11. Ava
eleven
Ava
I’m glad I joined Sebastian. Sharing his company feels effortless, and seeing him with his mother brings out a side of him I never expected. He’s so much more than the playboy everyone assumes he is—he’s a talented athlete, a caring son, and, as I’m starting to discover, a genuinely complex person.
I find myself enjoying this side of him more than I ever thought possible.
After spending some time with his mother, Sebastian suggests we explore a bit more of Chicago. When I tell him I’ve never been here before, he seems determined to show me just how beautiful it is.
“You’re going to love this,” Sebastian says, grabbing my hand as we step onto a hop-on, hop-off tour bus.
The bus takes us past the Navy Pier Centennial Wheel, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Museum of Illusions. With each new sight, Sebastian seems happier having me by his side, and I find myself soaking up every moment .
Chicago is truly a lovely city, full of charm and character. I notice the family-oriented atmosphere, so different from what I’m used to. It feels like a home away from home.
That afternoon, Sebastian and I stop at a café for a quick lunch.
“You’ve got to try this,” Sebastian insists, ordering us a deep-dish pepperoni pizza.
One bite, and I’m a fan for life. “This is incredible,” I say between mouthfuls.
“Wait till you try Harold’s chicken dinner,” Sebastian says, pausing his own chewing to grin at me.
As the sun sets, we board a scenic sunset cruise. The cool breeze plays with my hair, and the peacefulness of the moment feels unmatched. Standing with Sebastian, sipping champagne, I can’t remember the last time I felt this content.
“Thank you for coming with me,” Sebastian says, his voice filled with genuine gratitude. His words touch me more than I expect.
“I never knew Chicago was this beautiful,” I admit, glancing at the other guests on the cruise. “I can’t imagine why anyone would want to settle anywhere else.”
“I used to hate being away from family,” Sebastian says, gazing out at the water. “But when I got a chance to play in San Jose, I had to take it. ”
In his eyes, I see layers of emotion he rarely shows. The more time I spend with him, the more I realize there’s so much beneath the surface—layers that no one else seems to have seen.
“You’re not as tough as you want the world to believe,” I say with a giggle.
Sebastian freezes for a moment, his expression shifting before he quickly recovers. “We’re minutes away from shore. How about that chicken dinner?” he says, steering the conversation elsewhere.
I nod, laughing.
“I think I’ll miss Chicago once I go back home,” I admit.
Maybe it’s the city, or maybe it’s being here with him, but it feels like home.
“I’ll make you a promise,” Sebastian says, drawing my attention. “Next time I come to Chicago, it’d be my pleasure to have you with me.”
I don’t know what the future holds for us, but the thought makes me smile.
“I’d like that,” I reply softly.
That night, lying in the guest room at Sebastian’s childhood home, I replay the day in my mind. I can’t remember the last time I had so much fun.
A soft knock on the door pulls me from my thoughts. I sit up as Sebastian peeks his head in .
“Hot chocolate?” he offers, holding a steaming mug in his hand.
I nod, and he steps inside, handing me the mug before sitting at the edge of the bed.
“I just wanted to thank you,” he says sincerely.
“Don’t be ridiculous,” I reply shyly. “I’ve loved every moment.”
“Well then, I’ll leave you to get some rest,” he says, standing up and heading for the door.
Sipping the hot chocolate, I can’t help but reflect on how much Sebastian has changed. He isn’t the same man I thought I knew. Perhaps I was used to seeing "The Sebastian Kane" basking in the limelight, chasing attention and women. But here, away from all of that, I’m beginning to see who he really is.
The next morning, Sebastian and I head to the hospital. To our surprise, his mother is sitting up in bed with a huge grin on her face, radiating excitement.
“You seem to be all better now,” Sebastian says cheerfully.
“I get to go home!” she announces with enthusiasm.
“That’s wonderful news,” I chime in, sharing their excitement.
Later that afternoon, after his mother has been discharged, we return to her home. The joy on her face is undeniable the moment we pull into the driveway.
As the gate swings open, Sebastian’s mother breathes deeply, as if taking in the full comfort of being home again .
“It feels so good to finally be home.” Edna’s voice carries a sense of relief, and I can see how much she missed the comfort of her own space.
“Now, take it easy, Mom. You don’t want to overdo it,” Sebastian warns, following closely behind her.
But Edna waves him off with a dismissive gesture. She steps out of her wheelchair and starts climbing the stairs to her bedroom.
“One step at a time,” Sebastian says, rushing to her side to help.
She gives him a stern look. “I can do this on my own.” Her grip tightens on the railing as she begins her slow but determined ascent.
Sebastian’s mother is a strong woman, and I can’t help but admire that about her.
“I need to take care of a few things,” Sebastian says, turning to me. “Do you think you can keep an eye on her while I’m gone?”
“We’ll be fine. Go ahead,” I assure him.
A few minutes later, I knock gently on Edna’s bedroom door.
“Can I get you anything?” I ask, peeking inside.
She smiles warmly and pats the chair next to her bed. “I could use some company.”
I sit down as she adjusts herself under the blanket .
“Oh, I think I missed my bed just as much as I missed my Sebastian,” she says with a laugh.
“Mrs. Kane—” I begin.
She shakes her finger playfully. “Call me Edna,” she insists.
“Would you like something to eat or drink?” I ask, thinking she might be hungry.
“No, no. I’m just happy to be home.” She lets out a contented sigh, and I can see the relief etched on her face.
“I am grateful for you, Ava,” she says, catching me off guard.
