Page 61 of Brick Wall
He hangs up and walks back to me, looking a bit defeated. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize it was so late. I had reservations for us in Hingham Harbor but had to cancel. They didn’t have anything until much later.”
Sebastian unzips his backpack and hands me a bottle of water and snacks. Plural.
“What would you like?” he asks while spreading out the snack bags on his thick thighs like a buffet.
I grab a protein bar, and he does the same.
“This is not dinner, I promise,” he says, looking slightly embarrassed.
I put my hand over his. “I’m not upset, I promise.”
How could I be mad at a man who was so engrossed in conversation with me he lost track of time? At least, that’s what I’m telling myself. I could always use an ego boost.
Either way, I’m not upset we are missing dinner reservations. I had a great time conversing and spending time with him, too. Plus, I’m not really that hungry.
He rakes his hand through his beautiful blond hair, creating an even more beautiful, messy look.
I’d love to rake my hands through his hair.
“Do you want to head back to my place?” he says, interrupting my dirty thoughts about him. Although his invitation does not help since I’m getting even more ideas now. Yes, I’d love to return to his place, but instead of sounding too overeager, I respond with a soft “yes.”
“Great, I can make us some dinner. I have a few steaks and potatoes, and I have ground beef defrosted too, so I could mixthat with some rice and veggies, or I could order takeout.”
“Whatever is easier for you, and whatever you prefer. I’d love to have dinner at your place either way.”
Sebastian lets out a deep breath. He’s nervous, although I’m not sure why. “Okay,” he says simply. “I’m sorry if I screwed up our night.”
“You didn’t screw up anything,” I say gently but firmly. “I didn’t even know the plan. You could tell me whatever, and I would have thought it was your idea from the start.” I try to set his mind at ease.
“Okay.” He lets out another breath. “Do you want to head back now?”
“Sure,” I say as we turn away from the cliff and walk back to the same trail we did on the way here.
He’s quiet on the walk back, and I link my hand in his, holding his hand the entire walk back to his truck.
* * *
A little over an hour later, I’m setting the table for dinner at his condo. He decided to cook for me, which I have zero complaints about. He looks adorable in his extra-extra-large red apron as he’s mixing everything up in a frying pan.
Apparently, he’s making some kind of green monster mash, whatever that it is. According to him, it’s ground beef, rice, broth, soy sauce, green veggies, and some other seasonings. It smells delicious.
“What would you like to drink?” I ask Sebastian as I move around in his kitchen.
“Milk. I have some in the fridge. Help yourself to whatever. I have wine over here,” he says, pointing to a miniature wine cooler.
“Milk is great.” I pull out the carton and pour two glasses. I’ve worked so many hours as of late, I’d be afraid that wine would put me to sleep. Also, I want it to be a great night, and I want nothing to interfere with it, if you know what I mean.
Sebastian brings over two plates for dinner, placing one in front of me.
“It tastes better than it looks,” Sebastian says bashfully.
Bash.
I love that nickname for Sebastian, and it fits him so well. I’ll need to remember that.
My Bash.
However, I forget everything when I take my first bite.
