“What?”
He looks at me. “I passed the park a few blocks away from home. There were many men around, some not wearing shirts. They had hair. And I also noticed hair on the men who had shirts. Their top buttons were opened.” He looks down at himself again. “They had on their legs, too. I’ve also noticed it all my years on Earth, but I didn’t think about it until today. I guess I’m comparing myself, now that I’m human. Or…I think?”
I kiss his cheek. “I don’t know why you don’t have body hair, but it seems like you’re human. Well, except for the whole magic thing. But that’s a perk.” I look into his eyes. “I love you just the way you are. You don’t have to worry about anything.”
He nods unsurely.
We finish getting ready, then take a cab to the theater. Macy and Andy are waiting for us inside. When they see us, they head over. Andy pulls Sebastian into his arms. “Thanks for saving my life, man.”
Sebastian’s too thrown off to do anything, and just stands there. He opens his mouth to say something, when Andy draws back and thanks him over and over again.
“I owe you my life,” he says.
Sebastian sweeps his hands toward me. “I didn’t do anything. It was Lily who wished for it. I just fulfilled it.”
I lightly slap his arm. “Are we going to do this again?”
He laughs. “No.” He smiles to Macy and Andy. “It’s nice to meet you. Lily has told me so much about you.”
“Likewise,” Macy says.
“And congratulations on your engagement.”
They’re quiet, avoiding each other’s eyes. Macy’s hand tightens on her purse and Andy’s leg twitches. Are they having problems? Oh, no. I hope not.
Sebastian and I exchange a glance. From the look in his eyes, I can tell he feels terrible for bringing it up. I motion that it’s okay, that we didn’t know. Macy hadn’t mentioned anything all week. Has she been keeping it from me, or is this a recent thing? I hope she knows she can tell me anything, just like I know I can tell her anything.
I want to ask questions, but it’s not my place to get involved. She’ll talk to me about it if or when she’s ready. If she chooses not to, then I need to respect that.
Macy clears her throat. “Should we go in?”
We get our tickets, popcorn, and snacks, and enter the theater. Sebastian’s eyes bug out of his face when he takes in the scenery around him. I’m shocked myself. I’ve never seen a theater this big. He nods toward the large screen in front of us. “What’s that?”
“That’s where the movie will play.”
“So big?”
“Yep.”
We manage to find good seats and make ourselves comfortable. Sebastian sits on my left, and Macy on my right. Andy is next to her, and takes her hand. That’s a good sign. Or is it? Are they putting up an act now?
When the previews start to play, Macy whispers, “Hey. You’re probably wondering what’s going on with Andy and me.”
“Sort of, but we don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to. But if you do, I’m all ears.”
“Thanks. We’re just going through something. The…the wedding’s been canceled. I mean, we still want to get married, but not yet.”
“What happened?”
She’s quiet for a few seconds. “I kissed someone…”
I gape at her. “You kissed someone?”
“It was the guy who lives in the apartment right above us.” She inhales, then exhales. “Andy and I got into a stupid little fight and he stormed out of the house. The neighbor must have heard everything because he knocked on my door, asking me if everything was okay. I was a mess, crying and feeling so bad about myself, that I told him what happened and said I wasn’t sure if I wanted to marry Andy. Which was a total lie, but I wasn’t right in the head. The guy said some nice things and I just kissed him. It didn’t mean anything and was so, so stupid. I’m not sure Andy loves me anymore.”
“Andy does love you.”
She wipes her eyes. “When he came back home, I told him what happened. Of course he was hurt. We have some…stuff we need to work through. I really love him and don’t want to lose him. I’m such a terrible person.”
“No, you’re not. You just made a mistake. Andy will forgive you. If not, he’s an idiot.”
She’s about to answer when Sebastian leans closer to me. “This is wonderful. Everything is so big and clear and the sound…I feel like I’m inside the TV.”
I smile at how adorable he is. “That’s the point. You’re supposed to feel part of it.”
“Spectacular.” He munches on some popcorn. “Really awesome.” He munches some more. I lower my eyes to the barrel. We bought the jumbo size to share, and he’s pretty much eaten it all. He really loves popcorn.
“I’ll get more,” I say, reaching for the barrel.
“Hold on. Let me try something.” He waves his hand over the popcorn and more appear. His eyes widen. “I can…I can create…” He turns to me. “It’s been bugging me ever since you mentioned it at Inferno, and I haven’t been able to create anything. Until now.” He squints, confused. “I don’t understand it.”
I place my hand on his. “Sebastian, we need to pay for that popcorn.”
He shakes his head. “I didn’t take it from anywhere. I just…duplicated what we had.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
Macy elbows me. “You guys wanna keep it down? The movie’s about to start.”
