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POPPING QUESTIONS
CHAPTER 7
***
Sophie
We make several batches of popcorn, loading the last bowlful with unhealthy gobs of melted butter and salt. Sebastian finds an old black-and-white Christmas movie on cable. He keeps the volume low so we can watch, talk, and make our garlands.
We settle on the floor with our backs against the sofa and overflowing bowls of popcorn between us. I cross my ankles and tug at my short skirt, attempting to be ladylike, though I feel nothing of the sort. Scratchy carpet prickles at the swell of my bottom and the backs of my thighs.
I should’ve requested a quick detour for a costume change into something more comfortable. But, I got caught up in the infectious fun we were having and still are, despite my careless burn.
“Can I get you something? A pillow or blanket?” Sebastian eyes my squirming legs, never missing a beat. “We can sit on the sofa if it’s more comfortable for you.”
“It isn’t the floor. It’s this silly costume.” I shift my shoulders and tug at the billowy cotton bottom. “It’s as uncomfortable as it looks.”
"I don't know about comfort, but it looks fabulous on you." He scans my body from head to toe, lingering over my thick thighs and calves. I wiggle my toes and watch his eyes light up. He pinches my little toe, then rests his hand on my ankle. His gaze finally reaches mine again as heat blazes up my body. "I don't think we wear the same size, but I think I can find something."
He grins, flashing that dapper dimple he wears so well. It melts every last bit of the stress I’ve held in reserve.
“That would be amazing.” I’ve been a grumpy, name-calling brat toward him. I don’t want to be a burden, too. “If it isn’t too much trouble.”
“Not at all. Though I’ll miss the view.”
I smile this time as fluttering butterflies take flight in my belly. My cheeks heat for the hundredth time in his presence. A tickle of pleasure sinks into my bones, and I feel...happy, elated that I'm here with him.
Sebastian rises from the floor and offers his hand to help me up. I lace my fingers with his as he leads me down a short hallway to his bedroom. I hone in on the massive bed immediately, then quickly avert my eyes to the dresser. He pulls a stack of clothing from a drawer and leaves them on the bed.
“I think these will work.” He backs his way to the door and begins pulling it shut as he exits the room. “Take your time.”
I exhale the breath I’ve been holding since stepping inside his bedroom. I’m dying to get a peek into his private life, but I can't bring myself to snoop beyond an assortment of framed photographs lining his dresser.
I unbutton my shirt and shimmy out of my skirt while peering at the faces I can only assume are family and close friends. I pull on the loose sweatpants and tighten the drawstring as I lean into the dresser, spying a few familiar faces. I pick up the photograph for a closer look and notice a distinct resemblance between Sebastian and the man with his arm slung around his shoulders. Their goofy grins and dimples are nearly identical.
My heart sinks. Cranberry Corner's most eligible bachelor, lady killer, and heartbreaker, Drake Jenkins. Sebastian's a player, like his brother, cousin, or however they're related.
He’s already put my business in jeopardy.I can’t allow my heart to end up in the same boat.
