Chapter 25

It doesn't take long for both of us to forget the kiss and we continue living as normal, acting as if that one kiss never happened at all.

Seb probably found it easier to dismiss but ever since that day, a flame which shouldn't have been started, has been lit within me. My thoughts are awry and confusing as I can't stop myself from thinking about Seb.

When Janette calls me to start work at the nursery, I am glad that I finally have something to distract me from Sebastian Eccles.

I carry Miracle in a baby carrier which I can strap to my body and step inside the building. The woman at the reception stares at me expectantly and I smile nervously.

"I'm here to start work." I say, "I've spoken to Janette Carper."

"You must be the new assistant, Miss Eva Summer." She smiles, "I'll let Janette know you're here."

I nod and take a seat as I wait. Miracle is giggling by himself in the carrier in front of me. I smile at him.

"Tell Mummy what you're giggling about darling." I say, touching his hand. He grabs onto my finger tightly with his small hand and brings it to his mouth.

I laugh and move my finger away, "Sorry darling, you can't eat my finger. Once you grow teeth, Mummy will feed you delicious food." I promise.

His big brown eyes stare up at me and he smiles widely. "Mama."

I gasp and bring my hand to my mouth in surprise. Did I hear it right? My son just said his first words! Tears pool inside my eyes as I feel as if I am walking on clouds. His first words were for me.

"Miss Summer, you can follow me now." The receptionist says.

I stand up, "Y-yes." I say through tears and she gives me an odd stare before leading me to Janette.

"You look extremely happy." Janette says when I reach her.

I grin from ear to ear as I explain, "Miracle just said his first word. Guess what it was?" I say excitedly.

Janette raises her eyebrows curiously, "What?"

"Mama!" I exclaim loudly. "He said Mama first! Isn't that wonderful? I feel like nothing can ruin this moment." I smile.

She smiles and touches Miracle's cheek, "He's adorable. No wonder Jason seems so fond of him."

"Really? Does Jason talk about Miracle?" I ask in interest.

"Not only Miracle, but you too." She winks.

Blushing, I stare down at my feet, "We're friends."

"I know." She smiles in a way which tells me she knows more than she is saying.

Jason is still the most perfect gentleman but lately, my mind has been too distracted by Seb to think about him.

Janette walks me through the day-to-day duties of the nursery and shows me how to interact with the little children who range from two years old to four.

The children gather around us with interest when they see Miracle. They curiously watch as he plays with his small hands and giggles.

"Come closer, he won't bite, don't worry." I say gently, smiling at them.

"You can play with him but be careful you don't hurt him." Janette says.

The children nod and step closer to me. One bravely holds out a finger and Miracle doesn't hesitate to grab onto it.

"He likes you." I smile at the small girl who is probably around three years old.

She smiles widely as she keeps her eyes fixed on Miracle.

***

"Hello?" I answer without checking the caller ID. I need to drive back home but my car key seems to have disappeared.

"How was your first day Eva?" Jason asks from the other side.

I smile, "It was good. I learnt a lot of new things from your sister."

"Shall we go and celebrate your new start?" Jason suggests.

"I would love to but unfortunately, I don't think I can." I say regrettably.

"What's wrong?" He sounds worried.

"I don't know where I've lost my car key. I've searched everywhere but haven't found it." I tell him honestly.

"Why don't you report it to the police incase anyone hands it in, so you'll know? For now, I'll pick you up in my car and we can go for dinner." Jason says.

He's right. I should let the police know. "I'll do that then. But I have Miracle with me too so I'll have to trouble you to take me to buy his milk." I say, bouncing Miracle with my hip.

"That's not a problem. We can go and get some before we eat."

Jason doesn't take long driving to me. He helps me inside his car with Miracle. As soon as the car starts, Miracle begins to cry loudly. I try to soothe him down but my efforts don't work.

As soon as we stop at a convenience store, I hurry and buy the milk formula and make it inside the car. Miracle finally calms down and after burping him, he falls asleep in my arms.

Jason smiles as he glances at me through the rearview mirror. I sat in the back so I could make Miracle's milk.

"Let's go."

The restaurant we stop at is a fancy, expensive one. Why did Jason bring me here? It's out of my budget.

"Here?" I ask uncertainly.

"Follow me." Jason smiles reassuringly and holds out his hand. I smile nervously and take it for comfort.

***

By the time we finish eating and leave, it is almost midnight. Jason drops me off outside Seb's home and promises to pick me up for work tomorrow since my car is still at the nursery car park.

"Thank you for the delicious dinner Jason." I smile. "Are you sure you don't want me to pay for my part?" I rummage around inside my pocket to find the money I keep there but something shines in the dark as it falls onto the ground. Astonished, I bend down and pick it up before laughing. "I guess my key was with me the whole time." I say in relief, holding the car key up to show Jason.

Jason's blue eyes scrunch up a little as he leans his head forward and laughs loudly. "How did you not realise earlier Eva?"

I shiver a little as the cold night air seeps through and pull Miracle closer to me. He is all wrapped up and warm in a small blanket which I packed in his bag this morning.

"Get inside before you catch a cold." Jason says.

I nod, "Take care and drive safely. I'll see you in the morning." I wave as he gets inside his car and drives away.

When I enter the house, I am surprised to find the lights on at this time. Did Seb come home late too?

I place a sleeping Miracle in the cot in my room and then walk to the living room. The T.V is on but Seb isn't here. Where is he?

"Who are you looking for?"

My eyes widen and I gulp nervously as Seb stands in the doorway, his six pack on display and only wearing low slung shorts.

Quickly coming to my senses, I wipe the drool from my lips and cover my eyes. "W-what are you doing?! Put a top on."

He raises his eyebrows, "This is my house so it's normal for me to walk around like this." Suddenly, his lips turn up into a smirk, "Unless it's effecting you?"

My face hot, I glare at him, "Of course not!"

Grinning, he walks closer to me until I can almost touch his body if I were to stretch out a hand. My breathing quickens as my heart races.

"I dare you to say that again." His voice is low and deep.

"St-stop it. You're being childish." I mutter, trying not to look at his golden burrito.

"Really?" He leans his face forward until only a few inches separate us. "Where did you go so late with Jason?"

I frown. Why does he want the know? "He took me out to eat. But can you stop moving so close to me?" I reach out my hands and push him away, my hands skimming against his abs.

He grabs my hands with his and pulls them to his body again. The warmth under my fingers feels welcoming but I struggle against him as he keeps my hands on his abs.

"He can get close to you but I can't? Do I disgust you or are you afraid to give in?" He says quietly, his light brown eyes searching my face intensely.

"What are you doing?" I say, trying not to show him how true his words are. "Even if you get even closer to me, I won't feel anything more than friendship."

Something flashes in his eyes and he releases my hands but before I can sigh in relief, he pulls me back to him from my waist. My heart is going into a frenzy as the front of my body is flat against his, no space between us. His body heat is enough to make my mind blank.

"Still friends?" He whispers and I gasp as he leans his mouth down and I feel a rough sensation on the tip of my ear.

Fear. This feeling which is entwined with the strange excitement I am feeling right now is fear. Fear that I might make a mistake and ruin the beautiful friendship we have shared for years.

As if struck by lightning, I jump away from him. I can't risk it. "Stop playing around." I mutter before walking to my room.

Lying on my bed, I touch the tip of my ear where he kissed me. My heart beats louder just by remembering. Why is he teasing me like this? Does he think it is fun to play with my feelings?

Feelings? Since when have I had feelings for Sebastian Eccles?! I slap my face. I need to wake up before I do something regrettable.

I should be focusing on Jason, not Seb. I remind myself as I close my eyes.