One Night in Texas

by Charlene Sands

  It was the first light moment she’d had with Sebastian, and the brightness in his eyes and on his face was appealing as hell. They smiled at each other, and suddenly, a weight seemed to lift from her shoulders. The boulder that sat there was being chipped away, so she could look at him and see someone she’d known, the boy from her youth, the thoughtful, kind, yet aloof guy she’d had fantasies about. He’d been the quiet one, the more serious of the Wingate twins, and she’d liked that about him.

  “Feed that kid, would you?” Lauren teased.

  “I plan to.”

  “And I plan to make sure she eats all of...”

  Gracie raised her brows.

  Sebastian took one look at her and cut off his own sentence. Was he about to say something to tick her off again? “Nothing, never mind.”

  “Okay, well, enjoy the meal,” Lauren said and walked away again.

  After that, Sebastian measured his words carefully and they made it through the meal without a problem.

  The kitchen closed by nine thirty and an exhausted Lauren was grateful Sutton stopped by to pick her up. They offered to walk Gracie to her car out back.

  Sebastian spoke up instantly. “I’ll do it, you two go on home.”

  “No one needs to walk me,” Gracie said. “I’ll be just fine.”

  The look on Sebastian’s face said he wasn’t going to give in. “I’m going to make sure of it. Put on your jacket and let’s go. No arguing, okay?”

  Gracie had little choice. She grabbed her jacket and Sebastian helped her put it on.

  Lauren locked up The Eatery and then both couples headed in different directions in the parking lot.

  Within a few moments, Gracie reached her car. She turned to face Sebastian. “This is it.” She drove a sporty cranberry-red Lexus with a small back seat and trunk. But as much as she loved it, she knew it simply wouldn’t suffice once the baby arrived. Buying a family car was on her long list of things to do.

  There was a chill in the January air and she shivered a bit.

  “Cold?” he asked.

  “A little. I’d better get going.” She gestured to her car.

  “Just one more thing, Gracie.”

  Sebastian touched her hand just as she was reaching for the door handle. His hand on hers did silly things to her insides. She put her head down, closed her eyes. “What is it?”

  “Talk to me, Gracie.”

  “We’ll talk on Monday.”

  “Gracie,” he said softly, as if her name was something precious, something beautiful. “I want to see you before Monday.”

  She looked up and gazed into his clear green eyes. “Why?”

  “You know why.”

  “But I don’t...not really.” She had questions. Not quite trusting this.

  “Maybe this will help you understand.” And then his fist gently lifted her chin, and he bent his head, slowly inching toward her. She couldn’t pull away, even if she wanted to. It was crazy, this attraction, this magnetic pull she had toward him. His breath touched her cheek, his lips closed in and the anticipation nearly undid her. She sucked in a breath and he caught that breath with his mouth as his lips careened down onto hers. It was as perfect a kiss as she’d ever had—the perfect taste, the perfect pressure, the perfect sensual mating of their mouths.

  His scent surrounded her, his warmth protected her and his arms wrapped around her. She was taken by the power of his kiss. Her body hummed inside and the easy slide of attraction heated her up.

  “Sebastian,” she whispered, breaking off the kiss. “This isn’t a good idea.” But it was too late. The kiss marked her, the kiss made her want more. Even as he stopped and pulled away, the damage was done to her soul.

  “Gracie, what if you’re wrong?”

  What if she was wrong? Would she miss out on something wonderful?

  Her chest was pounding. If she fell for this guy, it could all go bad quickly. Wasn’t it better to keep her distance? Wasn’t it better not to give in to this fierce temptation? The fire might burn out and then where would she be? Whenever Sebastian was near, whenever he kissed her, her mind muddied up. She didn’t like being confused like this. “What...what do you want from me?”

  “A chance to get to know you, Gracie. That’s all,” he rasped.

  “What does that mean?”

  Sebastian’s smile devastated her. Her heart pounded even harder. “It means I want to date you, Gracie. I want to see where this goes. You owe me.”

