Page 30 of Snapdragon

I freeze, not sure what to say. Sebastian steps in and saves the day, though.

“That’s hardly an appropriate question, Matilda.”

She hangs her head a little and goes silent. Normally I would feel a little sorry for her. But Sebastian was right, it was an inappropriate question for her to ask. It also ruined the easy going tone we had.

We pull up to the venue at last. Sebastian climbs around me to be the first one to leave the car. He holds out a hand for me and gracefully assists me in getting my dress free.

We pause for photos before making our way into line for the red carpet. I think it’s expected now that if Sebastian is invited to an event, that I will be joining him. The initial shock from our first two appearances are long gone. It all feels kind of normal.

Sebastian keeps his usual hand on my lower back as we move through the line. But he’s also a bit more handsy than normal. He’s quick to fix a stray hair back into place, or smooth down my dress when the breeze gets under it.

When we get to our markers on the carpet, he bends down fluffing out my skirt for me before we pose. He’s so attentive throughout the evening, doting on me and making sure that I have everything I could possibly need.

He wins his award, and my heart is full while I watch him give his acceptance speech. Addison joins him for the acceptance, a stunning navy blue gown draped over her lithe form.

Sebastian insists that he doesn’t want to go to an after party, award or not. He just wants to see me home and then go to bed.

I must doze off on the car journey back to my place. Because I am woken by Sebastian gently nudging me.

“Hey, Sunshine. You’re home.”

I nod absently, getting up and making it into my building. In the elevator up I have a thought, did I fall asleep on him? I don’t think I even really noticed in my sleepy state.

I’m in my apartment for a couple minutes when my phone dings with a text:

Did you get into your apartment OK? You were very sleepy…

I send him a quick reply letting him know I’m home safe and sound. I take off my dress and climb into bed with my makeup still on.

Chapter 17

We’re messing around in the sound booth again tonight, getting deep into the songwriting. The song is coming together though.

I’m seriously impressed with Sebastian’s guitar skills. His hands are so big that he can pretty much play anything he wants on the instrument. I’m only extremely jealous.

We harmonize on different lines together and I record all of it. I’m sitting at the mixing desk, playing back the parts we’ve recorded, and I’m surprised at how well our voices sound together. We both have pretty low ranges, and it creates such a lovely timbre, the richness of our two sounds.

It gives me an idea, so I hop up, moving back into the sound booth. “Come on, I wanna try something on the guitar.”

I drag him into the booth with me and pick up the guitar. I sling the strap over my shoulder, not bothering to sit. I ask him to give me a second to figure it out. Then I play a little riff that I had in mind.

“Oh, I like that.” He listens, closing his eyes as I play it again. “Try moving your fourth finger up to the fifth fret on high ‘e’ and see how that sounds.”

I try what he asks, laughing as my finger is nowhere near long enough to hit the fifth fret.

“I physically can’t do that.” I really do believe he is oblivious to how small my hands are compared to his.

“Sure you can!” Sebastian moves behind me, I rest my arms as he plays around me to show what he means. His warmth envelops me, and I try to focus on what he is doing instead of leaning into that feeling.

“I knew what you meant, I just can’t physically do it.” I shove his hand aside and show him how pathetically far my finger will actually go. He tugs on it for me, seeing if he can stretch it out that way.

Sebastian burst out laughing. “OK, I’m sorry. You were so right, your hands are…”

I look up at him, turning a little. His words fading off as I stare into his bright green eyes. Sebastian leans forward, and I think that I’m going to let the kiss happen this time. I’m ready for it.

Except the bastard pulls away, clearing his throat. I slip the guitar over my head, frustrated that we have failed at this yet again. I don’t even know why we are fighting this anymore. Everyone already thinks we are dating, we spend most of our time together, why not try it for real?

I grip Sebastian’s hand, pulling him back to me. I set the guitar on the stand so I can give him my full attention.