I can’t wipe the stupid smile off my face the entire time I’m getting ready. I shower first, using my best-smelling shampoo, and then use the razor to get rid of unwanted hair from my body. I’m aware that I’m putting more effort into looking perfect than I have in a long while. It’s for tonight, I tell myself. The presentation for the buyers is tonight, so I’m preparing myself for the occasion. Great excuse. Except, why would I shave my pubis for the show?
At nine o’clock, I hear three knocks at my door. Drawing in a deep breath, I open it and thank heaven for having spent the past hours beautifying myself. Sebastian looks perfect. He wears jeans and a black cotton shirt. It’s simple, but it hugs his torso and biceps in a mouthwatering way. His gaze rakes over my body, resting on my breasts and lower on my hips.
Holding up two brown paper bags, he leans against the doorframe, saying, “I bought breakfast. We can eat it on the way to our first stop.”
“Okay.” I go toward the desk and grab my purse, then pause, turning to him. “I have one rule for today.”
“Only one?”
“Yes.”
“Okay. Let’s hear it.”
“No flirting,” I say seriously.
He strokes his chin, as if he were expecting this. “That’s no fun.”
“Then I’m not going anywhere.” I drop my purse on the table.
“You drive a hard bargain, don’t you?”
“Yeah.” I cross my arms over my chest, looking at him expectantly.
“Let’s go, Ava.”
“Promise.”
“I don’t make promises I can’t keep.” He strides inside the room, slings my purse over my shoulder, and hooks an arm around my waist. “But I can promise you’ll have fun today.”
Sebastian proves to be a perfect tour guide. I showed him my itinerary when we got in his car, and he nodded, scribbling two more stops on it. Five hours into the tour, and he hasn’t thrown one flirty line my way. Oh, he’s thrown plenty of insinuating stares, and I’ve returned every single one of them, because apparently I can’t stick to my own rules around him.
We grab a sandwich for lunch and crash on a bench in the Golden Gate Park.
“Why do you know so much about the city?” I ask, munching on my sandwich. There must be an apricot tree nearby, because the smell of apricots invades my senses. It’s so thick, I feel like I can bite into it and it would taste like Mom’s homemade apricot pie.
“I live here.”
“Yeah, well, I’ve lived in New York my whole life, and I don’t know that much about it. Kind of embarrassing.”
Sebastian doesn’t answer right away. “One of my first jobs in San Francisco was as a tour guide. I still remember a lot of that stuff.”
“Wow. So, what other jobs did you have?”
“Hmm, let’s see. I was a driver, a waiter.” As he recites a number of other jobs, I take in his body language. He holds his head high. He’s proud of every single job he’s had. Heck, he has every right to be proud; he’s a self-made man. I’m proud of him too.
“That’s why you treat everyone with respect,” I conclude.
“I honestly don’t think there is an easy job. I got a lucky break, but others don’t. This doesn’t mean their work is less valuable or easier.”
I look at him in awe. If only more people thought like him.
“Ready for the next round?” he asks.
“Let’s stay for a few more minutes. My feet are killing me.”
Without any warning, he lifts my legs, pulling my feet into his lap. I lose my balance and prop myself on my elbows on the bench. How did I end up on my back after only half a day with him?
“What are you doing?” I ask