Second Chances (Dreams Come True #2) (7 page)

“This isn’t the first time I’ve noticed. This is just the first time I’m asking.” He moved behind me. I could feel him there before I ever felt his hands on my shoulders, turning me to face him. His eyes met mine and I wondered over what I saw there. “You can trust me, Marisa.”

Oh, how I wanted to, but I couldn’t. I couldn’t have his face staring at mine while I admitted things I’d never spoken aloud to anyone. I might be twenty-two and have years of adulting experience, but it didn’t matter. There were moments in my life I would never outgrow. Looking at me feet, I finally murmured, “Go to your office, Sebastian. Go in there and shut the door. Then I’ll tell you.”

“How can you tell me if we’re in separate rooms?” His exasperation was evident.

Holding up my phone, I nodded. “You know. Go on.”

Slowly, Sebastian released me. He turned away and started to take a step before he whipped back around my direction and crushed me to his chest for a brief second. Then he planted a kiss on my forehead before he all but trotted from the room. When he closed his office door, he paused and made eye contact one last time before finally shutting it.

Taking a deep breath, I tiptoed out of the workspace and rushed down the hall and out the gallery. Sebastian was still too close. Somehow, I knew if I told him even by text, he’d come rushing over to me. I’d see the sorrow in his eyes and I never wanted that. I might’ve been able to hold it together through my childhood and teens, but for some reason, I knew his pity could crush my soul. Once I’d made it a safe distance away, out of sight, I sent a text and hoped it’d be enough, and Sebastian would press no further. Deep down, I think I knew better.

me: My father used to shut me in his trunk.

As I waited, I held my breath. Already, I could feel tears burning my eyes. How could I be so weak? How could I let him do that to me? It made me feel like I was less than I was. Through blurry eyes, I saw my screen light up.

Sebastian: As a punishment or for another reason?

I hesitated. It might be easier if I just spit it all out at once. Maybe then he could digest it and let it go.

me: After my mom died. When he wanted to drink or gamble. He said he couldn’t leave me home alone or sitting in a car for hours.

Sniffling, I wiped at my eyes. There. That wasn’t so bad.

Sebastian: So…instead he locked you in the trunk?!

me: Yeah.

And done. So, I’d told him. He understood. I exhaled slowly and drew in a deep soothing breath. Now I’d go pick out the fabric for the parson’s chair before I went back to the gallery to upholster it. Feeling better, I realized I had a sense of relief. I’d survived it twice, living it and talking about it. Then my phone vibrated.

Sebastian: Where the hell are you?

I bit my lip.

me: This is why I left.

I leaned against the brick wall of the building while I waited for his next message. Instead, he called. For a moment, I hesitated before answering. “Hello?” Suddenly, I felt weak.

“Sunshine? Where are you?” He sounded breathless.

“I need to get fabric for the last piece.” I tried to sound normal, but I feared I’d done a lousy job of pulling it off.

He sighed heavily. “Is that really why you left?”

After taking a moment to clear my throat, I responded. “I couldn’t see that look in your eye, couldn’t handle you feeling sorry for me, you know?”

“You think I feel sorry for you?” There was a grunt through the phone. “I don’t feel sorry for you.” His voice grew stronger. “I admire you more than anyone I know. I hate when you’re hurting. I’d do anything to take away your pain.” Sebastian swallowed hard. “If you were here, I’d hold you and make you forget.”

“No!” My response was sharper than I intended. I tried again. “No, I don’t want to forget, but the idea of being able to remember without feeling the pain…that appeals to me.”

He chuckled. “That then.” He was quiet a moment. “Will you be back soon?”

“As soon as possible. I have a lot to do. I’ll be working late tonight to finish on time.” Convinced all was well between us and we’d found a new understanding, I started to walk toward my destination.

“Perfect. I need to give you the final payment. I thought we could do it over dinner.”

My heart sank. We’d had so little success eating together, I wasn’t sure I could handle another ruined meal. “I don’t know…”

“We’re going out. Let me surprise you.” Sebastian seemed determined.

I combed my fingers through my long loose hair. “I really don’t have anything to wear.”