We focus on the movie—it’s an action one with a little bit of romance. When I look at Sebastian, I can tell this whole magic creating thing is bothering him. I know it doesn’t make sense. He’s human and his powers shouldn’t be getting stronger. But maybe it’s possible. He’s not exactly fully human. I don’t think he can ever be one hundred percent like any other guy his age. I love that he has magic, but I’m also worried that things will go wrong. I don’t want us to accidentally do things we don’t want to do. Like use magic to cheat through life. Not that I think Sebastian would ever do that, but life is hard, and we might be tempted.
Sebastian stretches his arm over my shoulder. “What’s the matter?”
“Nothing.” I reach up and peck his lips.
About half an hour into the movie, Macy and Andy start making out. I’m glad that despite what’s happening between them, they’re still in love. I catch Sebastian watching them, then his eyes move to me. I shake my head. “Not here.”
“Why not?”
I shrug. “I want you to watch the movie.” That and I’ve never really been comfortable kissing in public. I like sharing intimate moments behind closed doors.
Sebastian bends close to me and whispers, “Okay. Thank you for bringing me here.”
“I’d do anything for you.”
The movie ends with a passionate kiss shared by the guy and girl, and Sebastian raises his fists in triumph. The lights turn on and Sebastian’s arms are still raised. He has a large smile on his face. Most of the other people shoot him weird looks, but he doesn’t pay attention to them.
Andy chuckles. “You must really love movies.”
“I do, especially the romance ones.”
Andy stares at him.
“Because it reminds me of Lily,” Sebastian quickly says. “The first movie we watched together was romance. It means something special to me.”
Andy chuckles. “Not me. I’ll leave the romance movies to the chicks. Now horror, that’s where it’s at.”
Macy slaps his chest. “You like a good romance movie every now and then. Admit it.”
“Never.”
We leave the theater and go to the nearby fast food joint for dinner. Sebastian and I sit on one side of the table and Macy and Andy sit on the other. Things seem okay between them. Andy is looking at Macy the way he always had, but I sense some betrayal as well. I really hope things work out between them.
“So, Sebastian,” Andy says once we’ve ordered and are waiting for our food. “What was it li
ke being a genie?”
Sebastian tells them everything, starting with Ortarus and ending with returning to Earth. Andy’s mouth drops. “Wait, you’re over a hundred years old?”
“A few hundred, yes.”
Andy’s mouth drops even more. “Damn.”
Sebastian laughs lightly. They continue talking when I notice something in the corner of my eye. A guy I recognize is sitting at the table on the other end of the room. Max, my ex-boyfriend, the guy I dated right before Sebastian. He never loved me but was using me to get over his breakup with his ex-girlfriend. Sebastian had tried to warn me, but I didn’t listen.
“Oh, god,” I mutter. “Look who’s there.” I tilt my head toward Max’s direction. Sebastian narrows his eyes.
“Is that his girlfriend?” I ask, eyeing the brunette on his left.
“Um, no,” Macy says. “Turns out his ex didn’t want to get back together with him. I don’t even think she knows what she wants. He must be on a date with someone else.”
I reach for Sebastian’s hand. “All I can say is good riddance and I hope he’s not using that girl like he used me.”
Andy shifts in his seat. This must be awkward for him, since Max is his good friend. “He’s in a bad place,” he says.
“I don’t doubt that,” I say. “He just shouldn’t take advantage of anyone.”
Andy shrugs. “I think he’s changed, but it doesn’t really matter, does it?”
“Nope.”
Sebastian smiles and gives me a quick kiss.
Our food is ready and we dig in. It’s really good, in a disgustingly awesome type of way. We discuss many topics as we eat, like the movie, school, jobs, and the news. A shadow stands behind Macy, and I look up. Max is there. Without the brunette. Either she left or she’s in the bathroom.
“Hey,” Max says, focusing his gaze on me. I ignore him. Sebastian, on the other hand, doesn’t. He stares him down, just as Max is staring him down.
“Who’s that?” Max asks.
“My boyfriend,” I say. “Sebastian.”
Max frowns as he looks him over another time. He snorts.
“Did you want something?” I snap.
Max smiles wide. “No, I have everything I need.” He walks away.
“What a…” I shut my mouth, stopping myself from uttering my next words in front of Andy. Max might have been a lousy boyfriend to me, but he’s a good friend to Andy.
Macy slowly meets my gaze. “He was asking about you the other day.”
“Max?”
She nods.
“Did you tell him I’m seeing someone?”
“Yeah. I guess that’s why he came over.”
I roll my eyes. “Because he doesn’t believe I could get a guy, right?”
Macy shakes her head. “I don’t think that’s it. I think he wants to get back together with you. I told him to back off.”
“Thanks.”
