Page 11 of Tempting Sebastian

“Go, here.” I put the address in the GPS. “He’s at the bus depot. I’d bet my life on it… go. Now.”

Quinn shifted the car into drive and took off. “Finish what you were saying,” she said.

“If he ever worked too late and couldn’t get back to the shelter in time to claim a bed, he would have to sleep on the streets or in the bus depot. I got angry because I’m disappointed in myself and Ian, that we’ve been so careless with the safety of our employees.”

She released a breath. “Oh, Bash. Jobs work late; it happens. You can’t control every situation. You couldn’t have known.”

“No, it’s wrong. We’re fortunate that in our work we can schedule meetings with potential purchases at any time. It doesn’t need to be late and if it is, one of us should be there with the employee.”

“I hear what you’re saying. I do. I just don’t want you beating yourself up.”

I shook my head. “Anyway, he thought I was angry with him because he thought his situation caused him to miss work, impacting the business, which is so far from how I actually feel.”

“Whatdoyou feel?”

“Disappointment in myself and Ian. Worry for Jackson. I don’t want him to stay in a shelter or a bus depot or under a bridge. He’s too good of a person. He’s too kind. He deserves better. No one deserves to live like that.” I was staring down at my hands, tracing the lines in my palm.

“Sebastian Alexander Moore, you like him.”

I snapped my head up. “What? No. I just…”

She laughed. “Oh, save it. I know my brother. I know when my brother likes someone. You like him and it’s caught you off guard.”

“Quinn, enough.” She pulled into the parking lot. “Let’s get in there.” We needed to find Jackson.

“What does he look like?”

“He’s black with a short, curly flat-top and probably wearing a hoodie and carrying a backpack.”

Quinn smirked and said, “I’m sure he’s handsome, too. This conversation isn’t finished, Bash.” I blushed and nodded while we locked the car and quietly made our way into the bus terminal.

I headed directly to the ticketing window and told Quinn, “I’ll ask them if they’ve seen him or if he bought a ticket.”

Quinn nodded and said, “Sounds good. I’m going to walk around.”

As I was talking to the worker in the window, Quinn came back. “Bash. I think I found him.”

I rushed over to her and asked, “Where…” Quinn led me around the corner and when I rounded it, there he was. He was curled up on the bench, eyes closed, laying on his pack. Quinn grabbed my arm, bringing me to a halt. I felt like I wanted to cry. Looking down at her, she could see it in my eyes. Every fear. Every emotion I’d felt since finding Jackson getting attacked, it all was bubbling just below the surface.

“Bash. Approach him slowly. He’ll be scared, especially after everything he’s been through.” She whispered.

I nodded and crouched down on the floor in front of him, so that I didn’t appear intimidating hovering over the top of him. I was struggling to keep my emotions in check. He was okay. He was there, asleep and he was fine. I pinched my eyes with my fingers. Then I turned and placed my hand on his arm. “Jackson…,” I said in a low voice, trying to make my voice as soft as possible. “Jackson, wake up.”

His eyes popped open and recoiled. I had startled him anyway. He sat up and squeezed himself into the corner further while looking around. “What are you doing here?” I could see his shoulders begin to relax just a little bit.

“Jackson, I want you to come home with me. I never wanted you to leave. I wasn’t angry with you. I was angry with myself.”

He blinked a few times and looked up at Quinn but still didn’t say anything, so I introduced them. “This is my sister, Quinn. Quinn, this is Jackson.”

Quinn smiled, sat down next to him, and in her softest tone said, “Jackson, it’s so great to meet you. I’ve heard so many amazing things about you.” She was lying because I’ve told her nothing, but I could see that she made Jackson’s eyes soften. He was breaking my heart.

“Nice to meet you, Quinn.” Jackson finally relaxed as they stood up. He shook Quinn’s hand. “I see that beauty runs in the family.”

Quinn blushed and my insides were on fire. She said, “Oh stop it. You’re too sweet. Are you hungry? We were just going to get something to eat.”

Quinn was amazing with people. She’s always been able to bring out the best in everyone, including me. Whenever Idon’t know what to say, she fills the gap and carries on the conversation.

Jackson smiled, but then it faded. “I… I would love to, but I don’t understand why you’re here. Didn’t you get my note?” He looked at me confused.

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