“My dad would say it’s cooler to love what you love no matter what anyone else thinks,” I’d replied.
I remembered the conversation because Sebastian had looked at me in that way I found so confusing. That tender, awed way. Like I really was special to him.
It turned out Juno had added the ‘lived-in’ feel to the flat. He’d returned one day to discover she’d decorated the living spaces and his bedroom with all the soft furnishings and artwork. He said he didn’t mind. That she made it feel more homely. Harry had blustered a bit but was the first one to hog all the cushions on the couch.
When Sebastian returned from the kitchen, he had a small, wrapped package in his hand. He gestured with it as he approached the bed. “I got you something for Christmas.”
Warm delight filled me. “Oh, I’ve left your present at my flat.”
He shrugged. “You can get it to me anytime.” He settled down beside me and held out the package. He seemed weirdly nervous. “Merry Christmas, Lily.”
Biting my lip against a pleased smile, I took the present. “Thank you.”
“I hope you like it.”
Excited to discover what he’d thought to buy me, I carefully tore open the wrapping … and then gaped at the jewelry box. The name of the jeweler was stamped on it, and it was a very old, prestigious jeweler in Edinburgh. Like … everything in that store was bloody expensive.
“Open it,” Sebastian demanded gruffly.
I did, my fingers trembling.
Tears of surprise, dismay, joy, and confusion blurred my vision. I blinked rapidly to clear them and held the jewelry box up for a better look. On a delicate white gold chain was a small white gold lily encrusted with diamonds. It sparkled beautifully in the light.
“Well … do you like it?”
My lips opened and shut like a gulping fish.
“Sawyer?”
I looked up at him, eyes wide. “This is too much.”
His eyebrows furrowed. “No, it’s not. I saw it and I knew it had to belong to you. If … if you don’t like it, I can return it.”
“I love it.” I clutched it protectively to my chest. “It’s so beautiful and thoughtful. Thank you.”
Sebastian’s expression melted into a sexy, relieved smile. “Good. I’m glad. May I help you put it on?”
Slightly discombobulated by the extravagant gift, I nodded and handed the box to him. He carefully removed it, and I shifted onto my other hip.
His fingers tickled against my upper back as he gently swept my hair aside. I shivered as his fingertips caressed the nape of my neck and hoped he didn’t notice. My friend took his sweet time making sure my hair was out of the way.
Then his arms were around me, the necklace dangling from his fingers as he settled it against my chest and then clasped it at my nape.
I glanced down at the glittering lily, a wee bit in awe. It took me a second to realize Sebastian’s palm clasped the back of my neck. Then he squeezed it affectionately and a shudder of arousal moved through me.
Oh hell. I really hoped he didn’t noticethat.
“You like it?” he asked gruffly.
Desperately trying to ignore the tightening in my breasts, I nodded and cleared my throat. “It’s stunning. Thank you.”
He released his hold on my neck, and I settled back against his headboard, slightly shaken by how quickly one little touch from him had turned me on.
Sebastian stared at the lily nestled against my cleavage, and he swallowed hard. “Looks good.” His voice was hoarse.
“It’s still too much.”
“Hmm?” He reluctantly drew his eyes up from my chest to my face. “What?”
