Page 152 of When We Ignite

“Can you give me a minute, Ari?” he asked, pulling me toward him on the couch.

Aria stood with a knowing sigh, walking toward the kitchen.

Sebastian leaned in and kissed my neck, and I tried to push him back, self-conscious.

“Hey.”

He chuckled softly. “What? I’m just kissing you,” he said, moving to press his lips against mine. “I’ll miss you while you’re gone,” he whispered, his voice low and warm.

My face flushed as I leaned into his kiss despite myself. “Are you turning corny on me now?”

He huffed a laugh. “I’m leaving in a bit. I think I’ll be back around eight, okay?” he said.

I nodded.

“Are you coming back before lunch?”

“I was planning to stop by my apartment to grab some stuff.”

He hummed against my neck, his arms wrapping tighter around my waist.

“You’re getting a little too handsy for this to be public,” I muttered, trying to wriggle free, but he just laughed.

“I’m sorry. Apparently, mind-numbingly great sex makes me clingy,” he said, his lips brushing against my skin.

“I have to go,” I insisted, pushing at his chest.

He sighed dramatically but leaned back. “Fine. See you later. I’ll have Jodi leave food ready in case you come back earlier,” he said, leaning in for one last kiss on my lips.

“Thanks,” I said, laughing softly as I tried to pry his hands off me.

He groaned in frustration, which only made me laugh harder.

“Bye, Ash,” I said, stepping away. He winked at me, and I turned to the others. “Bye, guys,” I called, waving as I walked toward the elevator.

Just as the doors were closing, I heard Sebastian laugh loudly. Glancing back, I caught Aria giving him a stern look, her hands firmly planted on her hips.

* * *

By Wednesday, I was starting to feel more at ease around everyone. Jodi kept making amazing food, Bertha, the housekeeper, would gently usher me out of the room and toward the table, and Aria chatted with me while Sebastian stayed absorbed in his phone. In my explorations, I had also discovered his vinyl record collection, an impressive assortment of board games, and an absurd number of chargers and cables, all meticulously stored away.

“Is he like a closeted hoarder?” I asked Aria, who laughed while nodding.

“It’s more of a shopping addiction. Have you seen his closet yet?”

“I have good taste, and I like pretty things. There’s nothing wrong with indulging,” Sebastian chimed in, smiling at me and reaching for my cheek.

I dodged his touch with a smirk. “Yeah? Then why the board games?” I teased, watching him try to hide his smile behind his coffee cup.

“Mr. Langley is downstairs for you,” Bertha announced, stepping into the room.

Sebastian’s face immediately tensed. “Which one?”

“Mr. Henry,” she clarified.

His shoulders relaxed. “Have him come up, Bertha. Thank you,” he said cordially, returning his attention to his phone.

Henry walked in a minute later. “Oh, hey, full house,” he greeted, plopping down at the table beside me and immediately picking at my plate.