Page 66 of The Temptation
“Thank you,” I murmured. There was no chance of surprising Sebastian. The security at Courtland Enterprises was top notch. Years ago, Sebastian had told his security teams to allow Rome and me up whenever we stopped by. It saved time and hassle for everyone.
As I rode the elevator up, it paused a few floors below Sebastian’s and the doors slid silently open to reveal Declan. The blond flashed me the tiniest smirk and wordlessly joined me in the elevator prior to continuing to ride it up with me.
“Did you run to meet the elevator after Sebastian messaged you?” I inquired, my tone sharp.
Declan sniffed and ran a hand down his tie as if smoothing it into place. “I don’t run in the office.”
“I bet you’d run for Joy,” I teased, the tiniest grin playing on my lips.
Declan lifted his chin a smidge. “In a heartbeat.”
A rough bark of laughter escaped me. “You’re so fucking smitten.” And maybe I was jealous. Of all people to fall head over heels in love, Declan was the very last person I’d thought it would happen to.
After the elevator reached the top floor, Declan motioned for me to go first. The only offices up here were for the CEO and chairman. Exquisite shining marble and brushed nickel stretched in front of me. Floor-to-ceiling windows appeared at regular intervals, giving a breathtaking view of the Cincinnati skyline. Every year, Courtland Enterprises held a Labor Day weekend party for its employees so they could have a catered meal and have an excellent view of the fireworks that were shot off on the Ohio River.
Sebastian’s executive assistant, Kaylan, was waiting a short distance away with a polite smile on his face. “It’s wonderful to see you again, Mr. Sutton, Mr. Foster.”
My lips twisted into a wry grin, but I kept my comments to myself and simply nodded. Not long ago, Kaylan and his boyfriend had attended the symphony with us, where he’d called me by my given name. But I understood; this was work, and when Byron had been Sebastian’s assistant, he’d demanded that everyone be addressed properly regardless of their familiarity during personal hours.
“Can I get you anything to drink while you meet with Mr. Courtland?”
“We’re good, Kaylan. Please hold all of Mr. Courtland’s calls for the afternoon,” Declan instructed, to my surprise. It felt as though maybe Simon had sent Sebastian and Declan a heads-up.
I worked on unbuttoning my coat as we walked. “Are we still waiting for Rome or did he beat me here?”
“Rome is working at the library today,” Declan murmured. “He can’t get away, and Liam is now doomed to deal with his foul mood.”
As we turned the corner to walk down the short corridor leading to Sebastian’s office, the man himself pulled open both doors, a worried expression filling his face as he stared at me.
“Sorry to have dis?—”
I didn’t get the chance to say the rest. Sebastian marched three steps to me and pulled me into a fierce bear hug that cracked my spine and crushed my lungs. I threw a questioning glance at Declan, who appeared not in the least surprised by his best friend’s actions. But that was Sebastian. He was a hugger.God help Byron.
Wincing slightly, I patted Sebastian twice on his shoulder. “It’s okay, Sebastian. I’m okay.”
“You’re not okay.” Sebastian released me from the hug and took a step back, but his face had only grown fiercer. “Simon texted that you’re having a shit day and that you might stop by to talk about Sawyer.”
“That’s it?”
“He didn’t say more,” Declan confirmed, which shocked me. I’d half expected him to lay all the dirty details out for them.
Sebastian led the way into his office, and Kaylan closed the doors behind us, shutting out the rest of the world.
“Do you want a drink?” Sebastian asked, motioning to the wet bar off to the side that held a nice selection of alcohol. It was then that I realized how much worry was weighing on Sebastian. He feared what I might have to say.
“It’s ten in the morning, Sebastian. Too early.”
“Oh, right. Coffee? Tea?”
“We’re fine. Thanks.” I strolled to the leather love seat and chairs positioned off to one side of his office. “Simon said that he told you that we were sort of seeing each other.”
That announcement was met with silence. I lifted my gaze to see Sebastian practically bursting at the seams to say something.Declan’s stern glare forced him to at least try to hold it in. I motioned to him with one hand, and he exploded.
“That is fucking amazing! I would never have guessed that you’d be a fit because you were always so cold toward him, but?—”
“It’s none of our business who you’re dating,” Declan cut in.
Sebastian pulled himself together and nodded. “Yes. The only things that matter are your happiness and Simon’s happiness.” His jubilant demeanor plummeted in the blink of an eye. “And you don’t seem very happy right now. What can we do to help?”
