Page 92 of Sterling Heat

Because all things bright and beautiful eventually end, fading to darkness again.

Chapter 27

[Enya]

Sebastian Sylver is unlike any man I’ve ever known. Any man I’ve dreamed of knowing. He’s patient and kind, the very definition of love. And he’d made love to me amid candlelight and fireworks in one of the most romantic settings I’ve ever been in.

Eleven years in a committed relationship, and not once did I share a moment like I had with Sebastian on his rooftop. Everything was perfection, from the way Sebastian looked at me, to the way he touched me, to the pace he kept in an effort to put me at ease. I wasn’t afraid of sex. I was simply anxious about the first time after having a baby. Or maybe it was the first time in over a year. With someone new. Someone different. Someone exceptional.

I was in so much trouble with Sebastian.

When the firework finale finally lights up the sky and the night turns back to black, we kiss once more before Sebastian suggests we get to Adara. He isn’t in a rush to roll over and give me his back. He isn’t opposed to cuddling. He simply understands that his brother is babysitting, and we are on a time limit.

If only that timeframe meant forever, with more nights like this, and never having to say goodbye at the end of a day.

After we redress, Sebastian collects the blankets, tossing them down the ladder chute while I blow out the candles.

“Just leave them behind. I’ll collect them tomorrow once they’ve cooled.”

He climbs down first, and I follow, saddened as the romantic moment’s end blends with the elation still coursing through my limbs. Once Sebastian closes the door, locking it again, I start for the living room, but he catches my arm.

“Wait.” The command is quiet, desperate even.

I spin to face him, and he digs his fingers into my hair, combing the strands back to the nape of my neck before kissing me one more time in a long, languid way that has me wishing we could tumble to his bed next and start touching one another all over again.

When he pulls back, he rests his forehead against mine.

“I’m finally able to give gratitude to you.” He lifts his head so he can look me directly in the eye. “Thank you.”

I coyly smile. “For what?”

“For that.” He tips his head toward the ceiling. “I’ve never experienced anything like that and I’m certain I never will again.”

I want to tell him he can have moments like that again and again . . . with me.

The magical moment felt like a fairytale, complete with fireworks while kissing. The setting was romantic. The man a true prince. My fate is sealed.

I am in love with Sebastian Sylver.

But a squeak in the other room draws our attention toward the open bedroom door. Adara calls.

With a quiet sigh before an exasperated chuckle, I break free from Sebastian and head into his living room only to pause at what I see.

The lights are dimmed. A black and white video featuring a heavy metal rock band projects from Sebastian’s television. Knox is gently swaying back and forth with Adara balancing on his arm, her head in his palm. When he spins, Adara squawks again, clearly not liking to be removed from her view of the video.

Knox spins, giving us his back and quietly speaks over his shoulder. “She was a little fussy.”

“No worries.” Dreamily, I glance from Knox to Sebastian and back. Sebastian rubs a hand up my spine and squeezes the back of my neck.

“Is that Guns N’ Roses playing “Sweet Child O’ Mine”? Sebastian asks.

Knox nods, rocking side to side with Adara stretched out on his arm. “Uncle Knox is introducing her to the good stuff.”

Suddenly, my eyes well with tears. Uncle Knox? My thoughts momentarily drift to my brother who will never be an uncle. My brother, who Adara will never know. Even my parents, who deny her as a grandchild.

My heart aches for family. A large one with all the quirks Sebastian claims to dislike, but secretly adores, about his.

His stoic eldest brother.