WORTHY by Evie Matthews Page B

is for that evening and every dish is always a crowd pleaser.
    In the next couple of hours, they enjoyed sangria, quesadilla, along with a variety of Mexican dishes that were bursting with many flavors.
    Over dinner, the two conversed freely. They talked about their schools, Caitlin’s future plans as well as Caleb’s condition. Nicholas had been right about the reason behind the deal he made with Caitlin. She had done it for her brother.
    Sebastian had never believed in luck and fate. But that night, he was just thankful he met this special woman, even their first encounter was not really conventional. He would not have it any other way.
    Caitlin’s communication with her father had also blossomed. She found it easier to open up and speak her mind. She appreciated the fact that despite his busy schedule, Gordon found the time to call her once a day and ask her how her day was.
    That same week, Gordon had had a quick stopover in New Jersey and met up with her in his hotel. He explained that he would be on his way to New York early the following morning. They enjoyed dinner at the hotel and talked about mundane stuff, along with Caitlin’s plans for Christmas.
    She had never spent Christmas out of town. Her father shared his hopes of gathering his daughters, along with Amanda and Caleb, to spend next Christmas out of the country, preferably somewhere tropical.
    Despite herself, she could not hide her excitement. It felt like for the first time in years, she had managed to break free from all the problems that had hounded them in the past years. In just barely two months, she’d gained a father and a boyfriend at almost the same time. How cool was that? Caitlin had never been happier.
    Caitlin could not believe what was happening. Over the next few days, Sebastian never failed to show up to take her to work and fetch her after. They would often spend a couple of hours drinking coffee or enjoying a light dinner before her shift started.
    He would pop in for several minutes to either give her something to eat or bring a bunch of flowers, much to the delight and amusement of Shannon.
    She finally had the chance to tell Shannon the details, her feelings including her own reservations with what was happening. Shannon chided and told her not to over think it and just simply savor the moments she has with Sebastian. If it lasts, then well and good. If it doesn’t, she would experience her very first heartbreak. Either way, she would come out better and wiser. Sound advice coming from Shannon, Caitlin mused.
    As so she did just that—enjoyed every moment with Sebastian. Despite the fact that they had gone to bed twice, Sebastian had never made any advances, except for an occasional kiss. Caitlin had to admit, she was getting a bit frustrated with his restraint.
    Caitlin seemed to blossom with the attention she was getting from Sebastian, even her family and colleagues were quick to point out. Shannon came to visit Wednesday afternoon with clothing she claimed no longer fit her. Caitlin had mentioned she wanted to go shopping for clothes with Shannon but given the odd hours they kept at work, it was difficult to find the time.
    She was just grateful to have Shannon in her life. In so many ways, she was the sister she’d never had. Caitlin no longer hesitated to confide anything to her, including the fact that Sebastian has not initiated any physical contact with her except for a kiss every now and then.
    Shannon laughed out loud when Caitlin mentioned it and told her to try and make the first move instead. Despite her initial shock at the creative suggestions Shannon gave, Caitlin thought she might have to make the first move. She had seduced Sebastian in the past, she could easily pull it off again if she really put her mind to it.

 
     
    Chapter Fifteen
     
     
    It was Thursday when Sebastian nonchalantly mentioned his parents are inviting them both for dinner in their home. Caitlin was surprised his parents knew about her.