The bed was a Queen size,the pillows paper-white; soft as Merino wool.
Anya Quinn was cocooned in pure warmth.
She stirred, yawned,stretching and arching her back. She blinked, taking in her surroundings, and her gaze roamed the impressive bedroom.
A huge painting hang on the wall above the headboard. Anya knew the artist even without bothering to look at the signature scribbled at the bottom right corner. Herbert Kidd. His style was uniquely familiar.
She squinted at it, anyway, and...
"Gotcha!" She blurted out:The signature at the bottom right corner was Kidd's. An old friend of hers from the days at Minneapolis Institute of Art. Kidd was a talented artist, she thought, and her mentor when it came to art.
But hell, Anya didn't want her mind veering off in that direction this early, reminding her of the days at the Minnesota Institute of Art. Days in her past life she had rather forgotten.
Instead, the events of the previous night came flooding back into her sleepy mind- the storm, the hotel, the suite, and the awkwardness of sharing a bedroom. Shit. She smiled, feeling a mix of emotions. She got out of bed,and padded barefoot on the thick grey carpet to the door.
When she opened the bedroom door,she found Sebastian sprawled right there on the couch,sleeping like a baby. Careful not to wake him, Anya tiptoed to the bathroom.
As she washed her face, she couldn't help but think about the man sleeping in the next room. He was nothing like she'd expected, grumpy, yet somehow vulnerable. She dried her face, wondering what she'd say to him when he got up.
When she emerged from the bathroom, Sebastian was already awake, sitting on the couch, rubbing his eyes. "Morning," he mumbled, looking adorably disheveled.
Anya chuckled. "Good morning."
She thought she could cut the tension that ensued with a goddamn knife. So she decided to break the ice. "Coffee?"
He nodded, and Anya picked up the phone to order room service as Sebastian quickly squinted through his morning routine. When he came back, he joined her at the window to look out at the storm.
As they waited, they stood by the window, watching the storm rage on outside, his proximity intoxicating.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" Anya commented, mesmerized by the snowflakes dancing in the wind.
Sebastian followed her gaze. "I suppose it is."
The room service arrived, and Anya let the waiter in. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, and they sat down to enjoy their breakfast.
As they ate, they talked about everything and nothing, the conversation flowing easily. Anya learned about Sebastian's love for sailing, and he discovered her passion for meteorology.
But just as things were getting interesting, Sebastian's phone rang, breaking the spell. He answered, his expression turning serious. "Yes?" He said into the phone,and listened. "Okay. Handle that," he added.
"A problem?" Anya asked, when he hung up.
"A meeting in Chicago. I need to reschedule."
Anya nodded sympathetically. "The storm's making travel impossible."
Sebastian sighed, running an exasperated hand through his short dark hair. "I know. It's just...I really needed to be there."
Anya placed a comforting hand on his arm, feeling a jolt of electricity. "You'll get there. Eventually."
Sebastian looked at her, his eyes searching, "I hope so," he said,and the moment hung in the air, thick with tension. Anya felt her heart start to race.
They settled onto the couch, the storm raging outside forgotten in the warmth of their conversation. They talked about books, music, and life in general: Anya loved pancakes, and was the type that loved to hung around bookstores. Sebastian mostly liked to stay indoors, except when he showed up at the Minnesota horse race.
As they chatted, Anya noticed Sebastian's eyes, a deep, piercing brown that seemed to see right into her mind. She felt a flutter in her chest, and suddenly, the air was charged with tension.
Sebastian, too, felt the shift, his gaze locking onto Anya's. They sat there, frozen, the only sound the howling wind outside.
The moment hung, thick with possibility, until Sebastian broke the silence. "Want to play a game?" he asked, his voice low and husky.
Anya's heart skipped a beat. "What kind of game?"
Sebastian's lips curved into a sly smile. "Truth or dare."
Anya laughed, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Truth or dare? Really, Sebastian? That's so...kiddish." She grinned, teasing him.
Sebastian raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Hey, it's a classic."
Anya chuckled, shaking her head. "I think we can do better than that, like read a good book."
She stepped over to the bookshelf to find a book, and instead, found an old deck of cards tucked between two book's. She picked it up, blowing off the dust. "Look at this! I think the previous occupants left it behind."
Sebastian's eyes lit up. "Cards, huh? What did you have in mind?"
Anya's smile grew mischievous. "I think a game of cards would just be mature enough..you know how to play?"
"Of course, who doesn't know how to play cards?" Sebastian quipped.
