Page 5 of Destined
5
Serena
The weeks seemedto be flying by. Serena and Sebastian had been working closely to get the initial brainstorming and planning out of the way before she began pulling it all together. They’d been working well together, brainstorming regularly, either in person or over video chat when one of them couldn’t make it.
She loved that he was open to trying things that weren’t run of the mill or already done to death. When he’d first come to her with the brief for a Christmas party and fundraising gala for families of service members lost in the line of duty, she’d been a little overwhelmed. The sheer scope of the undertaking was intimidating. But she’d loved the idea, and their vision for the event seemed perfectly in sync.
Serena had never been busier, yet she couldn’t seem to keep her mind off Sebastian in a way completely unrelated to work. There was a tension in the air every time they were in the same room together. Would it be considered unprofessional if she jumped him on the boardroom table? At this stage, she might almost be willing to risk it. She was about ready to come out of her skin with want.
Today, they had a meeting scheduled. The planning for his event was well underway, and this would probably be the last planning meeting before she got down to putting it all into motion. From here on out, they’d be spending less time together. She didn’t want their time together to come to an end. She just didn’t know how to show Sebastian she was open to something more without it coming across as her being after his money when nothing could be further from the truth.
All she wanted was Sebastian.
Sighing, Serena went back to work. She’d figure it out. She always did.
6
Sebastian
Anticipation burnedbright in Sebastian as he made his way up to Serena’s offices. He couldn’t remember a time a woman had engaged him quite like her. She had a quick wit and dry sense of humour. While she always came across professional in her interactions, he sensed a playful side he was sure he’d enjoy. There was definitely more to Serena Callum than met the eye.
Today was, quite probably, the last planning meeting they’d need before Serena would start putting things into motion. He found himself disappointed at the idea. So disappointed, in fact, he was actually considering putting her company on retainer. He always had need of an events coordinator. And having Serena on call definitely appealed to him. Far more than it should.
Giving himself a mental shake, he knew he had to get his head back in the game. The company held this charity fundraising gala annually, and it had become a highly anticipated event. The charity they fundraised for was for the spouses and children of men and women who’d fallen in the line of duty.
Family was important to Sebastian. He’d grown up in a close, loving household. When his brother had been murdered and his father had blamed himself, things had never been the same again. Their family had lost a loved one. They’d experienced the grief and unforgiving torment of that loss, so he did what he could to bring a little relief and joy back into the lives of others affected by the unexpected death of their loved ones.
Making his way into the offices of Top Events, Sebastian smiled at Serena’s personal assistant.
“Good morning, Mr Marino,” Ginny greeted as she led him to the boardroom. She stood back from the door, allowing him to enter. Sebastian felt the full impact of Serena’s eyes focused on him. Anticipation coiled tighter.
“Good morning, Serena.”
She gave him a shy smile before replying, “Good morning. Come in. I’m already set up. As soon as Ginny brings your coffee, we can get started.”
“Sounds good.”
Ginny returned with the mug, and they got down to the business at hand.
7
Serena
With a handto the small of her back, Sebastian led Serena into the restaurant in his hotel. God, could she get any more aroused? With just that light touch at the curve of her spine, he was driving her crazy. Her body hummed with interest.
It had been a long, long time since she had felt anywhere close to this much attraction to a man. In fact, she wasn’t sure she ever had wanted a man quite like this. Sebastian was in a class all his own. And it certainly seemed as if that interest was returned, if she wasn’t reading the signals wrong.
Shehopedshe wasn’t reading them wrong. That would be most mortifying! Not to mention disappointing.
The hostess smiled a welcome, leading them to their table. Taking a seat in the chair Sebastian pulled out for her, Serena smiled her thanks up at him. She could have sworn she heard a sharp inhale from him, but the expression on his face never changed. Had his eyes darkened some? Perhaps she was mistaken. Maybe she was simply seeing what she wanted to see. After a beat, he returned her smile with a brief one and took his own seat.
“Good afternoon, Mr Marino. Your waiter will be with you momentarily,” the hostess said.
“Thank you, Alyssa,” Sebastian replied.
No sooner had she left than the waiter arrived at their table with menus and a breadbasket for them.
“Good afternoon, Mr Marino. Ma’am. My name is James, and I will be attending to you today. May I get you something to drink?” They ordered their beverages, and while James went off to get their drinks, they perused the menu.
