Page 39 of Sebastian

He wraps an arm around me and playfully grins, leading me out of his room.

“I hope you don’t mind, but Gio is still here, being all mopey about a girl, so I told him he could stay for the food that should be arriving shortly.”

A wave of embarrassment heats my face, and I pause in the carpeted hallway outside the closed doors to the theater room.

“It’s not that I mind him being here. I just feel foolish about how I acted earlier.”

Sebastian plants his hands on my shoulders, his expression open and caring.

“Hey, don’t worry about that. We all have our moments. Besides, I think Gio’s the king of embarrassing moments. Bro dances when we work out, so he’s not one to judge. You’ll be in good company.”

His light-hearted tone puts me at ease, and I offer a small smile when he removes one hand to open the door.

“Alright, Gio. Cut off that nature shit off and put on Suicide Squad. Chloe here has never seen it, and we have to rectify that tragedy!”

Gio’s curly brown hair pops up over the couch cushion as he waves at me and starts changing channels. My worry is chased away within seconds as they banter back and forth about who played the Joker the best and which version is most authentic to the comic books.

It fondly reminds me of my brothers arguing when I was growing up, and if these two spontaneously broke out into a wrestling match, it would feel like my childhood all over again.

“Gio, move up a row so I can feel my girl up without you being close enough to watch.”

Sebastian’s comment breaks their camaraderie.I interject, not wanting him to take Sebastian seriously.

“Don’t listen to him. He’s not feeling me up or anything else for that matter. Stay where you’re at.”

Giovanni looks bewildered as he glances between Sebastian and me.Sebastian pouts, his hands crossing his chest while the movie trailer begins behind him.

“But I thought you liked me, Chloe.” He looks sullen like a little boy getting his candy taken away. “We can’t fool around a little?”

Gio starts to get up when Sebastian snaps his fingers and tosses his thumb toward the front row.

“He’s kidding, Giovanni. Please remain where you are, and we’ll sit here.”

I intentionally pick a couch in front of him so he can see exactly what Sebastian and Iwon’tbe doing.

“You’re no fun, Chloe.”

With a dramatic flop next to me on the couch, he reaches for a blanket to drape over us before laying his head in my lap. It’s obvious he’s a cuddler when he reaches for my hand to put in his hair.

“You can make it up to me this way.”

With a contented sigh, I settle in for the movie, feeling grateful for the easy camaraderie with him and his friend. The room soon fills with laughter as we immerse ourselves in the world of superheroes and villains.

The food arrives shortly after that, and we enjoy delicious nachos, tacos, and quesadillas, accompanied by refreshing margaritas. The banter between Sebastian and Gio continues throughout the movie, arguing over different scenes that look too animated and other scenes not realistic enough. It makes it a fun and unforgettable experience.

As the movie credits roll, I can’t help but announce, “It’s time for me to head home.”

I glance at Sebastian, my heart feeling lighter from the wonderful day we’ve shared. Sebastian nods with a soft smile, understanding that I have work in the morning. He promises to return my clothes when ready and walks me to his car. The night air is chilly, but I feel warm inside from the happiness of this day.

The drive is quiet, and we trade insights about the movie. I concede that my smeared makeup resembled Harley Quinn. When we reach my place, he walks me to the door and gives me a sweet, lingering goodnight kiss.

“When can I see you again? Maybe lunch tomorrow or after work? My schedule is flexible, so whatever works for you,” he asks, reluctant to let me go even after a couple more kisses.

“Let me get into work and see how it goes.”

I hesitate, knowing that Mondays are usually a nightmare workload wise, with me ordering a salad and working through lunch. Then again, he might be a nice way to blow off steam after a hard day's work.

“How about dinner?”

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