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I walked into the kitchen and dug around for silverware and intact plates, trying to hide my emotions. I wanted to cry. I’d been so close to having the perfect night, and it had been ruined. Just like every other fun bit of my life.
For the next few minutes, Henry dug into the desserts in the living room, and I watched him eat in silence. He’d chosen the ganache au chocolat, and I managed a smile when I saw him close his eyes after the first delicious bite.
I turned to Sean as he stood close to me.
“Don’t you want some dessert too?” he asked, but I shook my head.
“I’m not hungry. I’m just … shocked. I’ve never seen him this upset before. He’s never broken dishes before,” I murmured, my voice low while I picked up the broom and swept up the kitchen floor.
Sean’s gaze went back to Henry, who was searching for the TV remote, and I held my breath, waiting for the inevitable response that usually followed. A sudden flurry of apologies, followed by a hurried exit. I prepared myself for Henry’s crestfallen face when he realized yet another of my acquaintances was beating a hasty retreat.
The TV turned on to one of Henry’s favorite soccer games, and he settled in.
Right now would be the time that Sean would make his exit. Polite, but one that clearly showed that he knew where his place was in this scene. Out the door.
“Is that Manchester United?” Sean asked, nodding toward the TV.
Henry nodded.
Sean’s gaze fell to the object on the coffee table—a referee whistle, I realized.
“That’s a soccer whistle, isn’t it?” Sean asked.
What is Sean doing, dragging this moment out?
Henry looked at it and then laughed. “Yes. I don’t play soccer anymore, but before my accident, I loved to. I still hope to be a referee someday.”
My gaze flicked back to Sean again, but this time, it was just him and his conversation with Henry.
“I’ve never understood soccer,” Sean admitted. “I was a placekicker on our school’s football team and failed to understand so many of the rules that I was kicked out soon. The one time I tried to follow soccer, I had to give up when I couldn’t understand the offside rule.”
Henry laughed at that, but I could see his eyes light up with the challenge. “I could explain it to you if you’d like,” he said, pushing his wheelchair back. He turned to me. “If that’s okay with you?”
I opened and shut my mouth a few times. Sean had just witnessed a scene that was worse than the one Will had been a spectator to. And he was choosing to stay put? It was tough on anyone, to be honest, if you just walked in and saw a person having a meltdown over a health condition that was not in their control.
As though confirming my suspicions, Sean answered Henry, “I’d love to hear it.”
In a few minutes, Henry and Sean were in a full-blown discussion that involved the saltshaker, a couple of pens, and an action figure from the mantelpiece. There were a lot of questionsfrom Sean and laughter and enthusiasm from Henry as he explained the goals and positions on the field.
I was officially blown away by the scene in my living room.
I watched as Sean shouted, “Offside!” as Henry, the pretend referee, moved his players around their imaginary field on the dining table and signaled for an offside offense by raising his miniature flag.
This was my first glimpse of Sean as someone more than just an arrogant boss. When they were done a few minutes later, Sean ended by inviting Henry over to watch the next soccer game with him that weekend.
Henry was thrilled, but I tried to tamp down the nervousness in my belly. Was it a good idea to see Sean again after tonight?
I watched as Henry waved goodbye to Sean.
I didn’t miss the happy look on Henry’s face before he disappeared into his bedroom. He had enjoyed the last few minutes, talking soccer with Sean.
Sean turned me around, pulling me to his chest before I had time to blink. I gazed into his beautiful brown eyes for a second before his head dipped and he was kissing my lips. His hand wrapped around my waist, and my legs trembled under his touch. I would never get used to the way my body reacted to his.
His lips were soft, full, and sweet—like sugar. I could never tire of kissing them. We kissed as if we’d been starved for each other for years, and his hand slipped to my butt, giving it a tight squeeze.
I was hopelessly lost to him.
When we finally broke apart, panting, even Sean’s eyes were dazed with passion.