The Billionaire's Dangerous Redemption (by Claire Winters) novel Chapter 121

121 The Reason for Rushing Back

Hazel’s POV

“Sebastian?” I answered, trying to keep my voice casual despite the fluttering in my

chest.

“Good morning, Hazel.” His deep voice came through clearly. “I’ve just landed back in the city.”

I blinked in surprise. “Back already? I thought you were away for the week.”

“Plans change,” he replied simply. “I managed to wrap things up early.”

The thought that he might have hurried back for some reason related to me crossed my mind, but I quickly dismissed it as wishful thinking.

“Are you free for lunch?” he asked. “I’m near your office. There’s a rooftop restaurant across the street.”

My heart skipped a beat. “Lunch? Today?”

“Unless you’re busy,” he added quickly. “I understand if you have appointments.”

I glanced at my schedule. My afternoon was packed with meetings, but lunch remained blissfully empty. “I’m free. What time?”

“Twelve-thirty? I have a few calls to make first.”

“Perfect. I’ll see you there.”

After hanging up, I stared at my phone, a smile spreading across my face. Sebastian had just returned from a business trip and his first call was to me. For lunch. At a fancy rooftop restaurant.

I looked down at my outfit-casual black pants and a simple blouse. Fine for a day at the studio, but not for lunch with Sebastian Sinclair. I hurried to the small closet in my office where I kept spare outfits for unexpected client meetings.

“Lucy,” I called to my assistant, “can you push my two o’clock meeting to three?”

She appeared in the doorway. “Sure, but-” She stopped, noticing me pulling out a

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121 The Reason for Rushing Back

dress. “Hot date?”

I felt my cheeks warm. “Just lunch with a… colleague.”

Lucy’s eyebrow arched knowingly. “A colleague who makes you blush? Must be Mr.

Tall-Dark-and-Sinclair.”

“It’s just business,” I insisted, even as I swapped my flats for elegant high heels.

“Of course it is,” she teased, retreating to her desk. “That’s why you’re putting on your power heels and reaching for the red lipstick.”

I paused, lipstick in hand. Was I being too obvious? Then again, why shouldn’t I look my best? I carefully applied the lipstick, checking my reflection in the small mirror.

At twelve-twenty, I grabbed my purse and headed for the elevator. My arm gave a slight twinge where Alistair had scratched me yesterday, but the pain was minimal

now.

The restaurant was just as Sebastian described-a sleek, modern space with panoramic views of the city. I spotted him immediately, sitting at a corner table overlooking the skyline. He stood as I approached, his eyes taking me in with quiet appreciation.

“You look lovely,” he said, pulling out my chair.

“Thank you.” I sat down, smoothing my dress. “How was your trip?”

“Productive, if a bit rushed toward the end.” He settled across from me, looking impeccable in a charcoal suit despite having just stepped off a plane. “I worked through the night to finish early.”

“That sounds exhausting. Why the hurry?”

Sebastian’s dark eyes met mine. “I had my reasons.”

A waiter appeared with menus, saving me from having to respond to his cryptic answer. We ordered quickly-a salad for me, steak for him.

“I’m surprised you made time for lunch,” I said after the waiter left. “Surely you have mountains of work waiting after being away.”

“Nothing that can’t wait a few hours.” His gaze was steady. “Besides, I wanted to see you.”

My heart stuttered at his directness. “Oh?”

“Yes.” He leaned forward slightly. “How’s your arm?”

The question caught me off guard. “My arm?”

“From last night,” he clarified. “The scratch.”

I froze. How did he know about that? I’d mentioned it briefly during our call, but not in detail.

“It’s fine,” I said carefully. “Just a minor scratch.”

Sebastian nodded, his expression unreadable. “Good. I was concerned.”

Our food arrived, providing a welcome distraction. As we ate, Sebastian asked about my current projects, listening intently as I described a challenging commission for a celebrity client.

“You seem to thrive under pressure,” he observed.

I smiled. “I do my best work when challenged.”

“That doesn’t surprise me.” His lips curved into a small smile. “You’re remarkably resilient.”

There was something in his tone-admiration, perhaps even affection-that made my chest tighten. I took a sip of water, needing a moment to collect myself.

“Sebastian,” I ventured, setting down my glass, “can I ask you something?”

“Of course.”

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