Page 21 of Sebastian

His confession surprises me and tugs at my heartstrings. I share a profound bond with Jinkies. She’s brought so much joy and love into my life, even during my toughest moments. As I stroke her fur, a surge of affection fills me.

“Pets are wonderful, you know.” The wistfulness in my voice is unmistakable. “Jinkies has been my rock through thick and thin. She’s seen me through so much, and I couldn’t imagine my life without her.”

I pause, a tender smile gracing my lips at how sorry I feel for him to have never experienced this. First, growing up with no pets and then losing his parents, it’s as if his life is loveless. I wonder if that bothers him deeply or if he’s just come to accept it that way. After a few quiet moments, his finger drops, and then he stands, surveying my apartment.

“This is nice. Very chic.”

My place is a vivid testament to my passion for fashion. It’s a curated blend of luxury and comfort with a high-end yet cozy atmosphere. As I stand in my living room, I can’t help but admire the inviting environment I’ve created.

The walls are adorned with textured, designer wallpapers in subtle, muted tones, creating a sophisticated backdrop for my exquisite art collection. My love for bold colors and maximalist decor is evident in every corner of the space. It’s an extension of my fashion-forward personality.

The living area exudes an air of luxury with plush, designer sofas and armchairs in rich navy blue and deep burgundy. Its carefully curated throw pillows are each handmade based on my own sketches. To complete the room, a designer coffee table proudly displays hard to find coffee table books.

“Is that what they call it? I don’t know anything about interior stuff. Mamma did our house, and I kept it the same.”

When he mentions his mom again, I hesitate to respond after making that misstep last night. Instead, I hum an acknowledgment, give Jinkies a final pet, and steer the subject to something else as I stand.

“Are you ready to go? I just need to grab my boots.”

Jinkies meows loudly, running ahead of me to jump on the cat tower with pillowed baskets at varying heights. She jumps from one to the other until she reaches the highest bed, where she’ll probably sleep the day away.I slip on my comfy, faux-fur-lined boots when Sebastian stands in my bedroom doorway. He doesn’t say anything, just smiles to himself.

“What?”

“Nothing.”

He shrugs, leaning against the frame and content to watch me grab my coat, phone, and purse.I raise an eyebrow, intrigued.

“Doesn’t seem like nothing.”

“Okay, I wanted to see where you slept so when I jerk off to you, I can envision you laying naked in that very bed.”

I slip on my coat, slide my phone into my crossbody bag, and sling it across my shoulder.

“Already jerking off to me? Well, all right then.”

He’s blunt. I’ll give him that. Confessing to masturbating is already TMI, but masturbating while envisioning me—that’s a lot.

“You didn’t last night?” he asks as I breeze past him to open the front door.

“Love you, Jinkies,” I call out while grabbing my keys from the table and inserting them into the lock. “And no, I didn’t.”

Sebastian, always the dramatic one, halts just before stepping outside. He clutches his chest, his eyes filled with mock hurt, and he gasps theatrically as though he’s been struck in the heart.

“You wound me. How will I ever recover?”

“No idea, but get out so I can lock this.”

I wave at him to come on, and he ends his theatrics to join me at the door.

“Love you, Jinkies,” he calls out as he steps onto the landing, eliciting a low giggle from me.

Sebastian’s got a personality for days, and it’s one of the things I find most intriguing about him. I have a feeling I could say just about anything to him, and he wouldn’t be the least bit offended. Well, except when it comes to his parents. Otherwise, he’s a character.

“You love my cat now?” I tease, arching an eyebrow as we stroll down the hallway toward the elevators that will transport us to the front of the building where guest parking is located. Sebastian responds with a playful grin.

“Ourcat. Why yes, I do. Although we probably need to talk about joint custody or at least get a paternity test since I didn’t even know I had a cat until now.”

When the elevator doors slide open, he gallantly extends an arm to hold them open, allowing me to step inside first. His teasing about joint custody makes me smile.