Hazel's POV
"Has Sebastian Sinclair taken a romantic interest in you?"
Vera's question lingered in the air, making my stomach knot. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat.
"Don't be ridiculous," I said, trying to sound casual. "It's a business relationship. He's repaying a debt."
Vera snorted. "A debt that involves staring at you like you're the center of his universe? The pictures don't lie, Hazel."
"You're reading too much into things," I insisted, though my heart fluttered traitorously. "Look, can we talk about this tomorrow? I'm exhausted."
After hanging up, my thoughts drifted to my grandmother and aunt. I needed to tell them about the Sinclair connection. They deserved to know.
---
"You saved Sebastian Sinclair's life?" Grandma Martha nearly dropped her teacup. Her weathered hands trembled slightly as she set it down. "Twice?"
We sat in the sunny breakfast nook of her modest home. The familiar scent of cinnamon and coffee filled the air.