“Yes, you do. It’s part of your surprise. You deserve to be treated like the lady you are.”

His timing was perfect. As I took another step, I stumbled on a crumbling piece of sidewalk and ended up slamming my knee into a light pole. “Fuck! Oh my lord, my knee is throbbing.” Then I giggled while rubbing my already swelling patella. “I’m such the lady.”

“Oh, Marisa, I adore you. We’ll talk over dinner tonight. Promise me.”

“Fine. A girl’s gotta eat. Maybe we’ll have more luck in public.” I shrugged even though he couldn’t see me. For some reason, even though part of me wanted to fight it and run, the rest of me was drawn to Sebastian.
Over the past two weeks, he’d changed significantly. He’d stopped with the marriage proposals. He seemed softer somehow. Though I couldn’t be certain, I wanted to take credit. Sebastian was shaping up to be my best redesign. I had to see it through.

Chapter Seven

Sebastian

I don’t date. I’ve never dated. I’ve picked up women in a bar and gone to their place, so I could leave as soon as possible, like minutes after we were through. Oh, but I’ve never dated. Sylvie knows it. This is why she has been giving me the evil eye ever since I asked her to run out and buy a cocktail dress and matching shoes for Marisa.

“What for?” Her lips tightened after she spoke.

“Dinner. Look at her. You know she has nothing to wear, right?” I gestured across the hall to where Marisa worked with headphones in. She was humming to herself, lost in her own world, a world where they apparently wore nothing but coveralls and sweatshirts while reeking of paint thinner. “And she’ll need perfume too.”

“Oh. My. God.” Sylvie stomped her foot. “What kind?” Her arms were crossed over her chest and I could practically see steam coming out of her ears.

“I don’t know. What smells nice? Hey, what do you wear?” I perked up as I sniffed in her direction. “You always smell good.”

Sticking a hand up, she growled. “You’re too much. Just give me your card. I’ll take care of it.” Reaching into my wallet, I pulled out a card and was in the process of passing it to her when she snatched it from my hand. Then she snarled, “I suppose I need to find out her sizes as well?”

Sinking in my chair, I could feel myself wilting under her gaze. “I could guess, I suppose.”

“Right. And then when you have me buy the wrong size shoes and Miss Clumsy Pants breaks an ankle, I’ll be shopping for medical supplies so you can nurse her back to health. No thank you.” Sylvie flipped her hair over her shoulder and stormed across the hall.

I watched as she tapped Marisa on the shoulder. It must’ve been harder than necessary because, my little sunshine winced as she turned. Knowing what was being said, I tried to pretend I was occupied with work and refused to glance up long after Sylvie clomped down the hall. It didn’t matter. I soon had a text message.

Marisa: Please tell me your Barbie doll isn’t about to play dress up with me.

My lips twitched as I tried not to smile. Damn, she was so clever. Me, I sat there trying to think up some matching response. I started several messages, but everything seemed stupid. Finally, I just settled on sending something, anything, because I could feel her watching me from across the hall.

me: Back to work, citizen. We have reservations at eight.

Marisa: But the gallery doesn’t close until 9!

me: This is what employees are for.

Marisa: Does she know she’s closing the gallery?

This time I tugged at my lip before responding. I could see where she was going with this.

me: Yes…?

Marisa: Oh. My. God. She’s going to pick me out something hideous and make you pay for it.

me: She wouldn’t dare.

Then I thought about it a moment, considered everything I’d learned of Sylvie in our time working together, and finally recalled our history.

me: On second thought, will you be done with enough time to exchange the outfit…just in case?

I knew she’d received my text when I could hear her laughter from across the hall. When I looked her direction, she was smiling and nodding at me. In response, I pretended to wipe my brow in relief. For some reason, I found it difficult to concentrate on work after our interaction. Everything was progressing nicely. We had dinner plans. I had plenty of time, as long as seventeen days was enough. It had to be.

I was still lost in thought considering it when Sylvie returned and dropped my card on the desk in front of me, the bags she left on the sofa. “Close the door a moment,” I murmured as she marched to the door. Apparently she thought I wanted to be alone so I had to stop her. “With you on this side of it…” It took all my effort to paste a smile on my face.

