Page 12 of Destined
15
Serena
As the elevatorwhisked Serena up towards her office, she ran over her appointments for the day in her head. She’s gotten some good ideas down for the Marino International event the night before, and she was keen to get started. It would take a little finessing, shuffling some things she’d intended working on, but there was nothing terribly urgent today.
As soon as she walked into the offices, Ginny came to her feet with an easy smile. It wasn’t unusual for her to follow Serena into her office to plan out the day. Today, however, she seemed extra eager.
Stepping over the threshold, Ginny hot on her heels, the first thing she noticed was an enormous crystal vase filled with the most exquisite roses standing on her desk. She turned to Ginny, eyebrow raised in enquiry. Laughing at the look on Serena’s face, Ginny opened her mouth to answer just as the phone rang, and she went over to answer it from Serena’s desk.
Serena watched in fascination as expressions chased over Ginny’s lovely face. She found herself intrigued about the conversation as her assistant certainly seemed to be quite engaged. Ginny’s eyes came to hers.
“Yes, of course, sir. She’s right here. Just a moment, Mr Marino. I’ll put you right through.” Pushing the hold button, Ginny grinned at Serena, holding out the receiver before announcing rather unnecessarily, “Mr Marino for you.” Grinning, she continued, “I’ll go get us some coffee while you take the call.”
Serena took a moment to compose herself. Her heart was beating fast, like she’d been running. Pushing the button, she answered the call.
“Sebastian, good morning.”
“Do you like the flowers,cara? Please accept them as a small token of apology. Yesterday ended somewhat abruptly. Not at all how I envisaged the afternoon would go.”
Serena cringed at thoughts of the day before. Clearly, she’d overreacted and was quite ashamed of herself.
“Thank you, Sebastian. They’re beautiful. I hope today is a better day? You seemed quite upset yesterday. Not bad news, I hope?”
“My mother phoning to update me regarding my father. He is gravely ill. The news is not good. But I didn’t call to talk of sad things. I was wondering about that dinner. I’d like to see you again, and I did promise to make it up to you.”
Looking over at the vibrant blooms, Serena felt a frisson of excitement at seeing Sebastian again. Why did this man make her yearn for things she never had before? Serena had been focused on her career, getting ahead. In her mind, there was plenty of time for marriage and family. Now, this man had her wanting it all – marriage, children, the fairy-tale happy-ever-after.
She felt such attraction for this man that went beyond just the physical. But it was more than attraction. There was something about Sebastian that evoked deeper feelings.
“Serena?”
Jolted from her thoughts, Serena realised she’d yet to answer him.
“Oh, sorry. Yes, I’m still here. I’d like that very much. What did you have in mind?”
“It’s a surprise. I’ll send Ari to collect you. When would suit you?”
“I’m not sure. I’ve got some things coming up. Give me a moment to check.”
Consulting her diary, Serena gave Sebastian a date. Unfortunately, the date clashed with his schedule. After some back and forth, they finally settled on a date.
“I look forward to it,bella.Ciao.”
And with that, he was gone. Serena looked at the phone in her hand and shook her head. She had never met anyone quite like him. Maybe that’s what the appeal was.
Putting thoughts of Sebastian out of her mind, she called Ginny back into her office to get her workday started. She had a gala to plan, and time stood still for no woman. But she couldn’t resist the grin of anticipation that spread across her face at the thought of seeing him again.
16
Sebastian
Hanging up the phone,Sebastian swung his chair around to take in the magnificent view of Table Bay he had from his office in the heart of Cape Town’s central business district. His mind still on Serena, he idly watched as the harbour tugs brought a passenger liner in to dock in Cape Town Harbour.
While she hadn’t said it in so many words, he knew his actions and lack of attention the previous afternoon had hurt her. It pained him to know he’d caused her unhappiness. For the first time in memory, and quite possibly ever, he was concerned with a woman’s feelings.
And wasn’t that the kicker? Playboy Marino, as the press had dubbed him, letting emotions rule his actions. Once again, the vulnerability he’d felt the day before washed over him.What the hell was he doing mooning over a woman like a lovesick teenager? Hadn’t he learned the hard way that women couldn’t be trusted? They never showed their true selves until it was too late.
But every time he thought back to how awkward and distant she’d been the previous day, after his phone call, his gut twisted. Intuitively, he knew Serena was different. In his circle, she was something of a rarity. Principled and honest. No matter how cynical he’d become over the years, it was clear for all to see.
