Chapter Nineteen
Emery
The sun sets across the city, casting an orange glow through the lounge area. My stomach rumbles, but I ignore it, having eaten my last muesli bar earlier today.
A glance at the clock lets me know fifteen minutes have passed, and I lift the towel-wrapped ice pack from my ankle.
Memories of last night’s dinner invade my thoughts.
It might have been awkward,but the food.If there were any way I could have finished it, I would have been tempted to lick the container clean. My stomach pipes up again, telling me I’m on the right track.
Usually, I can ignore the hunger pangs as long as I’m eating just enough to keep them to a tolerable level. But having such a wholesome meal last night has clearly heightened my appetite.
My gaze strays to the kitchen across the penthouse, remembering how Sebastian put my half-finished meal in the refrigerator with the other containers we hadn’t touched. I last another minute before I’m on my feet and heading for the kitchen.
After I put the ice pack back in the freezer, I focus on why I really came in here. It’s easy to figure out which one is mine by the weight, and with my meal in hand, I go to shut the refrigerator door, but my gaze lingers on the rest of the containers, wondering what’s in them.
The untouched salad is in a plastic container rather than aluminium like the others, and I hesitate before grabbing it.
Maybe just a little.
I grab the salad and put it on top of the container I already have before I can change my mind.
I’m nearly finished eating when the lift dings, and Shadow takes off around the corner. He barks, and I automatically jump. Though, it doesn’t sound aggressive.
I didn’t think Sebastian would be home yet, it’s barely seven, and apart from last night, from what I know, he’s usually at the office till much later. Maybe Mason’s come back to take Shadow out again?
I’m still trying to decide what to do when my gaze clashes with Sebastian’s as he rounds the corner, coming to a halt at the sight of me like he wasn’t expecting me to be sitting right here. Everything that happened last night with the rambling, and the kiss, hangs in the air between us, and I hold my breath.
Is he going to mention it?
Sebastian doesn’t say anything, only takes in the scene in front of him. His gaze finds my nearly finished dinner, and instead of being annoyed I helped myself, he looks almostpleased.
A warm flutter fills my stomach at his expression, and I shift on the stool. Sebastian doesn’t miss the move, and I have to focus on the bowl in front of me when the flutter only intensifies.
My restraint only lasts so long before his presence gets the best of me, and our gazes meet once again.
Why is he home so early again?
Scratching Shadow’s head, he moves further into the kitchen and opens the refrigerator. Grabbing one of the leftover meals from last night, he transfers it to a bowl before putting it in the microwave.
Part of me is glad he hasn’t brought up last night. But another part aches with how easily he was able to walk away and dismiss it.
I finish the last few bites of my dinner, but unable to stop myself, I watch him as he moves about the kitchen. I should say something. Ask him how his day was.
Is that too domestic?
I wouldn’t have thought so before, but after the kiss, everything feels different.
My mouth opens and closes as I try to find something to say. I’ve had so many conversations with him in my head, but now that he’s right in front of me, nothing will come out.
Sebastian leans against the counter, his arms crossed over his chest.
“How was dinner?” he asks, eyeing me while he waits for his own to heat up.
I swallow my nerves before answering him. “It was great, thank you.”
“Are you still hungry?”