Page 89 of Best Kept Vows

“Aww!” Aurora put a hand to her heart.

“Get a room, guys,” Nova teased.

Luna gave Sebastian a probing glance. “You know, you’re nicer than I thought you’d be.”

“Why would you think otherwise?” I gasped.

“I mean, we were all there, weren’t we, when whatshername had her hands on him?”

Sebastian held up his hands in mock surrender. “Guilty as charged. But if you’re wondering if I was an ass, I’ll save you the trouble. Yes. I was.Butnot an adulterous one.”

Luna nodded, seemingly satisfied. “Well, at least you own it.”

I couldn’t help but smile. It was a test. They were protective of me, and I loved them for it.

Sebastian took a bite of hissalade niçoiseand hummed in approval. “Damn, this is good.”

After lunch, we lingered outside the building in the shade.

He turned to me, his gaze warm. “I can’t tell you how proud I am of you.”

My breath caught. “You are?”

His lips twitched. “Are you kidding? You belong here, Lia. You’re thriving. And seeing you with your colleagues? Damn, baby. I always knew you were incredible; you’ve built real relationships, and I could see how much they respect you.”

Tears burned my eyes because I could tell that he meant it. I swallowed hard, my voice barely above a whisper. “I love my job.”

“I love that you love it.”

I took a shaky breath. “And I love you.”

Sebastian exhaled sharply, his eyes blazing with emotion. “Baby, you have no idea how much I love you.”

I laughed softly, blinking back tears. “I think I do.”

He brushed a thumb over my cheek, his touch so damn tender it made my heart ache.

“Are you really cooking tonight?” I asked, my voice husky.

He grinned. “Yeah!”

“And you’re also bringing the wine?”

“Oh, baby,” he murmured, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “I’m bringing everything.”

CHAPTER 30

Sebastian

“What smells so good?” Lia asked as she dropped her purse on the sofa.

I brought two glasses of Sancerre with me. I handed her one and then kissed her softly. She smiled, one of those big, broad ones—the way she used to when we were younger and I was less of an ass.

She gasped when her eyes landed on the dining table. “Candles?”

“Well, yes, we’re celebrating.”

She set her wine glass down by a plate setting. “Give me a minute to wash my hands and change?”