stood up. “I’ve got to get back to work. See ya later, Gabs.”
After Gina had left, I couldn’t help but think about what she had said. Is
Sebastian really attracted to me? I knew I shouldn’t dwell on it, but I
couldn’t help it. And I had to admit I was more than a little bit flattered.
###
“How are you today, Gabriella?” Sebastian sat down beside me in the
airport terminal, placing his carry-on bag at his feet.
“Very well, thanks. How about you?” I asked cordially. I was determined
not to let what Gina had told me affect the trip to Boston. It would be
business as usual.
“Also very well, thank you,” Sebastian replied. “Want to run through the
sales pitch one last time?”
“Definitely,” I said. We were only going to be in Boston for one night;
we would meet with the prospective client that afternoon and fly back to
Chicago in the morning.
We planned our pitch and before I knew it the plane was boarding. I had
managed to put Gina’s words out of my head – for the most part. “He
rated you most fuckable.”
I was intrigued; Sebastian had always been off limits – there was
no way I was getting involved with a married man under any circumstances
– but his divorce changed things. I was extremely attracted to Sebastian;
I just had to make sure I kept my distance in Boston, because I wasn’t sure
what would happen if I let my guard down.
###
I had just taken a shower in my hotel room and slipped into one of the
soft robes that was hanging in the closet. The sales pitch had gone well, and I
was pretty sure we’d be bringing on even more business for Wells & Sons.
I was planning to order room service – a steak and a glass of wine
– but my hotel phone rang before I could put the order through.
“Hello?”
“Hey Gabriella, this is Sebastian.”
“Hi.” I tried to keep my voice cool.
“I’ve made a reservation in the hotel restaurant. Thought we could
celebrate the success today with a glass of wine and some dinner. Meet me in 15
minutes?”
My heart was racing. I knew I should say no; drinking with the boss was
on my list of things not to ever do, but instead I heard myself
telling him I’d be down shortly.
Frantically, I tried to decide what to wear. I hadn’t brought much. There
was the business suit I had worn for our meeting but other than that I only had
my pajamas. Shit.
I rifled through my bag. Think, Gabriella.
Okay, this could work. I slipped on the skirt from the suit and pulled my Hello Kitty pajama top over my head. It looked a bit silly, but I
dismissed the thought. You’re not trying to impress him, anyway, I
reminded myself.
After a quick mirror check, I slid into my comfortable flats and headed
downstairs to meet Sebastian.
###
I was halfway through my second glass of wine when Sebastian arrived at
the bar downstairs.
He placed a hand on my shoulder. “Our table is ready,” he said. “Are
you?” Something in his tone suggested he wasn’t just referring to dinner.
“Sure.” I tried to ignore his hand. Nothing was going to happen. I
wouldn’t let it.
Sebastian pulled the chair back for me and we sat down. He looked amazing
in faded jeans and a fitted black t-shirt. I willed myself not to stare too
long at his bulging chest. His dark hair was messy, not like how I usually saw
him at work. It was still damp, as though he’d just gotten out of the shower.
“So what’s new?” I asked lamely.
Sebastian grinned, revealing the dimple in his left cheek. “You did a
good job today,” he complimented me.
“Thanks.” Why am I at such a loss for words? I wanted to punch myself. I’d been on
plenty of trips with Sebastian St. Charles! Why was I getting nervous over some
silly gossip?
“ Hello Kitty ? I didn’t peg you as a fan.” Sebastian pointed at my
top.
I could feel myself blushing. “I didn’t bring much,” I admitted. “We
don’t usually go out to dinner when we travel. I’m used to getting