Anya nodded, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Yeah, I used to play with my friends back in Wichita. We did it almost all the time; I'm pretty good at it, you know..."
Sebastian's gaze locked onto hers, a hint of challenge in his eyes. "You're on."
She shuffled the cards with flourish,her eyes gleamed with competitive fire, her movements swift and confident.
They relocated to the coffee table, the deck of cards between them; the dim lighting of the hotel's Presidential suite casting a warm glow on their faces.
"Texas Hold'em, winner takes all," Sebastian said, his eyes sparkling with challenge.
Anya raised an eyebrow, a sly grin spreading across her face. "You're on. But I'll warn you again, don't get too comfortable, Wolfe. I'm a card shark in disguise."
Sebastian chuckled, "Oh, I'm shaking in my boots, honey."
The endearment made her heart swell with pride, but she lightly slapped his thigh, faking disapproval. "Don't call me that," she said with a smile.
As they played, the tension built, with Anya and Sebastian exchanging witty banter and playful jabs. The game was neck and neck, with both players determined to win.
Then Anya's eyes locked onto Sebastian's, her gaze intense. "Read 'em and weep," she said, laying down her cards.
Sebastian's eyes widened, impressed. "Full house? You're a dark horse, Anya."
Anya's grin grew wider. "Told you I'm a card shark."
"Damn luck," Sebastian grumbled, picking up the deck of cards and shuffling them with equal flourish.
"I think I got this,too," Anya said, studying her hand. "I'll go with strip poker."
"Strip poker? "Sebastian gaped at her cheerful beautiful face,his eyebrows raised in surprise.
"Yep." Anya said with a straight face. "We used to play it back in Wichita. With my friends, you know; the loser discards a piece of clothing."
"Interesting," Sebastian said, a hint of a smile playing at his lips. "You think you can handle me?"
Anya grinned. "Bring it on, Wolfe."
The game began, and Anya quickly discovered that Sebastian was a formidable opponent. He was ruthless, discarding his socks and shirt with ease.
Anya, on the other hand, was determined to win. She discarded her scarf and her jacket. But Sebastian was relentless, and soon she was removing both of her socks."
"Ha! I think I've got you now," Sebastian said, grinning.
Anya glared at him. "Not so fast, Wolfe."
She played her last card,secretly wondering how this would proceed if she lost. Would she be getting rid of the blouse? Or the pants? She bit on her bottom lip, willing herself to win.
She won.
Sebastian groaned, discarding his Rolex watch.
Anya's eyebrows went up. "Does that count?" She asked, gesturing at the watch.
"Of course," Sebastian countered, his grin widening. Anya didn't push, probably because she knew the next time he lost, it would be either his trouser or his T-shirt.
And the next time he lost...
"Think I've been beaten by a girl," Sebastian commented nonchalantly a short moment later, shaking his head.
Anya laughed, triumphant. "You should've known better than to underestimate me."
As they continued to play, the atmosphere grew more and more charged. Anya couldn't help but notice the way Sebastian's eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled, or the way his hair curled slightly at the nape of his neck.
And Sebastian, for his part, couldn't help but notice the way Anya's eyes sparkled when she laughed, or the way her hair fell in soft, dark brown waves down to the middle of her back.
The game went on, with Anya winning hand after hand. She lost once, getting rid of her red blouse in the process.
Sebastian was a good sport, but it was clear he was getting frustrated. He was down to his slacks by the time they agreed to go slow on the 'strip' thing, or they'd soon be pretty embarrassed.
Finally, after what felt like hours, the game came to an end. Anya was victorious, and Sebastian would've been left standing naked if they hadn't agreed to stop striping.
Anya couldn't help but laugh at the sight. "I think you've been outplayed, Wolf," she said,admiring Sebastian's broad shoulders,and muscular arms.
Sebastian grinned, shaking his head. "I think you're right."
His eyes roamed Anya's bared skin. She was just in a black bra and denim slacks. Her panties matched the bra, he thought, judging by what he could see protruding at the waistband of her slacks, and her fair skin was unblemished and seemed to glow in the golden light of the hotel's suite.
As they sat there, laughing and joking, Anya felt a sense of connection with Sebastian that she hadn't felt before. It was as if they had been friends for years, rather than just met. And as the storm raged on outside, Anya realized that she was in trouble. She was falling for Sebastian, hard.
But for now, she just smiled and enjoyed the moment, the warmth of the suite, and the company of the handsome stranger sitting across from her.
