Page 10 of His Obsession
Matteo leans back in his chair, clearly entertained. “He’s impossible to please. I’ve told him this.”
“Then maybe your problem isn’t the event planners,” I challenge, taking another sip of my wine. “Maybe the problem is that you’re a nightmare client.”
Nico laughs so hard he nearly chokes on his wine. Matteo covers his mouth with his hand, shoulders shaking. Even I smile into my glass.
Sebastian does not laugh. He just looks at me with a strange, intent expression that makes my pulse trip over itself.
“Is it so wrong to expect perfection?”
I let out a laugh. “There’s no such thing as a perfect event. Too many variables and personalities to manage. If I don’t have at least three fires to put out on any given night, something is very wrong. My job is to make sure the guests never notice.”
“I notice everything,” he answers definitively.
“Like I said, that sounds like a you problem.”
He watches me with an intrigued, almost tense expression, and I feel a small triumph in it. It’s nice to have my spark back. I can speak my mind with a man without fear of repercussion.
“On that note,” Nico says, clearing his throat. “I’ll go grab the dessert.”
“I’ll get it,” I offer, suddenly needing a little space.
I stand before he can and nearly sprint into the kitchen. I take a deep breath and silently reprimand myself for lusting after my brother’s best friend. That is definitely a stupid move.
When I bring the dessert out, the three of them are whispering among themselves and stop the second they see me.Nicely done,guys. Not suspicious at all.I roll my eyes and set down the plate of cannoli.
We eat dessert quickly, and I realize I’ve actually survived family dinner without much incident. To reward myself, I make my excuses to leave.
“Come on, sis, you can at least stay for a round of Gin Rummy,” Nico complains.
“As much as I’d love to beat you, I really do have an early meeting tomorrow. I want to be fresh.”
“Fine,” he groans. “I’ll see you next week. At least, I’d better.”
I kiss him on the top of his head and head for the door. To my surprise, a chair scrapes behind me. I look over and see Sebastian standing.
“I’ll walk you out,” he offers.
My whole body ignites with nerves. I just nod because I’m speechless. We walk silently through the house until I reach the front door. His presence is so imposing, and he’s even taller than I guessed. Just as I’m about to thank him for the incredibly bizarre gesture, he stops me.
“Listen, I’ve been thinking about what you said, and I’d like to hire you.”
That’s not at all what I expected him to say.
“Okay.” I nod. “What’s the event?”
“A charity gala. You seem like exactly the kind of sharpshooter I need to run it.”
“I don’t work on favors,” I tell him, raising an eyebrow. “And I don’t do friends-and-family discounts.”
He chuckles for the first time all night, and I immediately memorize the sound. “Name your price. I’ll double it.”
I nod, stunned speechless yet again.
“I’ll send you a proposal,” I say, reaching for the doorknob.
He holds the door open for me. “I’ll be waiting.”
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