I reach for one, then stop myself just in time, glancing back at Remi for permission. He gives a small nod and walks over to stand behind me, his smile soft and tinged with something sad.
I pick up the photo carefully, holding it like something fragile. In it, Remi and his sister can’t be older than five or six. Both are grinning, all bright eyes and fair hair, tucked between two stunning parents who look just as full of life.
“Sothat’swhere you got your looks from,” I say lightly, hoping to ease the weight of emotion that’s settled between us. “Your parents were gorgeous. And you… you were such a sweet little boy.”
I’m probably looking at him like I’ve got cartoon hearts in my eyes, but I don’t care.
Remi, on the other hand, clearlydoes. He gently takes the photo from my hands, sets it back on the shelf, and gives me a little nudge with his shoulder, visibly embarrassed.
“Oh, stop. I was just a kid like any other…”
His attempt at modesty is completely undone by the smug little smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
“You need help unpacking, Seb?”
I shake my head, kneeling to unzip my suitcase. “Nah, I’m good. Go ahead and freshen up, you’ve been driving for ages.”
“You sure? Alright. I’ll use the downstairs shower, then check what we’ve got in the kitchen. There are extra towelsand toothbrushes in the bathroom drawers, help yourself. Come down when you’re ready.”
“Thanks, Remi. It’s starting to feel like… like you’re destined to keep hosting me,” I say with a small blush.
He gives me a lopsided grin and trails his fingers gently across my cheek.
“Well, there are worse fates, I suppose.”
Then he turns and bounds down the stairs, light on his feet. I linger for a moment, watching him go, unable to stop myself from admiring how his jumper hugs his shoulders just right.
Smiling to myself, I turn back to my suitcase and start putting my things away.
Tonight is going to be unforgettable, of that, I have no doubt.
CHAPTER 24
REMI
By the time Sebastian walks into the kitchen to help with dinner, I’ve already showered, gotten dressed, and nearly finished cooking the salmon I found in the freezer. The roast potatoes are golden and crisp, the salad’s dressed and ready to go.
But honestly? The wait is worth every second.
He comes down the stairs slowly, like he’s not quite sure he’s allowed to be here, and the sight of him stops me in my tracks. That usual layer of bravado he wears like armor, it’s gone, slipping from his shoulders with every careful step.
He’s barefoot, in tight black jeans and a peach silk shirt unbuttoned just enough to hint at skin. His tattoos are on full display, his damp hair clinging to his freckled face, and I swear, he’s never looked more beautiful.
There’s something so raw and open in the way he moves, a soft kind of surrender, like he knows he’s safe with me.
And the truth is, he has no idea what he does to me.
When he reaches me and presses a soft kiss to my lips before slipping his arms around my waist, I catch the familiar scent of my lavender shampoo in his hair, and the faint taste of my toothpaste still lingering on his mouth.
Desire crashes over me like a wave. I’m hard in an instant, and silently thank whatever part of me had the foresight to weara long enough T-shirt to cover it. Not that I’m ashamed, well, maybe a little, but I want tonight to feel like a proper first date. I want to do this right.
Even if the idea of skipping straight to dessert is very,verytempting.
His stunning green eyes sparkle with mischief as he leans into me, arms still wrapped firmly around my waist. I let my fingers trace the edge of one of his tattoos, unable to resist the urge to touch him.
“There’s something that smells amazing around here,” he murmurs near my ear, voice low and teasing, and just like that, I’m done for.
Before I can ask which kind of hunger he means, he pulls back with a wicked grin and steals a cherry tomato from the salad bowl, popping it into his mouth like he owns the place.
