When I finish my coffee, he brings another over and sets it down carefully. “Here you go,” he says. “On the house.”
“That’s unnecessary.”
“I know,” he says easily. “But I want to. It’s my way of apologizing for bumping into you.”
I study him for a second.
Sebastian would never give something away for free.
Aaron looks pleased to do it.
Interesting.
“Well,” I say, wrapping my fingers around the warm cup. “Thank you.”
He nods and turns back to the counter, leaving mealone with my thoughts—and a strange, unfamiliar feeling settling low in my stomach.
Curiosity. And an idea.
I leave the café with a smile I don’t bother hiding.
The air outside feels different—lighter. Charged.
I head toward the familiar building. One that consists of glass, steel, and clean lines. Discreet signage hangs above the door.
I slip inside, moving like I belong there. No one pays me any attention as they go about their jobs. The few who do notice me give me a cursory glance before looking away.
My skin hums when I’m in view of Sebastian’s office door. I’m strategically positioned behind a large potted plant, blocking his view of me.
But I can see him.
He looks tense. Distracted.
I barely resist the urge to bolt inside, sit on his lap, and cuddle him against my chest, soothing him. Just like I did the other night after his nightmare.
But I don’t.
I observe.
Time passes. I watch him do meaningless things, his focus on his work. But I see the cracks in his concentration. The cracks in his carefully crafted façade.
And then, I turn and leave as quietly as I came in.
I head into a boutique nearby and buy a new sweater. If I go back to the car empty-handed, it’ll look suspicious.
A new shop has opened beside it. A male mannequin is positioned behind the glass, wearing a suit and tie.
The bell jingles as I step inside. I smile as I spot a shirt and tie that will look perfect on Sebastian.
I pay, my mood light.
I’ll put it in his closet after I get home.
Thomas is already waiting when I reach the car. He steps out and opens the door for me like he always does, eyes flicking briefly to my bags.
“Successful shopping trip?” he asks mildly. His tone says he’s learned not to ask questions he doesn’t want answered.
A sly smile curls my lips as I slide inside. “You could say that.”
