WORTHY (11 page)

Caitlin seemed to blossom with the attention she was getting from Sebastian, even her family and colleagues were quick to point out. Shannon came to visit Wednesday afternoon with clothing she claimed no longer fit her. Caitlin had mentioned she wanted to go shopping for clothes with Shannon but given the odd hours they kept at work, it was difficult to find the time.

She was just grateful to have Shannon in her life. In so many ways, she was the sister she’d never had. Caitlin no longer hesitated to confide anything to her, including the fact that Sebastian has not initiated any physical contact with her except for a kiss every now and then.

Shannon laughed out loud when Caitlin mentioned it and told her to try and make the first move instead. Despite her initial shock at the creative suggestions Shannon gave, Caitlin thought she might have to make the first move. She had seduced Sebastian in the past, she could easily pull it off again if she really put her mind to it.

Chapter Fifteen

It was Thursday when Sebastian nonchalantly mentioned his parents are inviting them both for dinner in their home. Caitlin was surprised his parents knew about her. After a lot of cajoling, Sebastian finally got her to agree.

He even volunteered to tag along while Caitlin and Shannon picked out a dress for her to wear. It was a plain white cocktail dress with gold accents, which spoke of understated elegance. The dress showed off the curves of her body without showing too much skin.

Despite Sebastian’s insistence in paying for the dress, Caitlin was adamant on paying for it herself. She had always been careful not to take advantage of Sebastian’s wealth.

After several hours of shopping, Shannon dragged her to a nearby salon and insisted on a mini makeover. Her friend and the hairdresser talked animatedly, brainstorming on what would best bring out her beautiful features—as if she were not there to decide for herself.

Ordinarily, Caitlin would have put her foot down, but she was just too tired, and happy to allow someone to mother her. The hairdresser put on light touches of makeup to accentuate her new look and Caitlin stood silent for several seconds, speechless at the transformation.

She looked… expensive. She laughed out loud at the thought. The shoulder length hair beautifully showed off her jawline and the rest of her features. The makeup highlighted her eyes, showing off her clear blues to stunning perfection. Shannon mischievously whispered some lewd suggestion and told her that tonight would be the perfect night to seduce Sebastian, making her giggle and blush like a schoolgirl.

When they finally met up with Sebastian, who was waiting for them at a nearby cafe, the two women laughed at his expression. He gawked openly, not bothering to hide his admiration and pride when men from another table glanced enviously at him.

Indeed Caitlin had bloomed into a beautiful woman who could effortlessly make heads turn. With a small smile on her lips, she met Shannon’s eyes and they again broke off into another fit of giggles. Right that moment, they were thinking about the obnoxious ideas Shannon came up with to get Sebastian to bed.

* * * *

Later that night, Caitlin and Sebastian decided to watch a movie. It was an action movie, which was not exactly what Caitlin had in mind for that night but Sebastian seemed keen to watch it.

In the middle of the heated exchange of bullets between the lead actor and a band of thieves, Caitlin leaned her head on Sebastian’s shoulder and laced her left hand with his right one. In response, he kissed her forehead gently.

Not really interested with the violence onscreen, she decided to keep herself busy with something else. Slowly bringing Sebastian’s left hand to her lips, her mouth latched on to his thumb, which earned a startled jerk from Sebastian.

Emboldened by the lack of protest on his part, she gently swirled her tongue around his thumb, sucking it gently. Her eyes were still glued to the screen but not really watching the movie.

When her tongue flicked the base of his thumb, Sebastian let out a soft groan. “Am I distracting you from the movie?” Caitlin whispered innocently, her breath moist and hot against Sebastian’s ear.

“Ahhh… a welcome distraction, I would say.” Groaning softly. Caitlin smiled and proceeded to kiss his ear sensuously. After several minutes, Sebastian stood up and gently but firmly grabbed Caitlin and walked out of the cinema hastily.

