“How do I do that?”
“You keep your wits about you.” She looks into my eyes. “Never forget that he’s not looking for more. A man like that isn’t likely to change just because he enjoys the sex.”
“I think I can do that,” I whisper.
“You can,” she assures me. “Don’t miss out on the time of your life because you’re busy planning the rest of your life in your mind. Live in the moment. You won’t regret it.”
I hope she’s right. I want to be in Sebastian’s bed again. I want to taste his lips, feel his body, and listen to him come.
I don’t want my heart to get broken.
I pray that I won’t fall in love with him.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
Tilly
“How didthings go at Kate’s shop?” Sebastian asks as I walk into the apartment three hours later.
I didn’t expect to hang out at the bridal boutique for most of the afternoon, but I could tell that Kate did need help since the store was filled with soon-to-be brides looking for the perfect dress.
I opened each of the garment bags that had been dropped off and checked each dress off the corresponding list.
By the time I was done, Kate had made a few sales, her new inventory was checked in and I felt like I could face Sebastian without letting my mind wander to the future.
“Everything is taken care of.” I toss my purse and keys on the dining room table. “She owes me pizza and beer now.”
“Pizza and beer?” He laughs from where he’s standing at the windows that overlook midtown Manhattan. “That’s a great way to get paid for your hard work.”
My gaze catches on the vase of flowers next to him.
The withering red and yellow bouquet he bought the day after he moved in has been replaced with white roses.
They’re my favorite.
“You bought flowers again,” I point out the obvious as I cross the room to where he’s standing.
His brows draw together as he leans against the windowsill. “Flowers make you smile.”
My heart reacts to his words, upping its beats.
He looks back out at the city. “My partner is getting married next week. It’s a last minute thing since he’s moving to Chicago soon.”
“Your partner is leaving?” I look out the window too at the late afternoon sun reflecting off the windows of the building across the street. “So you’ll be getting a new partner?”
“That’s how it works.” His jaw flexes. “The ceremony and dinner will be at a restaurant uptown. I was wondering if you’d like to go with me?”
Now, that does sound like a date.
“I thought it would be good practice for us before Julian and Maya’s big day,” he clarifies. “We’ll check out the maid-of-honor and best man’s moves, so we don’t mess up when it’s our turn to step up to the plate.”
This is sounding less like a date and more like a research project.
I nod. “Sure. I’m on board for that.”
He kisses my forehead. His lips trail a soft path down to my cheek. “Last night was incredible, Matilda.”
I lean back to look into his stormy blue eyes. I see a heady combination of lust and need.
