Page 73 of Sebastian

My gnawing worry persists. “I just wish he’d let me know if he’s okay.”

“I’m sure he is overwhelmed. It’s a lot all at once. Maybe go to him? One last effort?” Taylor suggests, and I instantly frown.

I rarely chase men, and on the few occasions I have, it’s backfired on me. I’m convinced that men need to be the pursuers, or they lose interest. Maybe that’s what is happening here. He had me, and now that he’s going to be a dad, it’s too much work.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” My office phone rings with a call from a vendor. “I have to take this.”

As Taylor leaves, I settle back into my routine, attempting to focus on work. I order lunch, a half-hearted attempt to nourish myself amid the storm of emotions. The minutes tick by, each stretching into eternity as I wait for some sign, some resolution to the uncertainty that clouds my thoughts.

By the end of the day, with Taylor and Paolo waving their goodbyes and a still silent phone, I decide to treat myself to a bit of pampering at my favorite salon. I call in a last-minute appointment to my stylist and drive straight to an awaiting glass of champagne at the dry bar. My new blowout turns into a manicure, pedicure, and eyebrow waxing. I get almost every service they offer before picking up take-out and heading home.

When I exit the elevators and dig through my purse, I look up and stop dead in my tracks at what I see. Sebastian sits on the floor with his back resting against my apartment door. His legs are stretched before him, his fingers flying across his phone screen. His elbow is propped up on a long box to his left, with a cluster of bags on his right.

“What are you doing here?”

I’m completely taken aback, especially after a long discussion with my stylist about the situation and both of us agreeing to close the chapter on this book.

“How do you keep getting past security in this building?”

“Bribes.” He quickly rises to his feet and stumbles a bit. “My foot is asleep. Wow, you look great. I mean, you always look great, but really pretty tonight.”

I’m not surprised that he’s paying off my security. Their acceptance is surprising, if not against the rules.

“Thank you.”

I should, after all the money I spent at the salon. His eyes zero in on my take-out food, and an uneasy look crosses his face.

“You were on a date, huh?”

Given what’s going on with him, it’s not his business, and he has no right to ask.

“What are you doing here?” I repeat, closing the distance when a neighbor comes out of her apartment and gives us a curious glance.

“Here, come inside. I try to keep a low profile, which you’re not helping with.”

I tiptoe around him as the neighbor stands at the elevator but stares down the hall at us.

“What is all this anyway?”

“Christmas.”

He stands entirely too close, his chest almost touching my back, conjuring up memories that need to stay memories and not become real-life events.

“You said you didn’t have these things growing up, so I assume that’s why you don’t have any now. You don’t even have a mistletoe for me to kiss you under. So, I went out and bought this stuff to bring you Christmas.”

I pause, staring at the groves of the door as I try not to get emotional. My nose burns, and tears start to well in my eyes. He remembered what I told him. The guy who has his staff do everything for him actually went shopping and bought all this for me. It's sweet, surprising, and utterly caring. It hits home, and I try not to cry.

“Are you going to unlock the door?” he says, stirring behind me. I roll my lips together and blink rapidly, unwilling to let him see how affected I am.

“Yeah.”

I insert my key in the lock, hearing Jinkies meowing through the door.

“She’s been doing that a lot. She misses her papa.” He frowns to himself when I steal a glance over my shoulder. “Sorry, poor taste.”

“Speaking of which?” I raise my eyebrow with my inflection.

“Can we go inside? I promise I’ll tell you everything, but I’ve got to take a piss. I’ve been holding it for a while.”

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