“I don’t understand,” I reply, unsure how to respond.
“You make my son very happy,” she explains, reaching out to tap my hand. “I haven’t seen him smile like this since he was a boy.”
Her words make me shy. Knowing the true nature of my relationship with Sebastian, I’m not sure if I deserve such praise.
“I’ve never said this to him, but I’ll say it to you,” Edna continues, her voice soft but firm. “I hope the two of you see more of each other.”
I feel a flicker of hope but keep my thoughts to myself, offering her a polite smile instead.
It’s hard to hear her speak with such joy about our relationship when the lines between real and fake have blurred so much lately. Still, I’m glad that seeing Sebastian happy brings her peace, especially after everything she’s been through.
“Why don’t you get some rest while I make you a pot of soup?” I suggest.
Edna shakes her head. “After all that hospital food, what I need is a good steak and gravy,” she jokes.
“Sebastian might not think that’s a great idea,” I say with a grin.
“Oh, I’m just teasing,” she laughs. “Soup sounds lovely, dear. Thank you.”
While Edna rests, I head to the kitchen and set to work making vegetable soup. I may not be a master chef, but I can whip up a hearty meal when I put my mind to it.
Later that afternoon, Edna and I enjoy our soup together while watching an old movie.
“This is actually very good,” she says, giving me a nod of approval.
Just then, I hear the front door open downstairs.
“I’ll get it. You rest,” I say, setting my bowl down and heading to see who it is.
Sebastian stands in the entryway, holding a bouquet of flowers. At first, I assume they’re for Edna.
“My mom hates flowers,” Sebastian says, holding them out to me. “They’re for you, actually. ”
I blink, surprised, then smile as I take them. Leaning up, I plant a quick kiss on his cheek.
“They’re beautiful,” I say, searching for a vase in the cabinet. I fill it with water and place the flowers inside.
Sebastian heads upstairs to check on his mom, but when he returns, he’s smiling.
“She’s fast asleep,” he says quietly, a look of gratitude on his face.
Sebastian brought home Chinese food, and the moment the scent of sesame chicken fills the air, my stomach grumbles in response.
Sebastian watches me, a teasing smile playing on his lips.
“What’s the matter?” I ask, narrowing my eyes at him.
Instead of answering, he leans forward, his lips brushing against the side of my mouth as he licks away a spot of sauce.
I freeze instantly, my breath catching in my throat.
“You had a bit of sauce,” he says softly, his voice low and warm.
His eyes hold mine, and the playful spark between us shifts into something deeper, something I can’t ignore.
“Sebastian…” I whisper, but I can’t finish my sentence before his lips find mine. The kiss is soft at first, exploratory, but it quickly deepens .
His hand brushes my hair out of my face, his touch so tender it sends shivers down my spine.
“Do you know how beautiful you are?” he whispers against my lips, his voice barely audible.
I swallow hard, my heart racing as my defenses crumble. I want to fight this, to keep my distance, but I can’t. I lean in, kissing him with everything I have, and he kisses me back with just as much intensity.
Before long, his shirt is on the floor, and so is mine. Our bodies press together, craving each other’s touch, and I find myself under Sebastian, panting heavily as the heat between us grows.
Sebastian unzips his pants, sliding my thong down to my ankles with deliberate slowness, his warm body radiating heat against mine. His eyes roam over me, filled with raw hunger and appreciation. The way he looks at me makes me feel desired, beautiful, and completely undone.
“Close your eyes,” he whispers, his voice dripping with promise.
I comply, my senses heightened as I feel the heat of his breath trailing down my body. He pauses just long enough to tease me, building my anticipation to the breaking point.
His lips finally meet my skin, and when his tongue touches my clit, I let out a loud, uncontrollable moan. He takes his time, savoring every reaction he elicits from me, and I feel my body arch against him, desperate for more .
Sebastian moves up, parting my legs further as his hands explore my breasts, his lips leaving trails of fire across my skin. His movements are slow and deliberate, and when he finally enters me, I gasp, feeling every inch of him burying deep inside me.
My legs tremble as I wrap them around his waist, but the intensity of his touch leaves me shaking uncontrollably. He locks my wrists under his weight, holding me in place as he begins to move, each thrust sending waves of pleasure coursing through my body.
It’s not just his body I feel—it’s the way he looks at me, the way he breathes, the way his energy completely overtakes me. It’s intoxicating, and I feel myself nearing the edge far too soon.
I cry out as my orgasm consumes me, leaving me trembling beneath him, but Sebastian isn’t done. He knows exactly how to keep me there, drawing out my pleasure in ways I didn’t think were possible. His whispers, his smile, the way he watches me—it’s all too much, and yet I want more.
Sebastian is relentless, his instincts guiding him as he takes me higher and higher, his rhythm unyielding. He knows how to touch me, how to push me to the very brink of ecstasy.
I lose myself completely, my body surrendering to him as wave after wave of pleasure crashes over me. I’m helpless, unable to do anything but let him take me.
Finally, with one last thrust, Sebastian shudders and stills, his body trembling against mine as he finds his release. His breath comes out in shallow pants, his grip on my wrists loosening as he collapses beside me.
I turn to look at him, my chest still heaving. His eyes meet mine, and the vulnerability in his gaze catches me off guard.
“I love you, Sebastian,” I whisper, the words spilling out before I can stop them.
He freezes, his expression shifting to one of shock. He stares at me in silence, clearly taken aback by my sudden confession.
What did I just do?
Fuck…