Page 80 of A Sinful Gravity

Then I stopped. The elation drained away instantly at the sight of the person standing at my front door.

Sebastian Loran.

He wore a simple T-shirt and jeans, looked clean and vibrant with that relaxed artist energy that made me unreasonably irritated. He held a bouquet of flowers, waiting for something.

My steps faltered. My fingers tightened. The plastic bag crinkled softly.

Seb turned his head. He didn't look surprised to see me. Instead he gave me an easy smile.

"Hello, Mr. King."

I took a deep breath. Adjusted my tie.

"Hello." My voice came out relatively calm.

He stood by the door, hadn't rung the bell yet. The flowers were pale pink roses, elegantly wrapped. Maybe a dozen or so.

"Here for Luna?" I climbed the steps.

"Yeah," he said naturally. "Luna left something at the theater. I was passing by, thought I'd drop it off. Also made plans with Laila. We're going for that Texas steak she's been talking about nonstop."

And he'd brought flowers too.

Something churned in my stomach. Sour and bitter. I pushed it down.

The door swung open just then. A small figure rushed from the living room.

"Seb!"

Laila squealed and launched herself at him like a tiny cannonball. Seb crouched down, caught her, laughing as he lifted her up and spun her around.

"Miss me?"

"Yes!" Laila wrapped her arms around his neck, giggling. "What took you so long?"

I stood in the doorway watching this scene. In that moment, bitterness spread up my throat.

Laila smiled at him so brightly, that kind of unguarded trust didn't belong to me. The way Seb held her was so practiced, like he'd done it countless times. They had an understanding between them.

"Cassian!" Laila suddenly turned to look at me, waving her little hand. "Seb's taking me to dinner! Steak! And we're going out after."

"Oh, okay," I said, trying to sound normal. "That's nice."

Seb set Laila down and handed her the flowers. "These are for your mom. Have her put them in a vase."

Laila took them, sniffed. "They smell good! I'll give them to Mommy!"

She ran upstairs, clutching the flowers, footsteps pounding, shouting as she went. "Mommy! Seb's here!"

Just me and Seb left at the door. I felt my temples throbbing.

Six years ago, I probably would've had security throw Seb out.

Silence stretched between us.

He spoke first. "How's she been doing?"

"Good," I said. "Laila's good too."