Page 49 of One Week Wingman

“And I relish the challenge.” Sebastian announces.

“Maybe he’ll warm up over dinner?” I say hopefully.

“Maybe.”

Natalia takesus back to the house to get settled in our guest room. Correction: our guest wing.

It’s beautiful, all airy cream walls and tasteful, comfy furniture. I shower in the vintage-style black and white tiled bathroom, and then dress for dinner in a classic black dress with a plunging V-neck.

“Natalia seems great,” I call through to Seb in the bedroom as I apply some lipstick. Now that I’m playing his fake girlfriend, I want to impress.

“She’s giving me a chance here, which as much as I can ask for,” he replies from the other side of the door. “And she did warn me Franco would be resistant to change.”

“Still, you don’t really want to change things around here, do you?” I ask. “Just make a few minor improvements. You should lead with that. Are you decent?” I ask before opening the door.

“Never,” he replies, sounding amused. “But I am dressed, if that’s what you’re asking.”

I step through to the sitting area and… Stop in my tracks. Is heeverdressed. He’s changed into a navy suit with a white button-down, and he looks… Absolutely delicious.

He blinks, and I realize I’ve been staring so long. “Aren’t you dapper?” I say breathlessly. “I couldn’t quite reach my ties. Could you…?”

I turn around.

“Uh, sure.” Seb sounds a little raspy. He comes closer. “Is this…?”

“Just tie it in a bow,” I instruct him.

“OK.” He swallows audibly, his fingers brushing over my bare skin. I can feel his breath, hot on the back of my neck as he slowly ties the ribbons.

I shiver at the touch.

How is he doing this to me? Is it just that his skills of seduction are honed from years of practice, or is this chemistry shimmering between us something more?

Something real…

Sebastian steps back and clears his throat. “All done.”

I turn. “Thanks!” I exclaim brightly. “We should get down to dinner, we won’t want to be late.”

And I don’t want to lose my mind and forget why I’m really here.

For our arrangement. Nothing more.

12

SEBASTIAN

She’s killing me.

Roxy is officially trying to send me to an early grave. I need to focus on charming Franco and securing this partnership, but Roxy is sitting there across the dinner table, looking breathtaking with her hair pulled back and a deep red lipstick accentuating her lush mouth. She takes a sip of wine, lips brushing the rim of her glass, and I swear, every muscle in my body tenses with lust.

Everymuscle.

Because all the not-so-fake kisses we’ve shared over the past three days are burned into my memory. The surprised gasp when I greeted her in the foyer. The slow sizzle outside the diner. That epic make-out in the orchard, where I just about lay her down in a muddy ditch and worshipped every inch of her body. I remember them all. I replay them over. And over.

And over again.

Is it any wonder I nearly challenged that jock ex of hers to a fistfight, right there in the Ashford Falls town square? Seeing them together in that diner booth was like lighting a jealous fuse inside me, a rush of fierce possession I wasn’t expecting, telling me,she’s mine.

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