“Guy like that doesn’t deserve your time—” I began.
“Not to him,” Sebastian clarified. “I mean, yeah, he was the one who talked me into it, but that’s only because I wasn’t sure my leg would hold up.”
“What do you mean?” I asked as I lowered myself so I was sitting on the ground next to his chair. As soon as I did, Kirby came running to me with a stick he’d managed to find somewhere. I threw it for the little dog and he happily took off to chase it across the tattered grass.
“The thing tonight is a fundraiser. Rick’s company is sponsoring the event and all the proceeds from the tickets that were sold go to this shelter for abused kids.”
“He said you were the talent?”
Sebastian glanced at me, then nodded. “Um, yeah. I’m a dancer… well, Iwasa dancer.” Sebastian looked down at his hands and began wringing them together. “I’m supposed to do a short performance for the guests tonight, then maybe sign some autographs, I guess.”
“Autographs, wow,” I said. “Sounds like you’re one talented guy.”
The comment was meant as a compliment, but it just made Sebastian looked pained. “Still, if you’re not feeling physically up to it…”
“Truth?” Sebastian whispered. He kept his eyes downcast.
“Truth,” I urged.
“It’s not just the performance. I, um… I don’t like to leave the house these days… it’s a long story.”
I swore I saw him trembling, but I kept that fact to myself.
“And, uh, Rick’s bringing his husband… his husband who he’s been with for five years and who doesn’t know a thing about me. The husband I knew nothing about when Istarted dating Rick almost two years ago.”
“Aw fuck, Sebastian, I’m sorry,” I said. I made a move to put my hand over his, which he was still wringing together, but he quickly pulled them away.
“Yeah, well, it’s my fault. I don’t have the best taste in guys. Anyway, you didn’t come here to listen to me lament over the fact that I have to go to a Valentine’s-themed charity dinner by myself and play nice with my ex and his spouse. Sorry.” He finally looked at me. “I promise I’m not one of those neighbors.” The last part was said with a hard-fought attempt at humor, so I forced a smile to my lips that I wasn’t feeling.
“Thoseneighbors?” I asked.
“Yeah, the kind who won’t stop sharing their drama with you every time they see you? I swear, you’ll hardly even know I’m here.”
“Well, in case you missed it,I’mthe one inyourback yard, andmydog is currently taking a piss on what’s left ofyourrhododendrons.”
“Rhodo-what?” he asked as his eyes searched out Kirby. The dog had found the pathetic little patch of bushes along the back fence line.
“Rhododendrons. Mrs. Fererra was very fond of them, but she wasn’t good at keeping them trimmed back and they kind of took over the entire garden.”
“That’s a garden?” Sebastian asked with a smile as he eyed the sad-looking patch of dirt.
“Yeah, more or less. You’ve actually got really good dirt… the pH level is nearly perfect, and you’ve got a great mix of sand, silt, and clay. If you use some landscaping cloth and a really high-quality mulch, you can cut back on the weeds. Your rhodies need a little TLC for them to start blooming. I’d pull a few of them, though. That way you can add some different colors to make things really pop. Would also be a great attractant for the birds and the bees.”
My remarks were met with complete silence. I looked at Sebastian and saw him watching me with a soft smile on his face. “The birds and the bees?” he asked.
I chuckled. “Actual birds and actual bees, though I don’t think you’d have a problem finding the other kind of birds and bees.”
It wasn’t until the words were out of my mouth that I realized what I’d said… and who I’d said them to.
“Not that it’s any of my business who you give your birds and bees to. I mean, they’reyourbirds and bees.”
Sebastian laughed… a deep, melodic laugh that sifted through my entire body like the sweetest of caresses.
“Well, my birds and bees are taking some time off,” he finally said. “But thank you.” He rested his chin in his hand as he eyed me. “How do you know all that stuff about the dirt?”
“I’m a landscape architect,” I said.
“Ah,” he responded with a nod. “I was wondering why your front yard looks so much better than everyone else’s. I think being able to look at your house was part of the reason I decided to rent this one.”