The storm outside showed no signs of letting up, but inside, Anya and Sebastian were having a great time. They played game after game, laughing and joking, until finally, Sebastian suggested that they oughta take a break and grab some lunch.
That made Anya realize she was famished. That they'd been too happy and engrossed in the game she hadn't thought about food. She got up,stretched, and stepped over to the window.
As she stood by the window, watching the storm rage on outside,the wind howling and the rain pounding against the glass, she felt her stomach silently growl.
"Yeah, we ought to get something to eat. I'm starving, too," she said. "What do you suggest?"
Sebastian's eyes crinkled at the corners as he considered. "Room service, perhaps?"
Anya shook her head, her long dark brown hair swishing behind her. "No way, Wolfe. I kind of feel tired of being cooped up in this room. Let's go out and explore the hotel."
Sebastian raised an eyebrow. "You want to venture out into that?" he asked, nodding towards the storm.
Anya nodded, her eyes sparkling with challenge. "I'm game if you are."
Sebastian chuckled, and for a moment, they playfully debated the merits of room service versus braving the storm. Finally, they agreed on heading to the hotel's restaurant, the Grandview Lounge.
As they made their way through the winding corridors, Anya couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement. This really wasn't just like any of her typical hotels. This was a luxurious hotel in every sense of the word. It was just beautiful,with a cafe and a restaurant and a bar, and many more amenities. She really was eager to explore.
The Grandview Lounge was a cozy, intimate space with plush velvet armchairs and gleaming wood accents. The walls adorned with abstract art, and the air thick with the scent of freshly baked bread and roasting coffee.
Anya's eyes widened as they were shown to a table by the window. "This is amazing," she breathed, taking in the view of the storm outside.
Sebastian smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I thought you'd like it."
They perused the menu, their eyes scanning the options. Anya settled on the grilled chicken salad, while Sebastian opted for the steak frites.
As they waited for their food to arrive, they sipped on their drinks, a spicy margarita for Anya and a simple diet coke for Sebastian.
The food arrived, and Anya's eyes widened as she took her first bite. "Wow, this is incredible," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Sebastian smiled, his eyes shining with amusement. "Told you it was good."
As they ate, they chatted and laughed. Anya felt like she'd known Sebastian for years, not just a few days.
Finishing up, Sebastian leaned back in his chair. "Want to try dessert?"
Anya's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Only if it's chocolate."
Sebastian chuckled, and signaled the waiter. "We'll take the chocolate lava cake, please."
As they waited for their dessert to arrive, Anya felt a sense of contentment wash over her. This was perfect, she thought. This was exactly where she wanted to be.
The cake arrived, and Anya's eyes widened as she took her first bite. "Wow," she breathed. "It's just incredible."
Sebastian smiled, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Glad you like it."
Finishing the dessert, Anya leaned back in her chair, feeling satisfied and happy. "That was amazing," she said, smiling at Sebastian.
Sebastian smiled back. "Glad you enjoyed it."
Sebastian gestured to the waiter,who cleared their table and brought more drinks.
As he nursed his whiskey this time, Sebastian seemed lost in thought, his eyes distant. Anya noticed, and gently nudged him with her foot under the table.
"Hey, you okay?" she asked, her voice soft.
Sebastian's gaze snapped back to hers, and for a moment, Anya saw a flicker of pain. Then, he looked away, and the mask slipped back into place.
"I grew up in a world where image was everything," Sebastian began, his voice growing conspiratorial, low and measured.
Leaning closer, Sebastian went on. "My family was...is...complicated. My father was a man with a lot of ambition, but not always the best intentions."
Anya's ears pricked up, sensing a story. She leaned in, her eyes locked onto his, encouraging him to continue.
"What do you mean?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Sebastian's eyes dropped, and he fidgeted with his napkin. "He...he made some mistakes. Ones that hurt people. Ones that hurt me."
Anya's heart went out to him, though she didn't offer pity. Instead, she listened, her eyes understanding as Sebastian shared snippets of his past. She laughed with him, and nodded, and slowly, she saw the walls around his heart start to crack.
She couldn't help but share her own struggles as well. "I used to love art, you know," she said, her voice low.
"What!" Sebastian blurted out, his heartrate suddenly picking up.
"Art," Anya repeated, a little dumbfounded by Sebastian's stunned reaction. "I was good at it,too," she continued when Sebastian just gaped at her in stunned silence, saying nothing. "I'm still pretty good; though it's a long time since I sat down to draw anything. I did a project once, a portrait...and miraculously, i was supposed to present it at an Art exhibition in France. But...it was just...stolen from me."