When they were on their way to the parking lot, Sebastian pulled her in a dark corner and kissed her ravenously. “You better know how to finish what you’ve started, sweetheart.” He said in between kisses.

“I have every intention of it.” Caitlin responded breathlessly then gently nipped at Sebastian’s lower lip before soothing it with her tongue.

Groaning into her ear, Sebastian started groping her body, memorizing her curves, before cupping her through her dress. They were both growing hot and restless.

“Sweetheart, I don’t think I can wait long enough to drive back to the house.” Sebastian said, as he inserted his forefinger into her wet, warm folds, eliciting a soft moan from her. In response, she arched her hips towards him then touched his hardness.

Sebastian looked around the empty parking lot and found a door on the other side where the mall’s cleaning materials were stored. Grabbing her, Sebastian led her towards the door. Hazy with arousal, Caitlin blindly followed him.

As soon as they closed the door, the two continued kissing passionately. The mustiness of the small room did not seem to bother them.

Sebastian titillated her with his expert touch, making her moan aloud. “I want you so bad.” The words escaped Caitlin’s mouth without her meaning to say them out loud.

In response, Sebastian guided her hand to his hardness, willing her to open his fly. As soon as he was free and encased in Caitlin’s warm hand, all Sebastian could think of was inserting himself inside her warm, wet folds.

Gently guiding her to turn towards the wall, Sebastian pulled down her underwear in one move. Holding her by her neck, he instructed her to bend over halfway, which she did without any sound. Her heart was pounding fast with excitement and anticipation.

She felt him enter her from behind, sliding through her warm, moist folds. Moving in a slow, sure strokes, Sebastian slowly built the tension insider her.

As he was caressing her breast through her dress, he slowly increased the tempo, ramming himself inside her. Despite his size, her tightness gave way to the steady onslaught that made her want to lose herself in the sheer beauty of the act.

Her arms moved back to grab his forearm, her nails digging into his skin. Seconds later, she came with a force she hadn’t experienced in the past two encounters with him. He followed soon after, penetrating her deeply, feeling her ripple around him as he spilled his seed inside her.

Their rapid breathing filled the room. Reality slowly intruded—first, the smell of dust then the limited leg space. Caitlin carefully pulled herself together and ran her hand through her hair. Sebastian, chuckled softly before signaling her to stay put as he checked outside.

Seeing there was no one else in the vicinity, they quickly head back to Sebastian’s car and left. It was Caitlin who first broke the silence. “I have never done anything that risky in my life,” she said as she glanced at him.

“And I have never ever lost control like that.” Sebastian said quietly. He looked distracted, to say the least.

“I’m sorry. Are you mad?” Caitlin asked hesitantly.

“Of course, I’m not, sweetheart. I… it’s just that losing control is a new thing for me. It’s unnerving.” Sebastian replied, offering a tight smile. In truth, Sebastian found the intensity of his feelings for her frightening. It made him feel vulnerable somehow.

“Sebastian, if there’s something on your mind, please, tell me.” Caitlin said, looking a bit disappointed.

“Don’t think about it, Katie. It’s nothing.” Sebastian squeezed her hand in reassurance. “Listen, I will pick you up tomorrow after lunch okay?” Sebastian continued.

“Ahhh…yeah. Okay, I’ll be ready by then.” Caitlin said. She’d almost forgotten about the dinner with Sebastian’s family. The thought made her feel lightheaded. Somehow, she would just have to learn to survive the nerves and smile through it.

How does one act around rich people, anyway?
She felt so inadequate. Sleep finally caught up with her at around four o’clock in the morning and sadly, it was not a restful sleep at all.

Chapter Sixteen

Caitlin woke up later that day. She scrambled to pack her things for an overnight trip to New York and prepared herself, emotionally and mentally. Caitlin had already told her mother about the trip. Despite her initial misgivings, Amanda gave her full support. She had experienced rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous back in the day during the height of her career as a ballerina and knew they could be a cruel, spiteful lot.

