Second Chances (Dreams Come True #2) (8 page)

“I’ll stay.” A smile spread across my face, and I squeezed him even tighter.

“You can’t stay like that.” He shook his head. “You basically just admitted you’re a virgin.”

“Wait. Does staying mean we have to have sex?” I leaned back and stared up at his face, my brow furrowed. “Maybe I’m not ready to stay. No need to have
all
my firsts in one night, right?”

The side of Sebastian’s mouth quirked. “Right. Maybe just one more though…for both of us.”

There was something in the way he stared down at me, the intensity of it, like he was seeing straight into my soul. I couldn’t look away. I didn’t want to. Still, my mouth opened slightly as he swooped down and matched his lips to mine in another searing kiss. The heat between us had me going up in flames and awakened a need in me, the same way the sun stirred seeds to life in the spring. The way our tongues danced in a rhythm I somehow knew, despite never being taught. I wanted more, so much more. For the first time, I wanted everything. Sharing my secrets with him wasn’t enough. Now I wanted to share my body, give myself to him, heart and soul. Sebastian didn’t even have to ask, I’d offer, if only to make the aching cease.

It was as if he knew because he suddenly stopped, pulled back, and pressed his forehead to mine. My eyes shot open and I discovered his were still closed, an unfamiliar look on his face as he bit hard on his lower lip. Acting entirely on instinct, I moved, trying to secure one more kiss, missing our newfound closeness already. “More,” I murmured as I pressed my body to his.

To my disappointment and surprise, Sebastian shook his head. “No way, sunshine.” Exhaling slowly, he scooped me up in his arms and walked me through the condo until he deposited me on his bed in a seated position.

Though I had no idea what we were going to do now, I had no desire to argue. Reaching around behind me, I grabbed at my zipper and yanked it down. Soon the dress began to slip down my shoulders while I stared him in the eyes.

“Marisa, we can’t. Not tonight. I’m not stealing your v-card after one mediocre date.” He smiled shyly as he climbed onto the bed beside me. “If and when we take that step, we’ll both be completely sober and deeply in love.” Cupping the back of my head, Sebastian pressed his lips to my cheek and pulled the dress onto my shoulders.

“But you said one more first. You carried me to your room.” The confusion made me self-conscious. If I had more experience, maybe I’d understand. Instead, I wanted to cry, hot tears of embarrassment already prickling my eyes.

He nodded. “Would you like to spend the night here, in my arms?” Sebastian drew me close. “I’ve never done that before, never simply slept with any girl for the whole night…or at all for that matter.” Then he ducked his head so we were eye to eye. “But you have to wear clothes to bed. I’m not that strong and you’re practically impossible to resist. Okay?”

Immediately, I brightened. “So, I’m kinda irresistible?” There was no hiding my grin.

“Yes, sunshine. You’re so damn desirable, I have no idea how I’m going to keep my word.” My smile must’ve faltered some. “Don’t worry. I will. I promise, you’re safe with me.”

Sebastian released me then, moved from the bed to the closet and returned with a t-shirt for me to wear. I snatched it from his hands and rushed to the open bathroom door I’d spied while he carried me in here. It only took a few minutes for me to change. When I returned, he was already wearing his own t-shirt and pajama pants. As I walked toward him, he pulled back the covers. “Climb in, Marisa. I’m going to hold you while you fall asleep.”

His words were all the invitation I needed. With all the restraint of a toddler and with the skills of a gazelle, I bounced into bed, struggling to hide the giggles bubbling in my throat.

“Let it out. Then come here.” He grinned and opened his arms to me while I laughed.

Seconds later, I had positioned myself nicely. I thought. Only then I hadn’t. I shifted again and some more. Nope, my arm started hurting. Finally, without saying a word, Sebastian moved me onto my side, facing away from him. “But,” I argued, my voice barely louder than a whimper.

Soon, he had wrapped himself around me, pressed his groin against my ass, and had his face buried in my neck. After he planted a few lingering kisses there, Sebastian murmured, “Sleep well, Marisa.”

I did. I must’ve. When my eyes opened once more, light had begun to stream in through the gauzy curtains and Sebastian’s arm was still wrapped around my waist. For a moment, I simply lay there and basked in our closeness. Then my stomach rumbled. If I were home right now, I’d be waking to the smell of bacon. Mattie would have everything ready, just like she did every Saturday morning since I’d started living with her five years ago.

Sebastian had probably never experienced anything so wonderful. Ah, but if I could sneak out of here, I might just be able to change that. Oh, and I had to find my phone. Did I leave it in the pocket of my fancy new dress coat? Maybe it was in my new designer purse? Gawd, with the money he’d spent on me, he deserved breakfast in bed. And a blow job. Of course, I had no idea how to do that. It would probably be best if I stuck to food.

