To Sir, with Love

by Lauren Layne

“Gracie.” His voice is rough. I turn. He’s standing, his expression both cautious and hopeful. “Do you have plans for dinner tonight?”

but I’m glad you’re the first to know.”

He smiles. In fact, he looks rather pleased.

“No. But I’m learning it’s a bad thing when you’re so focused on what you think you want that you don’t see what’s right in front of you,” I reply slowly. Sebastian’s fork freezes for just a fraction of a second, his fingers seeming to tighten on the utensil, his eyes flicking up to mine. The second our gazes clash, it’s like that first day on the sidewalk all over again, all crackle and butterflies and Frank Sinatra.

All parts of Sebastian are likable.

“I care about her. I care about her more than she knows. I’ve been afraid if I tell her that, I’ll lose her.”

And I want to be the only thing she wants.”

“Your guy,” he says roughly. “Do you love him?”

“I think you should try again.”

I want that.

“It’ll work out the way that it should. Trust me.”

And because I’d do anything for you, Gracie Cooper. Even if it means letting you go.”

“It’s you,” I say softly. “It’s always been you.” “Yes.” He whispers it, his hand lifting toward my face, hesitating. Then, very gently, he sets his fingers to my cheek, his thumb catching a tear I didn’t realize had fallen. “Yes.”

I wanted you to love both sides of me, as much as I love both sides of you. And because of what I said before—you deserve the fairy-tale ending, and I can only hope you’ll give me a chance to be yours, Gracie.”

Cinderella’s glass slipper? It’s got nothing on Sebastian Andrews’s kiss.

Gracie, Find them later. Quit texting me from the living room and come to bed. Your loving husband, Sebastian