Page 13 of Sebastian

He takes a moment to ponder, his gaze shifting to the twinkling lights around us.

“How about the version who genuinely wants to get to know you better without all the theatrics?” His eyes shine with determination.

“Let’s start with a clean slate.”

He thrusts his hand toward me.

“My name is Sebastian Agnelli.”

I slip my hand into his, feeling the warmth from his palm radiate through my skin.

“Chloe Miller.”

He unexpectedly kisses the top of my hand before releasing it, his knee ceasing to bounce as the tension between us fades.

“Nice to meet you. So, Chloe Miller, tell me about yourself. What do you enjoy when you’re not playing Mrs. Claus?”

Agnelli.

Wait. I know that name.

I can’t help but feel my jaw drop slightly at his disclosure.

“Agnelli, as in Agnelli Oil & Gas?” I blurt out.

My surprise is evident in my voice. Sebastian’s frown is instantaneous and profound, and he starts tugging at his bow tie, looking noticeably uncomfortable.

“One and the same.”

My mind races as I connect the dots. Agnelli Oil & Gas is one of the biggest clients of the financial firm for which I work. Sebastian Agnelli, the man sitting beside me in a tuxedo, is the key figure in that company.

I’ve heard his name quite a few times, and his reputation is legendary for being an absent director, too busy partying and living a very rich boy lifestyle.Now, it’s my turn to feel uncomfortable. I hadn’t recognized him earlier because I’d never interacted professionally with him. I’m not in client relations like Taylor.

“Wow, I didn’t realize.” My mind races while trying to make sense of this unexpected revelation. “You’re one of our firm’s most prominent clients.”

Sebastian nips at his lower lip. His discomfort is evident when that knee starts bouncing again, and mine might just do the same.

“I try to keep my business and personal lives separate, but I suppose the lines just blurred tonight.”

The implications of this realization are far-reaching, and I’m unsure how to navigate this unexpected twist. I’m still trying to process the fact that the man who had kissed me moments ago, the same man I was dancing with under the stars and fought with at the North Pole, is a prominent client of my firm.

“I . . . I don’t know what to say,” I finally admit, breathing deeply to not freak out. “This is certainly unexpected. Does Taylor know?”

“Yes. I assumed they would have told you.”

“No. Neither did.” I’m gripping the bench’s arm, and a nervous giggle bubbles out of me. “But I guess we’ve already broken the rules of formality tonight, haven’t we?”

“I guess we have. Do you handle my accounts directly? I’m not involved in the day-to-day operations.”

If he’s not involved in the decision-making and I don’t work on his account, then ethically speaking, we should be in the clear should this go any further.

“I don’t. I’m in Public Relations.”

“Good, then I can do this.”

His hands cup my face, the heat warming my cheeks. He kisses me again with more passion and vigor. His lips press hungrily against mine, and his tongue demands entrance. I surrender to his embrace, melting into him as the kiss intensifies. His groan invades my mouth while my arms wind around his neck, trapping him against me. Passionate lust replaces the delicate sweetness of the first kiss, and I revel in the difference.

His hand splays across my back while the other tugs on my ponytail to hold me in place. It’s a sexy move. When I attempt to tilt my head for greater access, I realize it’s wound around his fist and I break the kiss. He lets go immediately, intently watching my face.

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