Page 23 of Perfect Three

Lucy breathed in then exhaled, maybe a little loudly, and accepted his hand.

The three left the restaurant, thanking the staff as they did.The men led Lucy toward the stairs near the coffee shop.At the top of the stairs, on the right-hand side, Sebastian unlocked and opened the large green door.He stepped aside to let Lucy in.

“Oh, my handbag, I’ve left it in the office.And an empty mug.”

“Don’t worry.I’ll get ’em.”Jack touched her hand and went off down the hall toward it.

Lucy tried steadying her nerves with another deep breath and entered a large vestibule.Oh heck, am I stupid allowing myself to be alone with these two?After all, theywerestrangers.Shaking still, she allowed Sebastian to take her hand and lead her down a hall with a few doors leading off on the left.They entered a large, airy living area.The windows all along one wall overlooked the courtyard, and there was a long soft-looking couch running the length.A few large comfy-looking sofas were scattered around the room, as well as two coffee-tables.

“The windows on this side and the others overlooking the streets are all double glazed and one-way so we don’t get much noise at all.Please, take a seat.”

Lucy hesitantly perched on the nearest couch.

Sebastian stood looking down into the courtyard then turned to her, smiling.“Jack’s best at making coffee.Ah, here you are, Jack!”Jack walked in, put Lucy’s bag on the low table near her, then strode into the modern-looking kitchen carrying the empty coffee mug.He looked at her, smiling, “Latte?”

“Thank you.”

They could see, and hear, him in the kitchen as he bustled about.

Lucy had a weird desire to flee, her mind still filled with crazy scenarios.

About ten minutes later, he handed Lucy a latte and a short black to Sebastian before collecting his own.The two men then settled on one of the couches in front of Lucy, but she wasn’t sure what she should do.

Should she drink her coffee?

Maybe just lounge on the chair?

How on earth could she relax when she was so nervous?

With a shaking hand, she put her cup on the table, trying to look calm and cool despite the fact she’d almost spilt her coffee.

Sebastian laughed.“Lucy, you look like you’re expecting the worst news and trying to put on a brave front.”

“I think that’s what it feels like,” she answered truthfully.

At least they were going to be honest from the start.It would be awful to get involved with one of them only to have him drop a bombshell.She could get her heart badly broken if she wasn’t careful.

“Okay then.”He stood up.“Jack and I aren’t involved with any other woman.We’re involved with each other.”

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