CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Emery

I stared at the ceiling, thinking about everything. Sebastian was here. He was Phil’s son. What were the odds of that happening to me? I took a slow breath.

I thought back to how fast we ended up sleeping together again. I couldn’t resist him, and I planned to do the same tomorrow on his turf. I knew what he’d do to me and the way that he’d make me scream his name. Sebastian was a skilled lover and my weakness, but he was my stepbrother.

How could that be?

I turned to the side and closed my eyes, wondering what Mom would want to do tomorrow. I imagined lunch and maybe shopping or spa time. She loved being pampered and always made a point to take me somewhere. She loved talking as we got manicures or pedicures and allowing ourselves to feel beautiful.

What would Sebastian do while we were out? I couldn’t help but to wonder if he’d been with anyone since our night together. I hadn’t, but it was only a few days. He was a gorgeous man who had to have women throwing themselves at him.

I wondered again why he worked just like I was sure he needed to know why I participated in that auction. I wasn’t prepared to explain myself over that. It was supposed to be a night and then life was supposed to move on. Fate was such a tricky beast.

I don’t know when I finally fell asleep, but I woke up to the sun streaming through the window. I blinked and then remembered where I was and more importantly, what happened last night. I blushed, reaching for a shirt to pull on so I could open the window and air the room out a bit. It got hot in here last night.

I dressed and walked into the kitchen, smelling coffee. I turned to walk in and noticed that Sebastian was getting a cup as I paused. He was so gorgeous. He set the carafe back, and I walked forward as he looked up at me. Sebastian pulled out the cream for the coffee and I smiled weakly. I poured a cup and added some to the cup, stirring slowly.

“Did you sleep well?” I asked him as he shot me a dark look.

“Not really.” I sipped the coffee and swallowed it gratefully. Looking around, I frowned. “Is everyone gone?” He nodded.

“Lucy went shopping and Dad is at work. Your mom should be home soon from yoga. How long will you be with her today?” His voice sounded anxious, and I closed my eyes for a second.

“I don’t know. I can’t cut it short, Sebastian. I don’t see her that often.” My voice was low and strained.

“I know that,” he said as I looked at him.

We had about an hour to ourselves before Mom danced in through the garage. She found us in the living room far apart, watching TV.

“Hello, darling.” She leaned down to hug and kiss me, looking amazing before she glanced at her stepson.

“Good morning, Sebastian.” He nodded at her as she looked back at me. “I need to shower but we can get lunch after that. Catch up?”

“Of course. I took one earlier.” I took one with Sebastian earlier, letting him fuck me against the wall.

“Great. Give me a bit.” She left the room, and I looked at him. “That should not have happened.”

“We can resist one another,” he told me as I rolled my eyes. He had a point. I moved to get ready for lunch, slipping on leggings and a dark pink hoodie. I didn’t have any makeup here, but that didn’t matter. I’d already impressed the only person I cared about. I walked back into the living room after lacing up my shoes to find Mom waiting in jeans and a soft purple sweater, taking in the last of a talk show.

“HI,” I greeted her as she looked up with a warm smile. I glanced around, wondering where Sebastian was but scared to ask.

“Let’s go. There’s the sweetest little bistro in town.” She turned off the TV and went to get her purse and keys from the kitchen counter. I followed silently as she got into her new Lexus SUV. Mom chattered about the town and places that I’d like as memories of Sebastian filled my head. I blinked when we stopped and looked over at my mother, who was looking at me with a curious gaze. “Where were you? I don’t think you heard a word I said.”

“I’m just tired. It was hard to sleep last night.” I told her as she nodded.

“Are you up for lunch?”

“Yes, of course. I’m fine,” I assured her as I forced a smile. We got out of the car and walked into a little restaurant with a Paris theme as Mom greeted the hostess with familiarity. We were seated in the corner at a bistro table and both ordered water.

“Are you seeing someone, Emery?” Mom asked as I nearly dropped my glass.

“No. Why do you ask?”

“You have that look in your eyes. The one that shows a woman is thinking about someone. I’ve never seen that before with you.” She smiled as I felt panic flood me.

“I’m not, Mom. I am just thinking about the future.” I tried to brush it off, and she stared at me.

“I want you happy,” she told me as I wondered how much she meant that. Would she support my being with Sebastian when she was still just getting to know him?

“I am.” We ordered some lunch, and she told me a bit about her daily life with Phil. He was a nice man, and she was happy, making me reach across the table to cover her hand with mine. “I am so glad that you found him, Mom.”

“So am I. I know that you miss Dad and I do as well. It took me some time to get where I am now, but I’ll never forget him.” She assured me as I looked at her with tear-filled eyes.

“He’d want you happy, Mom.”

We went to a spa after lunch for pedicures and massages. I enjoyed the day but kept wondering where Sebastian was and what he was doing. I thought about how we’d drive back to the city together but meet up for another night together. I worried about what this might be and how it might end.

We returned to the house after a few hours and I glanced around immediately. I didn’t see Sebastian until I looked out back to see him on his phone. Mine vibrated in my purse and I glanced down as Mom set her things down and went to talk to Lucy as I stepped away and reached for my phone.

S: Make an excuse to get back to New York tonight. Mine is that I work tomorrow.

I raised my eyes to look outside, seeing his gaze locked on me.

I made the excuse that someone called in the next day and I was covering a shift. Mom was visibly disappointed but smiled as I got up to gather my stuff. Sebastian had already told Phil something of the same story, but he accepted it and Mom didn’t react too much. We made a point of leaving about a half an hour apart with plans to meet at his place.

I turned up the radio, thrilled with the feelings that he gave me. I even found it arousing that we were keeping this so secret even though it could devastate our family. That caused guilt to rise in me, sitting like a knot in my stomach.