Page 68 of The Bourbon Bet
Sebastian places a hand on the small of my back, guiding me inside. The brief contact sends a jolt of desire through me. I catch his gaze in the mirrored walls. His eyes are dark and intense.
“Rosalia,” he murmurs, my name a caress on his lips.
“Yes?” I ask. If he’s changed his mind and invites me back to his room, I’ll go, and I’ll worry about tomorrow, tomorrow.
He steps closer, his body nearly touching mine. His hand lifts to my face, thumb brushing my lower lip. For a breathless moment, I think he’s going to kiss me. Instead, he closes his eyes and takes a deliberate step back. He opens his mouth, but then shakes his head slightly. “Never mind. Let’s get you home.”
The elevator reaches the lobby, and I step out into the bustling space. Guests mill about, chatting and laughing, their faces illuminated by the soft glow of the chandeliers. The world around me is dreamlike, hazy, and distant.
Sebastian’s fingers lace through mine. The simple gesture fills me with a sense of comfort and belonging. Together, we navigate through the crowded lobby until we’re out in the crisp night air.
We begin the short walk to my apartment and my mind races with the implications of the evening. I can’t keep straddling the line between my arrangement with Thorne and my growing feelings for Sebastian. Something has to give.
But for now, I push those thoughts aside and focus on the man beside me. His large hand fits perfectly in mine, and his presence makes me feel safe and cherished. With a contented sigh, I lean into his side, relishing his solid warmth.
We reach my apartment building all too soon. He walks me to the top of my alley stairs, and I turn to face him, my heart in my throat. “Thank you for today,” I say softly.
Sebastian tucks a strand of hair behind my ear, his fingers lingering on my cheek. “It was my pleasure. And my torture,” he adds with a rueful smile that doesn’t quite hide the heat still simmering in his eyes. “I’ll dream about you tonight and pick you up in the afternoon for our hike.”
Come inside, I almost whisper, but keep the words on my tongue. Instead, I melt into his touch, savoring the warmth of him.
He moves back too soon. “Goodnight, Rosalia.”
“Goodnight, Sebastian.” I unlock and open my door, sensing his gaze on my back like a physical caress. It takes every ounce of my willpower not to run to him and lose myself in his arms once more.
The door closes, and I lean against it, shutting my eyes. The memory of his touch, his taste, and his scent is still so vivid and visceral that it’s branded on me. Yet, I know he made the right decision.
I slide the chain into the top lock before stepping into my living room, pacing along the couch. Putting on the brakes was smart. It might be wise to put space between us, to give myself time to clear my head and get my emotions under control.
My phone lies heavy in my purse. I should cancel our plans for tomorrow. I could tell him something came up at the shop.
Sinking onto the couch, I place my head in my hands. Even the thought of canceling makes my chest ache.
In the end, I climb into bed, hugging my pillow, trying to quiet my nerves that hum with uncertainty. Tomorrow, I’ll decide: take a step back and cancel the hike, or take a leap of faith and embrace our connection, trusting that together, we’ll overcome any obstacle.
ChapterTwenty-Eight
Sebastian
The parking area at Red River Gorge is busy with other hikers preparing for the trails. I get out of my truck and drag my fingers along the smooth metal on my way to the passenger’s side, the vehicle almost too hot to touch. The spring heat is a stark contrast to yesterday during Thunder Over Louisville, when we’d walked along the Ohio River and Rosalia had tucked herself into my side for warmth.
I reach Rosalia’s side as she’s climbing out. “I was comingover to help you.”
Her smile warms me like the sun. She’s holding onto the window and door frame. I offer her my arm. Taking it, she jumps the rest of the way down. “This truck is a monster,” she laughs.
Using all my willpower, I let her go once her feet are firmly on the ground. Before closing her door, I grab my backpack and tease, “And one I can drive.”
Driving myself instead of having Tom bring the Bentley had been the right call. This truck belongs on rugged terrain like this, not sitting in my garage between trips to check on the horses and pick up supplies.
“I’ll never doubt you again.”
I look away from her words. She’s joking, but I want them to be true. If she truly trusts me, I’ll take care of her. She’d never have to doubt me. The irony isn’t lost on me that I'm lying to her even as I crave her trust.
Turning back to Rosalia, I grin. She’s checking me out. Her gaze moves from my legs to my torso and then to my face. When her eyes meet mine, I quirk a brow. Her cheeks flush a cute shade of pink. “You look so different out of your suit,” she tells me.
“You look different too.” I take in the enticing sliver of stomach between her cropped shirt and leggings, recalling how fantastic her ass had looked when I’d picked her up from her apartment and helped her into my truck.
She runs her fingers over her lips. It’s her tell I’m now familiar with. It means she’s thinking about kissing. She drops her hand and eyes my backpack, frowning. “What’s wrong?” I ask.