Realization hit Sebastian with the force of a speeding freight truck. It was her! Had to be her! The woman he'd been searching for for as long as he could remember. No wonder her name had plucked at something deep in the lizard part of his brain last night. No wonder it had bothered him throug the whole godamn night.
He had his doubts last night when she'd mentioned the name, because he thought it could've been any other Anya out there,and it all looked so unreal to have sheltered in the same hotel, in the same suite, with the woman he had been so desperately searching for for years now.
But Anya that did Art? Anya that an Art project was stolen from? That was so...telling.
Sebastian didn't even feel the itching need to ask about her second name anymore to ascertain it was her, because he was pretty sure her second name would, without a doubt be 'Quinn'. He has had the name 'Anya Quinn' scribbled in the first page of a notebook he carried with him everywhere he went for several years now.
Shit, how could he tell her that his own father was responsible for it all. That his father was responsible for the disappearance of her project. That he has spent almost half his life searching for her, eager to...make things right; to compensate her for the loss and pain his father had caused.
What if she just...freaked out? Hated him? Told him that she didn't want anything to do with him anymore? What if she just...started to cry right here?
Wasn't that what women did whenever they got really upset?
He could deal with any number of idiotic business people. Could deal with the huge losses the goddamn storm was causing to his businesses. But her tears?
She was a good woman. Smart, funny, innocent and utterly beautiful. And honestly, Sebastian was really enjoying her company. He was really starting to like her, like he'd never liked anyone before. Watching her cry now, here, and knowing he was responsible for all the pain she has gone through. That'd be really...heart wrenching.
No. He couldn't stand to see her cry.
He had this feeling; like they had something special going with her. He didn't want to risk losing that, and, he just couldn't bring himself to make the revelation.
So, Sebastian decided not to tell Anya anything.
His eyes snapped up, his gaze intense. "What happened?" he asked, his voice low.
Anya's eyes dropped, and she shrugged. "I don't know. Someone took it, and...it was my chance. My big break. I was devastated."
Sebastian's face twisted in anger as he hated his so called father anew. But Anya shook her head. "No, don't be angry. It made me realize that art wasn't worth all that pain. I had meteorology, and, I did just fine, financially. So, I quit."
Sebastian's eyes burned with intensity, guilt carving at his stomach lining like a dull knife. "You shouldn't have. You should've kept going. You're talented, Anya."
Anya smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. "Thank you, Sebastian. You're making me think about it. I might probably get back to it sometime."
As they talked, the storm outside seemed to rage on, but in here, they were in their own little bubble. Anya listened, enthralled, as Sebastian shared more about his past. She felt a connection with him, a sense of understanding that went beyond words.
"I lost someone," Sebastian continued, his voice cracking. "My little sister, Emma. She...she died in a car accident. My father was driving."
Anya's breath caught, and she reached out, placing a gentle hand on his arm. "I'm here, Sebastian," she said, her voice soft. "I'm listening."
Sebastian's eyes met hers, and for a moment, Anya saw a flash of what seemed like pain, or regret. Or was it guilt? Then, he looked away, and the words started to flow.
"It was a long time ago, but...it still hurts. My father, he...he was never the same after that. He became...different. And I...I became the one who had to pick up the pieces."
Anya's heart ached, but she didn't offer pity. Instead, she nodded, her eyes understanding. "You became the strong one, Sebastian. You became the one who had to hold everything together."
Sebastian's eyes snapped back to hers, and for a moment, they just looked at each other. Anya felt a spark of connection, a sense of understanding that went beyond words.
"I think you're amazing, Sebastian," she said, her voice soft. "I think you're strong, and brave, and...and I think you deserve to forgive yourself."
Sebastian's face went still, and for a moment, Anya thought she'd gone too far. But then, he smiled, a slow, sad smile that made her heart ache.
"Thank you, Anya," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you for listening."
As they sat in comfortable silence,Anya felt a sense of connection with Sebastian that she couldn't explain. She felt like she understood him, like she saw the real him, beneath the surface.
When they left the Grandview Lounge, walking hand in hand, Anya felt a sense of reluctance. She didn't want the day to end. Didn't want to go back to the room and face the uncertainty of what was to come.
But glancing up at Sebastian, she knew she wasn't alone. Whatever came next, they would face it together.
They walked back through the corridors, laughing and joking. It was magical;and Anya felt like she was in a fairy tale.