But who was she to get in the way of her daughter’s happiness? She had never seen Caitlin so alive and happy. It’s as if Sebastian has breathed life into her. She jut hoped she would not suffer the same fate she had.

Sebastian arrived at their house at just past noon, looking dapper in his chambray shirt and khaki pants.
Why is it that most rich people throw in very little effort on their choice of clothing and yet they manage to exude confidence and sophistication
, Caitlin mused.
It’s quite unfair, really.

Caitlin had spent almost two hours prepping herself—half of that time; she was looking critically at her face in the mirror. After a couple of hours trying on different sets of clothing, she settled into a plain black ensemble and grabbed her bright red trench coat before going out.

When she went downstairs, Sebastian was already in their living room talking to Caleb. At the site of her, his eyes grew dark in appreciation.

“All set?” Sebastian asked, standing up.

Caitlin nodded in response. “Mom, we’re leaving,” she called out.

“Here dear, I’ve packed some freshly baked muffins you two can eat during the drive.” Her mother came bustling with a carton of chocolate chip muffins.

Caitlin chuckled. Her mother must have sensed her anxiety and knew that her chocolate chip muffins would never fail to cheer her up.

“Oh wow! Are those chocolate chips? They’re my favorite. Thank you Mrs. Thompson.” Sebastian accepted the box gratefully. “I’ll deliver your precious daughter back home, in one piece by Sunday afternoon, ma’am,” he added charmingly.

“I know you will, dear. I know you will. Now off with you two. You don’t want to get stuck in traffic and be late for dinner.” Amanda shooed them, smiling affectionately.

* * * *

The drive to New York City was fun. They mostly talked about their childhood and the fun pranks Shawne and Sebastian had pulled in the past.

Sebastian managed to devour 8 out of the 10 muffins Amanda had packed and swore they were the best chocolate chip muffins he’d ever tasted. He went on and on claiming her mother could actually make a fortune on chocolate chip muffins alone, which tickled Caitlin.

They finally arrived New York around five o’clock in the afternoon and checked in the Ritz Carlton. They had about two hours to prepare and head to Sebastian’s parent’s house in Manhattan, near Central Park.

New York was lit up to show off its full, stunning glory. The festive spirit of the upcoming holiday season filled the air. It was as if everyone was out and about doing their shopping. Sebastian observed Caitlin had gone quiet and had somehow retreated to herself.

As she was going through the motions of dressing up and putting on her makeup, Caitlin could not help but feel out of place against the opulence. She felt suffocated.

In the week that they’d been dating, she had totally forgotten who Sebastian was and just how wealthy their family was. It had been easy to pretend that they were just ordinary individuals since they just went to regular places like Tia Maria’s or other burger joints, nothing too fancy.

She realized Sebastian must have made a real effort to fit into her world. She just could not imagine herself living in his. Despite the grandeur of the hotel room or the VIP service they were given, everything seemed contrived. Even when they were alone, she felt the need to watch her herself, she has never been more acutely aware of her inadequacy.

Seeing her frightened eyes, Sebastian hugged her from behind. “Hey, are you okay?” he asked softly, meeting her eyes in the mirror in front of them.

Heaving a deep, racing breath, Caitlin confided, “I’m not sure… I feel so out of place in all this. I’m afraid I’ll make a fool of myself in front of your parents.” her voice slightly wavering.

“Hey, hey… look at me. My parents are just ordinary people like you and I. They are not too concerned about one’s stature in life. They know you’re special to me, that’s why they want to meet you. Just be yourself okay? I’m sure they will love you.” Sebastian said reassuringly.

Despite her reservations, Caitlin tried to shrug it off and squared her shoulders. She was doing this for Sebastian, the man she loved. She knows just how important this moment is for him, in spite of the fact he is feigning nonchalance.

Putting on a forced smile, Caitlin met his eyes and said, “Okay, let’s do this.”

“Ahh, that’s my girl.” Sebastian fondly pinched her chin and gave her a smack.