  She blinked. “How do I owe you?”

  He sighed deeply, and she sensed his frustration. “You found out it was me at the masquerade ball, and you never said a word. You conceived my child that night, and I had to find out accidentally. You were never going to tell me it was you. You were never going to tell me about the baby.”

  “That’s not true—”

  “Isn’t it? You had plenty of opportunities to tell me. When we were negotiating the sale of the estate, or maybe all the times since then. Why didn’t you say anything?”

  “Because, I—I was confused and worried. I don’t really know you, Sebastian. I don’t know if I can trust you.”

  “There’s only one way to find out, Gracie,” he whispered.

  It was ironic and all backward. First, she’d had mind-blowing sex with him, then she’d conceived his child and now he wanted to date her.

  “It’s crazy.”

  “We do crazy well, Gracie.”

  His thoughts must’ve coincided with hers. They did do crazy well, starting with that night at the Texas Cattleman’s Club masquerade ball, then Gracie finding a shirtless Sebastian by the pool, only to discover he was her mysterious lover. And then Sebastian finding out Gracie was carrying his child quite by accident.

  She couldn’t argue the point with him. She smiled. “True story.”

  He smiled back. “I’ll pick you up at seven tomorrow night.” Then Sebastian opened the car door for her and she slid into her seat. After he gave a slight shove to close the door, she started the engine with the push of a button and drove off. A glance in the rearview mirror gave her one last look at hunky Sebastian Wingate.

  Her date for tomorrow night.

  * * *

  Sebastian gave himself a dozen mental warnings before knocking on Gracie’s door. He didn’t want to blow it again by saying anything that would alienate her. Because the truth was, he desperately wanted to get to know her better, to see the woman behind the mask, per se. So far, all they’d done was argue, and he didn’t want more of that. He’d have to walk on eggshells all night and not let his physical attraction to her get in the way of their date. Which meant he planned on being a perfect gentleman, even if it killed him.

  He knocked and Gracie’s housekeeper answered. Funny how the roles were reversed now. She had the servants and he was on the outside looking in.

  The older woman let him in and then Gracie stepped into the foyer. Oh, man, it was going to kill him. She looked amazing, wearing a cinnamon-red hip-hugging dress that landed at her knees. Her olive skin peeked through the delicate red lace at the arms and back. Her hair, lustrous and long, teased her breasts. The night of the TCC masquerade ball, she’d also worn red, a shimmery gown that knocked him upside the head. He’d been drawn to her then, as he was now, the pull so strong he had no willpower around her.

  Just last night he’d kissed her, tasted her lips again. It had been three long months of wondering, of trying to find his mystery woman, of not knowing who she might be. But that incredible kiss had brought back all the reasons why he couldn’t get the woman in red off his mind. It hadn’t been a fluke; it hadn’t solely been about the forbidden thrill. It had been about the woman.

  Gracie. Bold. Sexy. Unforgettable.

  He cleared his throat. “You look...nice.”

  “So do you.” Her response was automatic.

&
nbsp; He’d spent extra time choosing his clothes. His slacks were pressed and he wore a shirt in deep purple, a color his mother called eggplant. But instead of a sports jacket, he wore a black suede bomber jacket. “Are you ready?”

  She nodded, though she seemed hesitant and unsure. Beth had once told him that after winning the lottery, Gracie had been swarmed with male attention, and she could never be certain if the guys showed up for her or for her money. Though Gracie hardly knew how pretty she was, how sultry she appeared with that slender figure, those long legs and perfect breasts. Her eyes were large, expressive and black-coffee dark. Her skin was so smooth he hadn’t forgotten how silky it felt beneath his palms.

