Page 56 of Perfect Three

“That’s okay, Sebastian.I do understand you both have a business to run.”

Sebastian’s voice was quiet as he answered.“Thank you.I’m sure some people wouldn’t.”

He gave a sigh, leaned back in his chair, then looked across the table at Lucy.He had a frown on his face, and Lucy thought he looked stressed.

Jack shared a quick glance with Lucy and she thought he was telling her this was how he ‘sulked’.She gestured to the nearby oven.“That bread smells so tempting.”

“I know,” Jack said.“You’d be amazed at how many people who wouldn’t normally order bread do once the smell invades the restaurant.”

He and Lucy talked about bread, Lucy telling the men that it was one of her great food weaknesses.“I could eat a fresh, hot loaf all by myself, smothered in just butter or peanut butter and honey.”

“I’m a Vegemite boy myself.”

“What about you, Sebastian?”

“Uh?Sorry, Lucy, what was that?”Sebastian seemed to shake himself and come back to their world.

“I wondered if you liked hot, fresh bread like me.”

“Oh yeah.We’ll have to order you some bread then.”

“Oh yes, please!”

“I’m glad you’re here now.”

Lucy could hear emotion in his voice.

Jack reached out and touched his hand.“You okay now, love?”

“Sorry, you two.I need to put work behind me and concentrate on my two favorite people.”

“Yes, you do.It’s all sorted, so relax,” Jack suggested.

“I will.Tell me, Lucy, you’ve had a chance to think.Hope you haven’t changed your mind about getting to know us both?”

“No.I still feel the same way.”

“And I hope you don’t think Jack and I are kind of riding rough-shod over you.But we do want to know you.”

His voice sounded hesitant, unsure.It was unexpected, Lucy thought he was still unsettled from whatever work issue had taken place.Feeling unbelievably brave, she grinned at Sebastian.

“No, I don’t think that.I honestly think you’ve both let me make my own decisions without any pressure.And Idowant to find out what makes you both tick.”

“Thank goodness!I know Jack and I would have been disappointed if you told us that after thinking it through, you’d decided to walk away.”

Plucking up her courage, Lucy looked from one man to the other.“At the moment, I certainly don’t want to walk away.”

Both men took a hand each.The three of them sat silently for a few minutes until Sebastian suddenly laughed.Obviously, he’d thrown off whatever dark mood had taken him.It surprised Lucy and made her jump.He stood slightly, leaned over, and kissed her cheek.

The look on his face made Lucy catch her breath.It was as if all his hopes and dreams for their relationship were on display.

“This is going to work.I just know it.”He rubbed his hands together.“Okay, my darlings, let’s get something to eat.”

“Great!I’m starving.What about you, Lucy?”

“Yep, I’m hungry.”

“Do you like chicken, Lucy?”Sebastian asked.“Brad does this slow-cooked chicken with wild mushrooms.It’s lovely.”

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