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The night wears on, and we eat, talk, and laugh while the alcohol takes its toll, leaving me feeling a bit tipsy and off-balance.
Sebastian moves his arm down to my waist, his touch both comforting and grounding. “I think it’s time we head home, princess.”
“Alright.”
We bid farewell to our friends after he takes care of the bill, leaving a generous tip.
The world tilts and sways as he leads me to his car, especially when he scoops me up into his arms, carrying me as if I weigh nothing.
“You don’t have to…” I wrap my arms around his neck.
“But I want to.” He settles me gently into the passenger seat. “So, no protests.”
The drive back is a blur, punctuated by the steady hum of the engine and the faint scent of his cologne. By the time we enter his apartment, I’m half-asleep, in his arms.
A flicker of light catches the corner of my eye as he carries me past the kitchen, and I whip my head around to find the remains of what looks like a romantic dinner for two—candles, a bouquet of lilies, and pasta—abandoned and left to grow cold.
“Stop.” I squirm in his arms, pulse quickening. “Put me down.”
He only tightens his hold. “What’s wrong?”
“The kitchen.” I nod towards it.
He sighs and stops in his tracks. “You weren’t supposed to see that.”
“Well, I did.” I struggle again, desperate to stand on my own two feet. To make sure what I saw is real. “Let me down.”
“Okay, okay.” He sets me down at last, and I hurry back to the kitchen.
The plates and gleaming silverware are carefully arranged with cloth napkins and a silver ring around them. The roast beef sits there, sliced into slim pieces, resting in its own savory juices. It’s surrounded by an array of colorful vegetables—tender carrots, crisp green beans, and roasted potatoes that glisten with a sheen of butter and herbs. He even got my favorite flowers, lilies.
It breaks my heart to think of him waiting for me, only to be disappointed.
“Did you do all this?” I ask.
“I, uh, yes. I wanted to do something nice for you after last night.”
“When did you prepare it?”
“I knew you were out, so I came home early to get it done before you returned. Brandon helped, I’m not gonna lie.”
Tears prick at the corners of my eyes.
He did this for me?
Unable to look at him, I keep my eyes on the table. I don’t know how to do this. I don’t know how to let him in again. But I should. I want to.
“You went through all this trouble with work and—”
He cuts me off. “You had plans with Mary. I understand.”
“Sebastian, I…” My voice cracks and I can no longer hold back the tears. They stream down my cheeks.
“Hey.” He steps around to face me and gently wipes them away with his thumb. “I’m sorry, princess. I want to make things right.”
“Is this because of a pretend card?”
“There’s no need to play pretend anymore. I want you in my life, but I understand it won’t be easy for you. Can we start fresh and try again?”