Once she had shut the door, harder than necessary, Sylvie crossed her arms over her chest. “What?”

“How long should you date someone before proposing? Like a week, ten days?” I tapped my pen on the blotter distractedly while I waited for her response.

Her brow furrowed, her eyes narrowed and she looked mad enough to spit. I didn’t get it. “Are you proposing tonight? To her?” Sylvie’s thumb jerked behind her toward the closed door.

“No…” I leaned back in my chair and let out a hollow laugh, as if her very question was ridiculous.

“Then why’d you ask?” She stormed back to the desk and leaned on it, a white-knuckle grip on the edge. I tried to shrug in response, but she was too quick for me. “Your birthday is circled on the calendar. Your parents’ lawyer keeps visiting.” Sylvie stood and whirled around, pacing back and forth as she considered the possibilities. “Your uncle came a couple of weeks ago and started talking about the gallery being his in thirty days. He even asked if I was looking forward to working under him.” She paused to release a full body shudder. “It was one of those double entendre thingies, wasn’t it?” Her eyes widened. “You’re going to lose the gallery if you don’t marry before your birthday, aren’t you?” She clapped her hands together in front of her chest. Suddenly she seemed both excited and alarmed. “Problem solved. Marry me.” She smiled widely then collapsed into the chair and crossed her legs seductively.

For the briefest moment I stared at her and considered it. It would solve all my problems. I could keep my condo, and the gallery. I’d finally reclaim my family home, keep not only my inheritance, but whatever was left of the money set aside to maintain the mansion. Most of all, Uncle Luc would be gone for good and I wouldn’t have to worry about dating anymore. I’d have time to get to know Marisa and let nature take its course without the insane pressure. Then I tensed as I realized it would never work. If I married Sylvie out of convenience, I’d lose Marisa forever. She’d never understand.

Shaking my head, I sighed. “I can’t.”

“Because of her,” she spat. Angrily, she stood and walked to the door. I thought she would finally leave, but she whirled around at the last minute. “Fine. Don’t come crying to me when you lose everything. You had your chance.”

Then she finally stormed out of the room, leaving the door wide open and me holding my head as I wondered if I’d made a huge mistake. The idea of glancing across the hall and finding Marisa staring my way scared the hell out of me, so I kept my eyes averted until my phone chimed.

Marisa: Chin up, mate. I’m done. Finished. Fait accompli. We can blow this pop stand. What’s say? You and me?

There it was.
You and me
. The reason I risked it all. Immediately, my mood improved.

me: Come on over. I haven’t looked. We can check out your attire together.

Then I held the phone in both hands, staring at it, waiting for a response when I heard it right in front of me.

“Okay. Let’s do this.” Marisa beamed at me. “It can’t be that bad. I’m pretty easy to please.”

Chuckling, I agreed. “You’d have to be to put up with me.”

“Eh, you’re not so hard to take.” She smiled as she lifted the first bag. “May I?”

I nodded as I exhaled. “Have at it.”

***

Marisa

Everything was perfect. Sylvie shocked me by picking out the ideal little black cocktail dress, matching shoes and jewelry. Hell, she even picked out a nice light perfume and a bit of makeup. Seriously, I almost squealed when I saw all of it. Then I rushed into the bathroom to get ready before Sebastian really had a chance to see any of it.

“Wait! I thought we were checking it out together.” He looked baffled, maybe a little hurt, but I just gathered everything in my arms, glided over to him and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

“You’ll see in a minute. Don’t go anywhere. I may need you to zip me.” Then I rushed from the room, giggling like a little girl. It felt good. Dressing up, new fancy clothes, and…a date. This had to be a date, right? Why else would he pay for all this?

I’d never worn those platform heels, but I did my best to make it work. I’d also never applied eyeliner, but I watched a quick tutorial on YouTube and muddled through. Though I wanted to bathe in the perfume, I held back and saved it for my pulse points. By the time I was through and my hair was in a messy bun on the top of my head, I didn’t even know me. What would Sebastian think?

