Page 81 of Bid For Me
“This,” I declare, holding up a well-worn romance novel with a lurid cover, “is a classic.”
Seb raises an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. “A classic? Really?”
“Don’t judge a book by its cover,” I shoot back, grinning.
He smirks, but doesn’t argue, letting me buy the book along with a couple of others. I have to wonder where I’ll keep them at his father’s house, because giving us privacy doesn’t seem to be one of Alexander’s top priorities, but I can worry about that later. Right now, the day is too perfect to tarnish.
Later, we stumble upon a small park, and Seb insists on getting us ice cream from a nearby cart. It’s ridiculous in the chilly weather, but I can’t help laughing as he hands me a cone.
“You’re impossible,” I say, shaking my head.
“Impossible, but charming,” he counters, his grin widening.
As the sun dips lower in the sky, painting everything in warm gold, we find ourselves sitting on a bench, the day’s simple pleasures wrapping around us like a cocoon.
“Thank you,” I say quietly, breaking the comfortable silence.
Seb looks over at me, his expression soft. “For what?”
“For this. For...today. It’s been a while since I felt like myself.”
He doesn’t respond right away, his gaze searching mine. “You’re still you, Elle,” he says finally, his voice steady. “Even when everything feels like it’s spinning out of control. Don’t forget that.”
For a moment, I feel like the world slows down, the weight of the past few days easing just a little. I smile, a real one, and Seb returns it, something unspoken passing between us.
“Let’s do this again sometime,” I say, my tone light but genuine.
Seb nods, his smile softening. “Yeah. Let’s.”
“Tomorrow?” I surprise myself by asking hopefully.
Seb pulls a regretful face. “You’re busy tomorrow.”
My own smile falls. “Oh. What is it this time?”
He leans over, wraps an arm around my shoulders and pulls me into him, kissing my temple lightly. My heart races. “You, my dear girl, are going to work.”
“But—”
“It’s all sorted. All of your appointments have been rearranged to outside of your opening hours, and aside from your final dress fitting, you don’t actually need to be present at any of the others if you don’t want to.”
“Bas, how have you arranged all that?”
“Love it when you call me Bas. I hired a wedding planner.”
“I– thank you, Bas.”
“You’re welcome, angel.”
By the time we return to the mansion, the air between us feels lighter, the tension of the past few days replaced by something warmer. I don’t know what will happen in the coming days, but for now, I’m grateful for today – for the reminder that, beneath all the expectations and pressure, there’s still somethingreal between us. Even if it’s only a budding and tentative friendship.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
Seb
The early morningsunlight filters through the mansion’s tall windows, casting a golden glow over the dining room as I sip my coffee. Across the table, Elle sits, poised and graceful as ever, discussing the final wedding details with Jessica, our overzealous wedding planner. I can’t believe it’s only four days away now.
I’m ready. And that’s something I never thought I’d say.