Chapter Six
Ava
I barely sleep during my first night in San Francisco. It’s not unusual; it takes some time to adjust to new beds. Tonight, my bed isn’t at fault for my lack of sleep.
Sebastian Bennett is.
There is something about this man. He can make my knees go weak and my heart somersault at the same time. It’s not just his good looks that have me thinking about him, though he’s delicious. He’s different from what I expected, and from other powerful men I’ve met. He shows respect to everyone, even waiters and valets. I almost melted when he spoke about his family today.
I twist in my bed, burying my head in the pillow. I can’t obsess over him; I need to drill this into my head. It would help if he’d acted indifferent, but his thinly disguised flirting made me simmer. An ache forms between my legs as I remember his stirring presence.
Unable to sleep, I text my best friend, Nadine.
Ava: Arrived at the new job today, wanted to let you know I’m okay.
Nadine: Is Sebastian Bennett as good-looking as in pictures?
Ava: Don’t get me started. He’s too hot for his own good.
Nadine: Too bad about your work clause. But nothing’s sweeter than the forbidden fruit, right?
Ava: You know I won’t do anything.
Smiling, I shake my head. I fall asleep with Sebastian on my mind. Dreaming is not forbidden, after all.
***
I arrive early at the office the next morning. Except for the security guard downstairs, I don’t bump into anyone. Perfect. I like starting my days before anyone else. I can get work done without interruptions. As I sink in my chair, I notice a small envelope on my desk, with my name on it.
Frowning, I open it and find a gift certificate for a spa and a handwritten card.
You deserve to relax. Enjoy your time at the spa.
Sebastian
Warmth billows inside me. Slowly, unexplainable emotions overcome me. No man I’ve dated has done something so thoughtful for me, and here comes this man I’ve known for one day, offering me something I need very badly. I’m sure he’s busy, yet he took time to buy this and even write to me. I have no proof, but I’m certain this is his handwriting.
Sighing, I push the card and the voucher back in the envelope. I can’t possibly accept it, though I could use a few hours of pampering. I walk to his office, intending to leave the envelope on his desk, but find Sebastian inside, bent over some papers. Like yesterday, he takes my breath away when he looks up at me.
“You’re here early.”
“I like to start my day early, when there’s no one around,” I say. “That way, I don’t get interrupted.”
“Clever. That’s why I like to come in early, too.” He sizes me up, his eyes resting on my hips and then my chest. The intensity in his gaze sets me ablaze. Wow. Okay, this must stop. It’s going to be a long four months if I daydream about jumping him every time I see him.
“What can I do for you?” he inquires. Why, thanks for asking, Mr. Bennett. How about showing me all the things you can do with your tongue and fingers and. . . “Ava?”
I bite the inside of my cheek, holding up the envelope. “I found this on my desk. It’s very thoughtful, but I can’t accept it.”
“Why?” His eyebrows shoot up. “You said you didn’t have time to relax after your last project.”
“Yes, but. . .” All the reasons I had in mind become a muddled chaos as he fixes me with his eyes, piercing me. Goose bumps cover my skin as I try to pull myself together. No chance. The man sets me alight with only his eyes. I shudder, imagining what he could do with his hands, or lips. Damn it. This needs to stop.
“Take pity on me and accept the gift to relieve me of my guilt,” he says.
“What are you guilty about?”
“I terrorized your boss to send someone as early as possible or I would give the job to another consultancy.”
“You terrorized my boss?” A giggle tumbles from my lips.
“I did.” He crosses his arms over his chest, his delicious lips curling upward. “Am I wrong in thinking you find that a little amusing?”
“I find it very amusing. He usually does all the terrorizing. The thought that someone has done the same to him is very satisfying.”
“There’s a naughty girl hidden down there underneath your business suits, isn’t there?” he asks. Is my mind playing tricks on me, or did his voice become throatier? I wet my lips, averting my gaze.
“Take the card, Sebastian. Give it to someone else.”
“I’m not expecting you to fall all over me because of a spa visit.” His bluntness sends tendrils of heat low in my body.
“You’re cocky.”
“You like it.” When I don’t say anything, he continues. “Look, I want you to have a good time. Let me do this for you.”
“You’re doing this. . . why?”
He smiles mischievously. “You were practically glowing at the restaurant yesterday. I loved that look on your face, and I’d love even more to be the reason you smile.”
I am speechless, and swooning. How can he do that to me? Why do I want even more? Sebastian closes the distance between us, pointing to the envelope.
“Take the gift card.”
“Sebastian.”
“Ava.”
“I can’t—”
“You will. End of discussion.” His tone is so final, so full of authority, that I actually take a step back. He advances toward me, as if determined to dominate me. “I want you to relax.” He bends his head to my cheek, whispering in my ear, “Think about me while you’re there.”