Slowly, I moved his arm until I could safely leave the bed without disturbing him. Once my feet hit the floor, I tiptoed out of the room. My phone wasn’t either of the places I looked. Instead, I found it on the credenza near the door. Knowing Mattie would never see a text message I called her.

“Marisa Rosemont,” she began with a laugh. “You scared the dickens out of me.”

“How’s that?” I laughed, feeling pretty safe on the other side of the phone.

“You know. I hope you had fun last night.” Then she waited and I knew she expected me to say something.

“I did. I had a nice time.” I bit the tip of my finger while I waited.

“You with that mysterious gallery owner?”

I sighed blissfully. “Yeah. I’ll be back later. Talk to you then?”

“You better!” Then her tone lightened. “Have fun, honey child. It’s about time.”

With a smile on my face, I walked into the kitchen and decided to poke around. By the time Sebastian emerged half an hour later, I had made a ham steak I found in the fridge and was in the middle of making cheesy scrambled eggs. He had padded out of the bedroom so quietly I didn’t even hear him. Only when his hands wrapped around my waist as I stood at the stove was I finally aware of his presence.

“Marisa, you can cook!” Sebastian sounded surprised.

My eyebrow rose. “I can do a lot of things.” I chuckled. “After last night I figured you deserved breakfast and a blow job.” He inhaled sharply and I laughed. “Ah, but one out of two isn’t bad.” When I looked up at him, he was grinning.

“Listen, next time, if I get a choice…”

“Sorry. I’ve never given a blow job.” No need to get him all excited over nothing.

With a smile, he leaned down and kissed me. “No matter.” Then he stood up again and started to make coffee. “By the way, after the last two weeks, I thought it was time for me to keep part two of my promise.”

“What’s that?” I was barely paying attention as I moved the eggs from the pan onto the plates.

“We’re going to go get you the furniture I promised. I have movers set up and everything.” Sebastian glanced at his phone a moment. “We’ll have to be ready to leave here in a little over an hour. Think you can be ready?”

As busy as I had been with everything else, I had already forgotten that part of our deal, but he hadn’t. Squealing, I set the pan back on the burner and jumped up and down a moment before throwing myself into his arms. Finally, I calmed down, released him, and grinned. “Yeah. I can be ready.”

Chapter Eight

Marisa

We were going to the mansion. The very idea of it gave me goose bumps. My life to date hadn’t involved being around riches, or privilege. Actually, it mostly had revolved around drinking, gambling and flaring tempers. Needless to say, the very idea of going to some place already classified as a mansion that didn’t involve a ride in a school bus and a bunch of chaperones was ridiculously exciting. I may have been bouncing in the seat of Sebastian’s Mercedes a little too much. Suddenly his hand was on my knee. When I met his gaze, I could tell he was torn.

“It’s not what you think,” he began quietly.

“How do you mean?” I could feel my spirits sinking fast.

Sebastian stared out the windshield for a moment, tugging on his lip before finally responding. “It’s not this grandiose place you imagine it to be.” He frowned and I could almost read his emotions.

“Are you afraid of disappointing me?” The idea seemed incredulous, but I had to ask.

Offering a half smile, he nodded. “I care what you think. So you might as well know now that today is going to be very painful for me, but I’m making good on a promise.” Sebastian rubbed my thigh. “That’s important. You need to know you can trust me. It’s everything.”

I nodded. “I agree. I do trust you.” Sliding my hand under his, I laced our fingers. “Tell me. Share your pain and your burden will be so much lighter. I promise.” I smiled shyly. “At least that’s how it was for me when I told you…” I still couldn’t say the words, but he seemed to know what I meant.

“The trunk.” His face grew serious and finally he spoke, but refused to look at me. I completely understood. “My parents died when I was fourteen,” he began slowly.

“I’m so sorry,” I murmured as my heart began to ache for him.

He squeezed my hand. “My uncle, who I’d never met before, came to live with me. The next four years were hell. He let my home fall into ruin. He fired most of the staff, including the maid who’d been like a second mother to me.” Sebastian swallowed hard. “He just moved in and claimed everything as his. It was a huge adjustment for me. Even after I turned eighteen, I knew he wouldn’t leave, so I moved into the condo above the gallery.” Finally, he turned his sad dark eyes to me and I swore my heart shattered completely then. “Everything that mattered, he took from me. I just…” He shook his head.

“It’s okay, Sebastian. I’ll be there. We’re in this together.” Then a scary thought came to mind. “Will your uncle be there?”

A wicked smile spread across his face. “No, I found out he was going out of town for the weekend. This was the perfect time to go, since I even found movers available.”

I worried a moment about the repercussions. “Could you get arrested for this? For trespassing? For stealing? Anything?”

