“I should go,” I add, moving toward the door. “Goodnight.”
Sebastian’s jaw tightens, but he doesn’t say anything. Not until I grab the patio door handle.
“You can use the front door, Ivy.”
I pause.
Then I giggle. “Oh. Right.”
I walk to the front door, open it properly this time, and step out onto the porch. Before I leave, I turn back and give a small wave. “I’ll see you later, Sebastian.”
His eyes meet mine. Steady. Knowing.
I’ve almost closed the door when I hear Drew exhale like he’s been holding his breath for hours.
I close the door and head for home.
As I walk away, one thought fills my head.Sebastian pretends he likes it when I leave.
But he likes it more when I return.
The lights are stillon when I arrive home, but the house is empty. Typical. My dad must still be with his girlfriend.
I could easily find a place. I inherited a lot of money after Mom died. Plus, the dark stalker romance novels I write under a pen name, mostly for fun, are surprisingly profitable.
I head to my office and flick on the lights. It’s cozy with everything in white or rose gold—desk, comfy chair, bookcases, keyboard, and laptop. The space screams girl boss.
My fingers glide over the desk, French tips gleaming beneath the light, as I take my seat, mind whirling with ideas. Sebastian is the muse for my male character. Pieces of him are embedded in every mannerism and word of my newest morally gray, broody hero, Grey.
If only Sebastian would stalk me like Grey. Obsess over me the way Grey does Karly.
It’s a nice dream.
Maybe one day.
My fingers fly over the keys, losing myself in the art of storytelling. My stories are like movies inside my head that come out through my fingertips.
A car door slams in the distance, and I glance at the time. I blink at the clock in disbelief. Two and a half hours have flown by.
I exit my office and head downstairs as my dad strolls inside.
“Hey, button.” He taps my nose before giving me a hug. “How are you?”
“Great. You?”
“Better.” He smiles, but exhaustion lines his eyes.
“You’ve been out late with Elizabeth, huh?”
His smile widens. “She’s a delight. I can’t get enough of her.” He moves toward the kitchen, and I follow.
“She still keep her doors unlocked for you?”
He winks. “Every night.” He grabs a bottle of water from the fridge. “Too bad she didn’t know I went on vacation with her.” He takes a long swig, then lowers it. “How are things with you and Sebastian?”
I brighten at the mention of his name. “Wonderful. I met his brother tonight.” I stare at my bare ring finger, thinking about how beautiful a diamond from Sebastian would look.
“Oh. Was he visiting?”