  But that was months ago, and now he had to show her a different side of him. He wanted to gain her trust and win her over. He wanted to be a part of their baby’s life. His thoughts flashed to Lonny, and the role Sebastian had played in the young boy’s life. Lonny was his ex-girlfriend’s teenage brother, a boy deeply troubled, and Sebastian had been there for him. He’d tried to give the boy his love and support, because heaven knew Lonny needed it. And he had for a time, but then Sebastian and his girlfriend had broken up and he’d lost touch with her younger brother. He’d always felt bad about not being there for the boy anymore.

  Sebastian didn’t want to let his own child down that way. He wanted to know his baby, be a positive influence in his or her life. He wanted so much not to screw up his child’s life.

  “Great, then let’s get going. Do you have a coat? It’s chilly outside.”

  “Yes,” she said. “Right here.”

  She put on a knee-length sweater coat the same color of her dress and her distinct body language told him not to offer to help. It went against his instincts and the manners drilled into his head since he was a kid. But his mission tonight was to stay out of trouble and get to know her better.

  He opened the door and they were hit with a blast of winter cold. “Ah,” she said. “Smells fresh and clean out there.”

  She stepped outside and he waited for her to lock up the house. Then, without wasting another moment, he put his hand to her back and guided her to his black BMW. There was no question about him opening the car door for her. He went about it easily and she slid into the seat. By the time he got behind the wheel, she was belted in.

  “I hope you like Italian.”

  She glanced at him. “Who doesn’t?”

  He laughed. “It’s a bit of a drive, so sit back and relax.”

  “Where are we going?”

  “Amore, just outside of town,” he told her. “The chef is a friend, and he’s very talented. Have you ever been there?”

  “No, I don’t think so. But it sounds good.”

  He winked. “I think you’ll like it.”

  Gracie smiled in response.

  “Care for some music or would you like to be quiet?”

  “I wouldn’t mind music,” she said.

  He clicked on the radio and Reba McEntire’s powerful voice came through the speakers, singing along with Kelly Clarkson about pain and trust and hurt.

  “I like this song,” Gracie said, laying her head back against the headrest. “It touches me with its truth.”

  Sebastian nodded. “Yeah.”

  Every second spent with Gracie taught him something new.

  “Music tells the truth better than any other medium,” she mused. “Don’t you think?”

  He’d never really thought about it before. “Could be. Maybe.”

  Gracie was touched by a song that spoke of heartache and mistrust. She was a cautious one, wary of involvements, as the song inferred. That much he knew about her, since she hadn’t told him immediately about carrying his child. She’d been protective, and he was still trying to get over her not revealing his paternity until she was confronted. Maybe he had trust issues, too.

  Five songs later they were seated in a private dining room with a table set for two inside the restaurant. “Thanks, Chef,” he said to Tony Perrino. “This is nice.”

  “Of course, anything for you, Sebastian.” Tony was a silver fox, a sixty-year-old man who’d lived a few lifetimes already and had finally settled in Texas. They’d had business dealings in the past and had developed a friendship over golf and pasta through the years. “I only wish you would let me feed you more often.”

  Sebastian turned to Gracie. “Gracie, this is my friend Tony. He owns Amore. The only thing better than his golf swing is his homemade pasta. He’s bringing a little bit of the Old World to the Southwest.”

  Tony laughed and greeted Gracie with a bow of his head. “Pleasure to meet you, Gracie.”

  “Thank you. I love your place.”

  Gracie seemed to have an eye for design, and approval shone in her eyes as she scanned the small, intimate dining area. The restaurant spoke of European elegance without being cliché or overdone. The tablecloths were pristine white, the place settings hand-painted Italian ceramic, the glassware cut crystal and the centerpieces an array of pillar candles. There was also a mini stage set up, where sometimes a band played and sometimes singers entertained the patrons.

  “It has so much charm,” she said.

  “I appreciate the compliment.” The chef smiled.

  “Gracie and a mutual friend just opened a restaurant called The Eatery, in the heart of Royal,” Sebastian told him.

  “Of course, the town’s buzzing about it,” Tony said. “Are you a chef?”

  “No, not me. My friend and associate, Lauren, is the culinary genius. I’m more the investor.”

