Chapter 19

"Young Master, a man who claims to be your friend is waiting outside the gates."

I pick up the delicious looking golden croissant as the housekeeper walks into the dining room.

Jason wears a mysterious grin as he nods, "Let him in."

"You don't even know who it is and you're letting him inside? It's not safe." I say worriedly. Who knows if he is really a friend? It could be a thief lying to come inside and steal things from here.

"Don't worry Eva, I know exactly who it will be." He grins again and ruffles my hair.

"Stop messing it up." I moan.

"It was already a mess." He chuckles before leaving me to eat breakfast alone. I eat the croissant slowly. Miracle is still asleep. I was worried he might have trouble sleeping in a new environment but I guess it's true about babies being able to fall asleep anywhere.

Jason bought me some nappies last night so I was able to change Miracle. The only thing now is to decide where I will be heading next. I don't know if Seb has cooled down yet and I can't trouble Jason and stay here again.

"Jason, who came?" I call loudly when I hear footsteps approaching the dining room. I reach out for a toast. Things really do taste better when you have money.

"So you were hiding here Eva Summer."

My jaw falls open as I turn to stare at the man at the doorway. Standing tall and handsome beside Jason is none other than Sebastian Eccles. Damn it! This is what happens when you share the same friends.

"Uh, can I finish eating first? Let's talk later." I smile awkwardly and munch on my toast.

"No." Seb walks over with long strides and snatches the buttered toast from me. "Let's talk now." He takes a bite from the toast.

My eyes widen, "What the hell?! I was eating that! If you want to talk, wait for me to finish eating first." I shout angrily.

Seb rubs his hand, "All done. Let's go."

"Seb! You just ate my toast. Haven't you heard of manners?" I say, glaring at him.

"Why do I need manners? You're the one who should worry about your attitude Eva. After doing all that to Carol, you wanted me to worry so you left last night. Did you ever care about others then?" Seb says coldly. He grabs my arm and drags me out of the dining room.

"Stop it! Let me go Seb!" I scream loudly. But he ignores me and pulls me into another room.

"Seb, what are you doing? Calm down and talk. Don't be rash with Eva." Jason calls from behind us. Seb looks angrier as he slams the door shut, leaving the two of us alone in the room.

"Now tell me why you came here last night and why do you look like this?" Seb asks, his voice deep as his brown eyes stare intensely at my face.

Confused, I shrug, "What do you mean? I look normal."

He sighs and glances around the room before steering me by the shoulders towards a mirror on the wall.

My eyes widen at my messy hair. Isn't this the result of Jason playfully ruffling my hair earlier? Why is Seb worrying about that?

"Oh, that was Jason." I say casually, "He seems to like doing that."

"Don't tell me you like him Eva?" Seb asks quietly from behind me. His reflection seems to look a little sad for a moment before returning to the cold expression from before.

I laugh nervously and shake my head, "Of course not. We're friends."

Seb raises his eyebrows and I can tell he doesn't believe me a hundred percent. "Good."

"Why is that good?" I ask curiously.

"So your mother won't suspect that we're only putting on an act." Seb says, "We have to visit Grandma this weekend. I'm sure your mother and Gran will both watch us closely so we have to make sure we have our stories straight and don't slip up."

"What?!" I ask in shock. Why do they always make plans when I am not present?

"So hurry up and come home so we can practice our couple act." Seb says.

"Is it too late to change to Jason now?" I mutter quietly to myself.

"What did you say?" Seb asks, narrowing his eyes.

"N-nothing. Let me get Miracle." I say.

As I turn around and walk towards the door, I trip over my own foot. Am I being clumsy because it's too early?

"Watch out Eva." Seb says in amusement as he catches me. "You're a walking hazard."

I roll my eyes but my heart is beating fast as I glance up at his face. "Let's go." I say and stand properly.

We walk out of the room and I jump as Jason pops out from around the corner looking worried. "Are you alright Eva?"

I nod, "I'm fine." I smile reassuringly. Was he worrying about me? My heart warms up. He is really a good man.

"Everything is sorted now. You don't need to worry Jason."

I glance back at Seb in confusion. Why does he sound angry?

"Ignore him Jason." I say, "I'll go and get Miracle. We're visiting Seb's grandmother this weekend so we need to practice our roles." I explain.

Jason nods, "Why don't you practice here? There's more space."

"My place is big enough." Seb says.

"Why don't you come there with us then Jason? We might need help." I say with a grin.

"Really? I'll get ready then." Jason smiles and heads up the stairs.

Seb glares after him. I frown and poke his arm.

"Aren't you two friends? Why do you not look happy?" I ask.

"Are you worried about him too? You two seem to have grown closer over a night." He says.

"What nonsense are you saying? Jason has always been a precious friend." I say with a small smile.

"You really lied to me before. You like him don't you? You have a silly smile on your face." Seb says, sounding annoyed.

"What?" My voice is high, giving me away. "Of course I don't."

"You're blushing and I can tell when you're lying Eva. If you want our act to successfully get your mother off your back about marriage, don't you dare think about him." Seb says sternly.

He is right. I can't let Mum or Gran see any hitch or hole in our act. If I want to stop going on these arranged blind dates, I need to listen to Seb.

"Fine. I will focus on you when we're there." I mutter, glancing up at the stairs where Jason went.

Should I have chosen Jason to act with?