Page 86 of My Secret Snowflake
“Because just a week ago, you said you still had feelings,” I say.
Shouldn’t I have asked these questions before last night? I was just so caught up in the magic last night that I didn’t stop to think.
“IthoughtI still had feelings—that was my default for so long, but I’ve probably been over Melody for a while. IrealizedI was over her this week—because of you. I wanted to be alone with you. And not with Melody. And that’s never happened before. And even before that, I haven’t even called Melody to do any of our usual holiday activities, like seeing the Rockefeller tree lighting.”
He releases my hand and takes my face into his hands. “But I know why I like you. I like the fact that you stand up for what you believe in. I like that you’re willing to take risks and think outside the box. I like your loyalty to your friends. You’re smart. You make me laugh. And boy, do I want to kiss you. I’ve been fighting that ever since I saw your underwear. Although you do look cute in my boxers.”
His hands are so warm on my face.
“Maybe we should take a trip to Ikea and buy a set of Ikea drawers for your clothes in my apartment. You could move in,” Sebastian says, and the way he looks at me, I know I don’t have to worry about Melody.
And I want to say yes.
But I’m still scared.
I moved into Patrick’s apartment, and I resolved not to do that again.
“I’m moving too fast.”
“Maybe,” I say. “It’s just I thought I’d get my own apartment this time.” He nods, but I fear he’s thinking that my intentions aren’t serious.
I reach out to him and grab his hand. He turns to look at me.
“But then I didn’t expect to fall so hard for you,” I say. “I’m sorry. My head is still catching up to my heart.”
His eyes are intent on mine, his expression open and sincere. “I’m not going to cheat on you, so you don’t have to worry about that.”
“I’m worried you’ll break my heart,” I say.
“But that means you really like me.”
“Are you being a lawyer again?”
“It’s only fair because I think you found the hole in my defenses. I’m probably the one who’s going to get my heart broken, not you. When you steal away with it.”
“My intentions are honorable too,” I say.
I shiver at the way he’s looking at me.
“You’re cold. I didn’t think.” Sebastian slips off his scarf and wraps it around my neck. It smells of him and is so warm.
“Thank you.”
He grins crookedly and pulls the edges of my collar towards him, shifting me closer.
“But I know another way to warm you up.”
Chapter twenty-three
Iris
Sebastian:I miss you. Can we visit the supply closet again? C is in France.
Me:C was supposed to be away last week and he wasn’t. We can’t trust that.
Noneoftheseniormanagement team are here. The office has a very eerie feel—like this is the precursor to our being shut down. Even Hank is head down, working. Then I pass by his desk and see his screen. It turns out he’s sending out resumes.
He looks up and says in an unapologetic tone, “You should be doing the same.”