  Tony eyed him briefly. He must’ve put two and two together and recognized Gracie as the big Powerball winner, but he was discreet enough not to mention it. “Well, I’ll have to visit your establishment one day and see for myself.”

  “Please do,” Gracie said with a sincere smile.

  “If the chef’s as talented as you say, then maybe I should be glad your restaurant is across town.”

  “I think I’m glad, too,” she said, charming the chef into a grin.

  “If you would allow me, I’d love to make you both a special meal,” Tony offered. “It would be my pleasure.”

  Sebastian glanced at her. “Is that okay?”

  “Of course, that would be terrific, if it’s okay with you.”

  “Yeah, it’ll be a treat.” He gave Tony a nod. “Appreciate that, Chef.”

  “Shall I send over a bottle of our signature Amore vino?”

  Sebastian didn’t have to think twice. “No, not tonight.”

  Gracie spoke up. “Please, don’t let me stop you. If you want a glass of wine, go ahead.”

  Sebastian shook his head. He wasn’t about to drink wine when she couldn’t have any. It would be that way for six months at the very least. “Thank you, Tony. But I’ll pass.”

  Gracie studied him intently. “That was nice of you.”

  “I’m a nice guy.”

  Her brows went up, but she remained noncommittal. She didn’t like to give an inch, but he was wearing her down. He could tell by her tone. It was much more gracious tonight.

  “I hope you’re hungry. You don’t want to miss any of Tony’s creations.”

  “My appetite is finally coming back. I had a little bout of morning sickness earlier in my pregnancy and had to force myself to eat. But I’m better now.”

  Sebastian looked away for a second and sighed. He’d have wanted to be there for Gracie and his child during that time. Maybe he could’ve helped out somehow. But that was water under the bridge now. There was no going back.

  A server came by with a full basket of garlic knots. Gracie breathed in the aroma.

  “Those smell soooo good.”

  “Try one.”

  “One? I may eat the whole basket, but since you’re being nice, I’ll save you one.” She grabbed a piece of bread and bega
n nibbling. “Yum... They taste as good as they smell.”

  And after they indulged in several, the server reappeared to present an eye-catching antipasto platter. Olives, artichokes, tomatoes and salami amid a variety of cheeses, all drizzled with olive oil over a nest of arugula and romaine lettuce.

  Gracie looked impressed, because, well, Tony’s creations were impressive. “I think I’m in heaven.”

  Sebastian looked her in the eye. “Really? Because of the company?”

  “Yes.”

  He jerked back in his seat. Was this progress? Did she actually enjoy being with him?

  “Chef Tony is pretty talented.”

  He shook his head. “Very funny.”

  “And this food is amazing.”

  She popped an olive into her mouth and his eyes followed the movement as she chewed delicately. Everything about Gracie moved him and made him hunger for more than food. “Well, at least I know you have good culinary taste. I’ll check that box off.”

  “What other boxes are you planning on checking off with me?” she murmured.

  That was a loaded question, but he’d opt for the safest bet. “I was hoping to get to know you better, Gracie.”

  “We’ve known each other a long time.”

  “Yes, but that doesn’t mean we know things about each other. For instance, do you have hobbies? What was your favorite subject in school? Who do you admire most? Those are basics and yet I couldn’t answer any of those about you.”

  She quirked a brow. “Would it matter?”

  “It’d be a start.”

  “Horses, I love horses. I love riding, though lately I haven’t done much of it. Favorite subject, history. I like learning how we got to this point in our lives. There’s so much still to learn. And as far as who I admire most? My father. He was a hardworking, honorable man. I miss him very much.”

  He liked the way her eyes lit up as she spoke of her father. She clearly loved and admired him a lot. Alberto Diaz was a good person. “Your dad was highly respected when he worked for us. Everyone remarked about how good he was with our horses. He was much more than a ranch manager. He had a special connection to the animals. It must be why you have such a fondness for horses.”