He laughed. “No. The reality is…for now…it’s all mine.” He shrugged.

“For now?” I questioned.

“And that is something for us to discuss…
later
.” Sebastian squeezed my hand again as he pulled up to the gate and punched in some numbers. Moments later, it slid open, granting us access to the grounds.

It was as bad as Sebastian warned. Maybe worse, even. Everywhere I looked was covered with overgrowth. Since it was winter, everything looked dead and tangled, even the ivy covering the home. By the time we parked, I could tell we were both sad. “I want to fix this place,” I announced. “It’s calling my name. I want to restore it to its original beauty.”

“I’d like that.” His voice was barely louder than a whisper. Then Sebastian opened his door and stepped out onto the crumbling driveway before walking around to my side of the car. Opening my door, he smiled. “Wow. You knew to wait for me to open your door.” He nodded in approval.

My cheeks warmed and I averted my eyes. “It wasn’t intentional.” I ducked my head in shame. “I was too busy studying the place to move.”

Chuckling, Sebastian drew me into his embrace. We paused for only a moment before he took me by the hand and marched us to the front door. It was locked, but he still had a key. “Uncle Luc isn’t allowed to change the locks. Plus, it would cost a lot of money and he certainly isn’t spending any on the mansion.” Once inside, he looked around a moment before shaking his head. “Obviously he’s let the last maid and the butler go.”

The mansion had an abandoned feel to it. If it weren’t for the furniture, I’d have doubted anyone lived there. Our shoes echoed on the marble floors given the high ceilings. While I fought an urge to explore the place, I waited for Sebastian’s lead.

“We need to hurry. I want to have the pieces picked before the movers arrive in approximately fifteen minutes. Then we’ll see how much time we have before my uncle returns.” He pointed toward the huge winding staircase.

“Is he coming back today?” Suddenly I shivered.

“Probably. He never leaves this place unattended for too long.” Sebastian laughed. “My guess is he feared I’d actually take some of what’s mine.”

At the top of the stairs, we took a right and walked down a musty smelling corridor. “Where are we going?” I glanced around at the walls covered in paintings. The place felt like a museum.

“My rooms were down here. And the room…” He stopped in the middle of the hall, turned and held my upper arms. “I lost my temper a lot after my parents died. My uncle would goad me and I’d fall for it every time. Please. I need you to understand.” His brow furrowed. I’d never seen him look so vulnerable.

Slowly, I nodded. Of course he worried I’d think he was like my father. “Don’t worry. I get it.”

With my reassurance, he released me and we walked solemnly toward a door at the very end of the hall. Opening it, he turned on the light and stared a moment before stepping aside to give me access. “You’ll find what you need in here.” He head dropped until his chin nearly touched his chest.

As soon as I moved into the room, I paused. Everywhere I looked there was broken furniture, including countless broken mirrors. Why would he keep them? There was a desk, a vanity table and stool, several bedroom suites stacked about. There was an old table, a couple of benches, and many doors that seemed to have been ripped from their hinges. I only had two questions. “Did you do all of this?” Tears formed in my eyes while glanced about.

“Yes,” he whispered. “I was sober, of course. Not sure if it makes it better or worse.”

“Better.” I nodded and sniffled. Funny how I could understand his hurt and his pain so easily, but my father…I had yet to forgive. Ready to move on, I asked my next question. “What can I take?”

Sebastian’s hand swooped to encompass all the contents of the room. “Whatever you want. You earned it. You deserve it.” His shoulders relaxed some. “I think you’re the only person who can fix it.”

“Fix the furniture?” I made a face. “Please. Anyone can fix this.”

In two steps, he was in front of me, tilting my chin until our eyes locked. “No. Fix me.”

Before I could respond his lips were on mine, not simply kissing, but possessing me. When I opened my mouth to his tongue, I could almost taste his fear, and feel his pain. Then, at the end, there was something else, some spark. Hope. Sebastian pulled me impossibly close until he very nearly lifted me off my feet. I would’ve let him too. The emotions his kiss had awakened distracted me from everything else, until his phone began to chime insistently.

Slowly, he drew back. Then with his forehead pressed against mine, he peeked at his phone, still in his hand. “The movers.” Standing upright, he answered their call and spoke to them while I marveled over the kiss. “They’ll be here in just a minute. So what would you like?”

My eyes never left his face as I responded. “Everything.” I spoke with certainty and willed him to understand. It wasn’t just the furniture I desired.

***

Sebastian

Everything.
God, how I wanted to clarify what she meant by ‘everything.’  For now, I had to be satisfied with directing the movers and facilitating the removal of the items. “The lady wants it all.” I gestured as the group of big burly men followed me inside the space. They nodded and set to work.

“Now what?” Marisa’s eyes sparkled as she spoke.

