Shannon. I hope you won’t be mad at her. You could say I was insistent.” Sebastian chuckled softly.
“Ah, yeah. No biggie.” Caitlin replied, sinking onto her bed.
“Katie, I’m calling to invite you to dinner. I understand we didn’t really meet in a normal setting, but I would really like to get to know you.” Sebastian said, his voice sounding firm and oh-so-masculine on the other end of the line.
“Uh, when?” Caitlin asked, unsure how to answer. She had never really had any relevant experience when it came to dating so she would have to fumble her way through this.
“Any day of the week would be great. In fact, tonight will be great, if it isn’t too short a notice.” Sebastian said, turning on his charm full force. He knew he had an unfair advantage over Caitlin, but he intended to use every favor he had on his side to win this girl.
“I’m actually having dinner with my family right now. If you want I can meet you up for coffee in say, an hour?” Caitlin suggested.
“Sure thing. I’ll swing by to pick you up.” Sebastian said.
“Ah, okay. I’ll SMS you my address.” Caitlin said, her eyes frantically going through her wardrobe. She hadn’t really picked her clothes with dating in mind so she would have to make a few improvisations.
“Okay, see you then.” Sebastian murmured, his voice sending shivers down her spine.
After the call, Caitlin took a quick shower and rummaged through her closet. She was trying to tamp down the panic welling inside her. After spending ten frustrating minutes going through her limited choices, she finally settled on a dusty pink top, which showed off her collarbone and a hint of cleavage, dark leggings and boots. She put on a bonnet and mittens then bundled herself up with a thick woollen jacket.
Not exactly an impressive ensemble but with the cold weather, it would have to do. She made a mental note to ask Shannon to accompany her shopping one of these days.
Half running down the stairs, Caitlin called out to her mother, “Mom! I’m going out for a couple of hours.”
“Where are you going? You don’t have to work tonight, right?” Amanda stepped out from the kitchen, still wearing her apron.
“She’s going on a date!” Caleb chirped loudly from the living room. Caitlin’s cheeks flushed in response. She wasn’t prepared to tell her family she was seeing someone, at least when nothing was really official.
“Katie? Is it true?” Her mother’s curiosity was piqued.
“Ahhm…” Her brain scrambling for some noncommittal response.
“Katie’s got herself a boyfriend.” Caleb’s sing-song voice rang out loudly over the noise of the TV.
“Don’t be a dick, Caleb.” Caitlin responded, sounding exasperated. Sometimes, her brother could be just plain annoying. Turning to her mom, “It’s nothing, mom. I am just meeting a new friend.”
As if on cue, the doorbell rang, which instantly made Caitlin’s heart race. She was waiting for Sebastian to pick her up but she certainly hadn’t expected him to come knocking at their door.
Squaring her shoulders, she walked straight to the door with the full intention of stepping out as soon as she opened it. She immediately collided with Sebastian’s chest. At that instant, her senses fired up at the familiar smell of his perfume.
“Hey, easy. You okay?” Sebastian chuckled as he held her steady. When he looked up, he saw a woman a few meters away, looking curiously at them with a small, polite smile.
Holding Caitlin by the waist, he smiled to Amanda and introduced himself. “Good evening, ma’am. Judging by the uncanny resemblance, you must be Caitlin’s mother.” Smiling widely as he stepped forward and proffered his hand.
“Ah yes, I’m Amanda and you are?” Caitlin’s mother shook his hand and smiled in response.
‘He’s Katie’s boyfriend.” Caleb responded. At the sound of his voice, Sebastian’s gaze was pulled to a teenage boy in a wheelchair looking curiously at
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