Page 18 of Sebastian

“It’s fine, Paolo. Go enjoy yourself. I got him.”

He nods, finally agreeing before catching the bedroom door to close behind him.

“Stay right there, Gio.”

I try to sound authoritative as I sit him up again before dashing into the adjoining bathroom to grab a towel and a washcloth. My mind wanders to the twists and turns of this night while the cold water from the faucet wets the washcloth. The most intriguing is Chloe, her unexpected presence at my event, and her subsequent attraction to me.

When I return, Gio’s hands are trapped in his coat by the cuff links caught in the fabric. I drop the washcloth on the bed, help him undress, and shuck the clothes in the bathroom for the housekeeper to deal with later. I clean his face and bushy mustache as best I can and help him get arranged under the covers. I sit on the edge of the bed for a moment, watching him drift into a restless sleep while thinking about Chloe.

After several minutes pass, I pull out my phone and text Paolo to ask for Chloe’s number—maybe I can see her tomorrow. Then I reach for the remote, turn on the television, and get comfortable in the armchair beside the bed to play nursemaid.

8

CHLOE

Sunday is my reset day. It’s a time to prepare for the upcoming week by organizing my clothes, cleaning my jewelry, and sketching a few fashion designs I’d like to make. I also pamper myself with an at-home spa day, complete with a face mask, hair treatment, and a bath for my beloved Jinkies.

The routine and solace I take in prepping for a successful week always get me in a good mood, especially when listening to my favorite band, Coldplay.

Last night ended sooner than I had hoped, although it gave Taylor and me a chance to catch up and regroup. She filled me in on what Paolo thought about Seb kidnapping me into the role of Mrs. Claus. He was grateful I was such a good sport and impressed that I could hold my own against his charismatic personality.My fleeting thought of making the two of them pay makes me chuckle today.

Paolo also wanted to know what magic I must have sprinkled on his candy cane to have Sebastian text him more than once asking for my number. Always the gentleman, Paolo asked my permission before sharing it with his friend, especially as he washesitant at first. He made a passing comment about us being colleagues and his concern about how that would affect the dynamics at work.

I assured him that work was already a mess with the investigation underway, so no one was paying any attention to relationships, both in and out of the office, even if he is the firm’s client. Therefore, I assured Paolo that my potential involvement with his best friend wouldn’t interfere with anything at work, which caused him to sigh over the phone in relief.

Once that was ironed out, Taylor mentioned the pressure he’s under from the board, the Chairman, and, more specifically, from his dad about the insider fraud, something they both have been putting in lots of late nights over. He couldn’t afford any blowback if my seeing Sebastian ended poorly.

Taylor was also cautious, unsure how I felt after being insulted, roped into playing Mrs. Claus, and then unexpectedly spun around the dance floor. She expressed guilt at not being able to save me, and when she tried to find me, she couldn’t because I had vanished with Seb. I assured her that all is fair in love and war, to which she chuckled and asked if I was in love or at war with him.

I cheekily replied both, but when Paolo came down to say that Seb insisted on taking watch over Gio and hoped we enjoyed the rest of the night, I was disappointed. Perhaps my lust for him was clouding my judgment, and I realized it was best for me to go home. Paolo and Taylor were worried and expressed their concerns about ruining my night, but all in all, I had a better time than I could have imagined.

Now, in the morning light, after my workout, shower, and coffee, I’m ready to put all the party fun behind me and slip into my routine. I sink into my chair by the window with Jinkies waiting to jump onto my lap for some cuddles when my phone pings on the table beside me.

I hope you made it home safely last night

The unknown number gives me pause when I see the phone display. I snatch it up and text back.

Who is this?

Without hesitation, the reply comes in fast.

Santa Claus

I asked Paolo for your #

Hope you don’t mind

I smile. I know he did, but obviously, Seb doesn’t know Paolo asked for my approval first.

I don’t. How’s your friend?

Hungover AF

How is your morning

The lack of details on his friend is odd, so I try again.

Is he okay? Are you still with him?

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