Again, I wondered over the meaning. Was it us? Was it the move? All I knew for certain was she had a way of making me feel. Thanks to her, these emotions weren’t the dark ones I expected to assault me during this visit to my former home. “Now I could give you a quick tour, if you’d like.”

Her hands locked under her chin, giving her this innocent, excited look as she nodded emphatically. “Yes, please.” Then she skipped out into the hall and waited for me.

Inhaling deeply, I somehow expected to suck in her excitement. It didn’t quite work. Still, I gave her a respectable tour. We started in the room I’d grown up in, which was next door. When I moved, I’d pretty much taken everything with me, so there was nothing for her to truly examine except the empty space. Marisa even looked out the windows. It was as though she were trying to imagine my life. I found I rather liked it. We moved further down the hall and I opened up one room after another, all bedrooms now emptied of their furniture.

“I wonder where it all went.” I frowned and began to tug at my lip.

“I think you know.” Marisa scowled. “Your uncle must’ve sold it.”

“There were antiques.” I rubbed my forehead before I strode down the hall to the other corridor, which had been off limits since my parents died. Without saying a word, I threw open the door to what used to be my parents’ suite. Much of it looked the same, save for their personal effects. Then I opened the walk-in closet and paused.

“What is it?” Marisa had followed me. In my anger, I’d nearly forgotten she was here.

Reaching onto the top shelf, in the back corner of the closet, I pulled down the handcrafted wooden Japanese puzzle box and held it a moment with both hands. “I don’t understand.” Shaking my head, I walked out of the room carrying it down the hall until I reached the top of the stairs.

Marisa laid a hand on my shoulder. “What don’t you understand?”

One of the movers strode toward us. “We’re through.” He pointed to the two men exiting the front door with an armoire. “That’s the last of it. Care to inspect the room before we drive to the address you gave us?”

“Of course.” I glided down the hall as if in a fog. I couldn’t process it yet. Taking a quick peek around the room, I nodded at Marisa. “They took everything.”

“They sure did.” She was staring at me and I could see the concern in her eyes.

“Let’s talk in the car, okay?” Even as I spoke, I draped an arm across her shoulders and moved toward the stairs. In silence, we walked back out to the car. I opened the door and made sure she was settled in the passenger seat before I returned to lock the house with the puzzle box still tucked under my arm. Finally, I pulled open my door and sat hard in the seat.

When Marisa reached over and touched my arm, I jumped. “Hey,” she whispered. “Wanna talk about it?”

As I reached up to tug at my lip, Marisa swatted my hand away. For a brief instant, I could feel my temper flare and I glared at her, but she simply stared at me completely unfazed. “What? I’m trying to sort this out.”

“Sort out loud. I’ll help.” She crossed her arms over her chest and waited.

Cute as she looked, I couldn’t help but soften. “Fine.” With a sigh, I reluctantly passed her the box, buckled my seatbelt and started the car. The moving van pulled down the driveway and I followed. Almost as soon as the van passed through the gate, I heard a horn sound. Following the direction of the noise, I found my uncle’s vehicle waiting to enter. When our eyes met, he glared. Then his look changed. Shock? Fear? Following his gaze, I realized he looked past me to Marisa, who had lifted the box to study it. Uncle Luc had seen. My eyes narrowed and we squealed out onto the road.

“I’ve never seen anything like this.” Marisa commented, obviously lost in thought and completely unaware.

A second later, my phone began to chime. Even before I looked at the screen, I knew who it would be. “Uncle Luc,” I grumbled.

“What do you think you’re doing?” He snapped through the phone. “You wait until I’m gone to steal my things? As soon as I take inventory, I’ll be calling the police.”

“Don’t bother,” I responded dully. “The movers made a list. I’ll gladly email it to you.” He hissed through the phone. “And you should know I checked with Mr. Lefevre before coming over. Everything I took is mine.”

“Just where do you think you’re taking it?” His voice roared with barely contained rage.

“If you must know, I’ve given it to a friend for her shop. She redesigns furniture and that sort of thing.” I was fiercely proud of her and glanced over to see if she noticed. A quick look assured me she was paying attention.

“You went in my room,” he accused.

There was no sense in denying it. “Technically, that’s mine too. You just live there.” It was time for me to remind him of his place in the world. Uncle Luc had run over me for far too long.

“You stole from me!” His voice sounded painfully shrill.

I bit my lip as I tried to hold my temper. “Are you sure about that, Uncle Luc? See, the box looks remarkably like the one my father gave me for my twelfth birthday. He used to take it with him on trips and bring it back filled with new surprises.” I struggled to breathe evenly. “In fact, my parents took the box with them the day they died. It was never recovered. Yet I found it in your closet. Care to explain that? Or maybe I should be the one calling the police?”