack and I have been talking about you?”

“You have?”She was taken a little aback.

“Yep.We were so disappointed when you went.We both wanted to see you again.”

Lucy was surprised they’d been talking about her, especially to each other.She really had convinced herself that neither had any interest in seeing her again.

“Oh.”It was all she could think to say.

“Truly, Lucy.Saturday was fabulous.Both of us really enjoyed meeting you.I have to be honest, we both want to learn more about you.Didn’t get much of a chance to talk on Saturday night and wanted to.”

“I’m not sure what to say.”

“Please say you’ll let us get to know you.”

Lucy could say no and walk away, but that was the last thing she wanted to do.She was a little confused at what was happening.This really is a bolt from the blue.But Lucy smiled warmly at Sebastian.“As long as I get to know you both.”

Sebastian reached out for her hand and then shook it.“Deal.”

Lucy sugared then sipped her latte, mainly to cover her confusion—and excitement.

“I gather you’re a temp and that was what you meant on Saturday when you said you were between jobs.”

“Yes.I’m starting a three-month block in another week.”

“So we were really lucky to get you.”

“I didn’t realize you were the owner on Saturday night.”

“I bought the place about fourteen years ago and began building it up.Then I met Jack just over ten years ago, and he came on board with me.We’ve been together ever since.”

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