Slowly, I tottered back to his office. When I peeked in, he was still working, staring at his desk blotter calendar. I cleared my throat to get his attention while I struck a pose in the doorway. Immediately, he looked up. His eyes widened, his mouth opened as if to speak, but he remained silent. “Say something. Please.” I felt really silly, so I closed the distance between us by taking teeny tiny steps. “Gawd, I’m walking like one of those poor Japanese feet binding chicks.”

Rushing to my side, Sebastian offered me his left hand while wrapping his arm around me for support. “You look simply stunning, Marisa.”

Those words made all the effort worthwhile. I could feel my face flush. Soon enough we left for dinner, but not before I thanked Sophie profusely. She nodded in response. Can’t say as I blame her. After all, she clearly has a thing for Sebastian, whether he’s aware of it or not. That she didn’t outright hate me was probably the best I could hope for.

Honestly, I barely remember dinner. We went some place fancy. I don’t recall the name of it. Inside, the lighting was low, the tables lit with candles. For once, I fit right in with the sea of black suits, and black dresses. We ate. I think we ate. I know I picked at the food a lot, but I was smiling so much my face hurt and my stomach was in rolling knots and I wanted nothing more than to bask in the moment, take it all in.

Sebastian held my hand as he walked me back to the car and opened my door for me. As I sat and hooked my seat belt, he passed me my leftovers. When we parked behind the gallery, he turned to me and asked, “Want to come in?” Then he gazed at me almost shyly.

Nodding, I smiled. “I’d like that. I have to get my clothes anyway. Can’t go home looking like this.” I shrugged.

“Yes. Shameful. Not fit for public consumption.” Sebastian teased me as he ran a hand up and down my thigh. The wine I’d drank on an empty stomach made me feel all warm and agreeable.

Once inside the now closed gallery, Sebastian locked up behind us. We gathered my clothes and I started toward the bathroom to change. “You can do it upstairs. I wanted to show you my place.” He cautiously directed me toward the stairs I’d seen, but never ventured up.

Curiosity won out, plus he had that whole ‘winegreement’ thing going for him. Slipping off the shoes at the bottom of the steps, I grinned. “I’ve been wanting to do this forever.” I sighed, tucked the heels under my arm and gestured for him to start going up. “Lead the way.”

“You know,” Sebastian commented as he mounted the first tread, “I’m a little surprised you drank. I worried I’d made a mistake when ordering the wine.” I could see him looking at me, expecting some kind of response.

“It’s my first time,” I admitted shyly. “Everything.”

He hesitated a moment, then continued up the steps. When he made it to the landing, he opened the door for me. After I stepped through, he finally spoke. “When you say everything, you mean?”

Taking a deep breath, I decided to just blurt it out. “
Everything
. I’ve never been on a date. I’ve never had even a sip of alcohol.” I shrugged. “I’d kind of vowed to never drink after the way my father had acted all these years, but I figured if there was ever a good time to discover if I had a problem, it was with you.”

Already, Sebastian began tugging on his lip. “How’s that? Why now?” His head tilted as he prepared to digest my words.

“I trust you. I know you wouldn’t hurt me, or let me hurt myself.” I took a step closer to him, so we were toe to toe. “You would never let me drink too much, make a fool of myself, or anything like that.” Gazing at him, I watched for a reaction.

“Wow.” He shook his head. “To hear you tell it, I’m a pretty awesome guy.” His eyes darkened, his brow furrowed  “How is it I’m the first guy who ever managed to take you on a date?” Sebastian started to reach out to me, but let his hands drop.

At the moment, I craved his touch too much to let him get away with it. Stepping impossibly close, I wrapped his arms around me, then locked mine around his waist while I laid my head on his chest. His heart positively raced. It made me feel special, for the first time in my life. Finally, I had the confidence to share the truth. “I could never let anyone close. My father was too unpredictable. It was easier to hide the secret from the world, and hide me, too, I guess.” I bit the side of my lip and waited for his response.

Sebastian breathed into my hair. He seemed saddened by my words. I wanted to explain, to make him feel better. I’d die right now if he felt sorry for me. Instead, he beat me to it. “I was going to try to convince you to stay,” he whispered.