Me: Does it matter?
Seb: Yes.
Seb: I can get off to the image of you tipsy and naked guilt-free, but drunk and naked is a whole different thing.
There went my stupid heart again, and I swallowed back a mixture of insecurities and anxiety. My first thought was that I shouldn’t be talking like this. But that washisvoice in my head, making me feel ashamed, even though we weren’t together anymore.
Me: Why’s that? Do you picture me as a sloppy drunk or something? Does that not do it for you?
Seb: I didn’t say I wouldn’t get off on the images of you regardless, just that I would feel guilty about it.
Me: And if I’m just tipsy?
Seb: Do you want me to tell you what I’d picture when I’m getting off to the image of you, little wild?
Curiosity ate at me, but this unfamiliar territory was screaming warning bells. I could barely stand Sebastian, with his laid-back charm, dimpled smile, and caramel eyes. The masculine scent of ink and leather that clung to him. His easy smile and broad chest.
I shook my head to clear the haze.
Me: No. You can keep those thoughts to yourself.
Seb: Then what do you want to talk about? Other than Luke’s O-face.
I laughed, and I had a feeling that was exactly was Seb was hoping for.
Me: Oh, gross. Come on. That’s my brother.
Seb: You’re the one who started this conversation.
Me: Well, I can’t hear them anymore and I’m going to sleep.
Seb: Where’s my Facetime? I was looking forward to that.
I took a picture of myself in bed, the blankets tucked all the way up to my chin, my hair draped in my face like Cousin It, and sent it to him.
Me: That’s the best you’re going to get.
Seb: I found that out eleven years ago. Hasn’t changed since.
I walked right into that one. Sebastian Devereux was a nasty flirt. I fell for it once. I wouldn’t be stupid enough to think he was earnest again. I’d made enough mistakes in my love life. Letting my heart gallop away to Seb’s superficial words would not be one of them.
10
Sebastian
I pulled my shoulders back, stretching my neck from side to side, and rolled my stool backward. After being bent over for the last two hours, my back was stiff and tense.
Unless that was just due to Lydia circling me and Julio like a viper.
“Bathroom is right down there. Take as long as you need,” I told him. He’d scheduled a half-day session for his sleeve, and he had powered through the first two hours already. I could tell he was getting to his tolerance level for pain and suggested a bathroom break for the guy. It was easier for everyone if the client was comfortable, and I considered it part of my job to ensure that was the case.
“That’s coming along well,” Lydia said.
A slow smile stretched over my lips. “Was that a compliment, little wild?”
“Not for you. I was talking about Julio doing a good job in the chair.”
“Uh-huh. If you say so.” I winked.
