Page 38 of Best Kept Vows

Jane ordered another round, the sparkling lights of the bar reflecting in her eyes, brighter than usual. Her laughter rang out louder, and her hand occasionally brushed mine. She was tipsy and dangerously flirtatious, and I found myself treading carefully with every interaction, wary of upsetting the delicate balance between professionalism and a line we couldn’t uncross.

Excusing myself to the bar, I stepped away from the group, pretending I had to take a phone call for a moment of clarity. I walked out of the restaurant and leaned against the wall, grateful for the brief escape.

“Seb, all okay?”

I turned to find Jane beside me, her hand casually resting on my arm.

“Jane, please call meSebastian.”

“It just slips out sometimes. Tonight was incredible, wasn’t it?” she purred, leaning close enough that I could smell her perfume—floral, heavy.

“Yeah. Great win,” I answered carefully, stepping away. “We should call it a night. I should pay the bill.”

She tilted her head, smiling playfully. “What’s the rush? The night’s still young,Seb…astian.”

I cleared my throat, uncomfortable. “Jane?—”

“You know, I can tell how you feel about me,” she stated softly, ignoring my subtle retreat.

“I think you’re a very capable COO.”

She laughed, her head thrown back. “You’re very handsome, you know that?”

“Jane,” I warned, keeping my voice steady but firm, “you’ve had too much to drink. Let me call you an Uber.”

She took a step toward me. “Why don’t you take me home yourself? Come inside…see where the night takes us.”

I was stunned into silence, not from temptation but from disbelief. Before I could respond, my gaze landed on a familiar figure.

Lia was walking by us, clearly with the intent of entering the bar.

Her eyes were wide with shock. My heart stuttered. She’d heard Jane’s offer—seen her standing far too close, and the hurt on her face was unmistakable.

“Lia….” Her name fell helplessly from my lips.

Jane glanced over her shoulder, and to my surprise, the corner of her mouth lifted in a smug, knowing smile. “Hi, Lia. How are you?”

I sidestepped Jane to stand next to my wife. Lia stiffened, but when I put an arm around her, she didn’t push it away.

“Not so good, Jane,” Lia said, steel in her voice. “You propositioning my husband does not put me in a good mood.”

Jane waved a hand. “Your husband spends all his time with me,” she slurred. “What does that say to you? You know he skipped your anniversary dinner because I asked him to.”

“I skipped it because we had a crisis,” I snapped.

Jane licked her lips. “You can lie all you want, Seb…astian.ButI know the truth. Be honest. You’re not happy with her. You’ve been unhappy for a long time. Stop being noble. You wantme—I see it in your eyes every day.”

The womanwasdrunkandderanged.

Disgusted, I stepped further back. “You’re wrong, Jane. Go home.”

She laughed bitterly, eyes flashing with anger. “You’re a coward, Sebastian Boone. I’m offering what you want, and you’re too scared to admit it.”

“Goodnight, Jane.” I led Lia into the restaurant, but she shook her head.

“Baby—”

Aurora and Luna joined us; they came from the other side of the restaurant, where they probably had parked their car. They looked at Jane, then me, and I saw the curiosity in their speculation.

---