“I could take him,” Sebastian says, glaring at the door. Max is no longer there. “If he so much as touches you, I will kill him.”
I place my fingers on his arm. “Sebastian, relax. We don’t need you going to jail.”
His eyes narrow at the door. “I don’t like the way he was looking at you.”
I squeeze him arm. “Let it go. Please.”
He tears his gaze from the door and looks at me. “I just want to protect you.”
“I appreciate it, but it’s okay.”
He nods. “I’m sorry.”
Macy says, “You don’t have to worry, Sebastian. Max won’t be a problem. I made it clear that she wants nothing to do with him.”
That seems to relax my genie, but I can still see the tension in his eyes.
Chapter Twelve
After work on Saturday, Sebastian and I are on my couch. His lips are roaming over every part of my face. They skim down the length of my neck, then back up to my ear. I moan, my fingers tangling in his hair. He lifts the hem of my shirt a bit and pops kisses on my stomach, sending jolts of electricity throughout my body.
“Sebastian,” I murmur.
His mouth is back on mine, kissing deeply and passionately. He takes my bottom lip between his teeth and bites gently. I place my hands on either side of his face. “It’s my turn now,” I say.
“But I didn’t finish.”
I flip us over so it’s me on top of him. My mouth brushes across his face, from one end to the other. When I reach his ear, I whisper how hot and sexy he is. Then I nibble on his ear before slipping my hand underneath his shirt. His body is scorching. Slowly, I lift his shirt over his head and throw it somewhere. Then I drop my head to his chest and sweep my lips across his smooth skin. From left to right, down the center, and back up. Sebastian trembles and his breathing is labored. When our eyes meet, I see how hot and heavy his are. He takes my chin and smashes his lips to mine, quickly, fiercely, as though we’re each other’s nutrients.
He gathers me in his arms. “Lily,” he breathes against my cheek. “My sweet Lily.” His chest heaves and I can feel his heart pounding.
“I’m ready,” I whisper. “I’m ready to take the next step with you.” I draw back, looking into his eyes. “I want to be closer to you.”
He gazes at me with such intensity. His blue eyes are so deep, so clear yet mysterious at the same time. He rests his forehead against mine. “I want to be closer to you, too.”
I yank him to me and kiss him. His hands crawl all over my body as mine explore his. We’re panting, our bodies hotter than a burning building.
Sebastian pulls off. He puts his hand on the right side of my face, stroking my cheek. “Are you sure you want to do this?”
“More than sure. You?” This would be his first time, too.
He fingers my bottom lip, then bends closer and gives me a sweet kiss. “I am.”
Smiling, I wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him even closer to me.
***
I open my eyes and peer to my left. Sebastian is lying next to me, his arm slung over my stomach, his chest rising and falling softly. He looks so peaceful when he sleeps, and a warmth flows over me. What we shared was special and amazing.
Snuggling to his chest, I breathe in his Sebastian smell that I love so much. I wish I could stay like this forever, cuddled in his arms, in our own bubble where we don’t have to worry about jobs, money, school and all the other responsibilities. At the same time, I’m looking forward to what’s to come next, to spend the rest of my life with him.
“Lily,” he murmurs. His eyes are still closed and his breathing is even. I wonder if he’s dreaming about me, about us.
I push some hair out of his eyes, careful not to wake him. “I really love you, my genie,” I whisper.
I’m cozy, snuggled up to Sebastian, but my mind won’t let me fall asleep. I’m just so happy and excited for the future. Rolling to the other end of the bed, I toss and turn to try to find a comfortable position. Nothing is working. I decide I might as well get started on breakfast. I hum a small tune as I grab some pots and eggs and bread. I’m thinking scrambled eggs and toast. Simple yet satisfying at the same time. I don’t think Sebastian has ever tasted those dishes, and I’d like to introduce him to everything.
I wonder if I’m always going to feel like this. I can’t imagine not. Sebastian and I passed a bridge, entering the next stage in our relationship. I feel closer to him than ever.
Arms wrap around my waist and a nose buries into the side of my neck. “When I woke up,” Sebastian says, his voice husky, “you weren’t there. I wasn’t sure if it really happened.” His arms tighten around me and he kisses my neck. “I’m glad it did.”
I turn around, and our lips meet. Sebastian moans softly as our lips move against each other, then cups my face in his hands and tilts it slightly so he can reach my lower neck. My fingers thread in his hair as his lips move a little lower. My body is seconds away from combusting, and I’m not sure my legs can support me. From the way he’s trembling, I know he can barely suppo
rt himself, either.
His lips brush every part of my face before slipping down to all the exposed skin on my body, creating magic with each kiss.
He nuzzles my nose, then rests his forehead against mine, gazing into my eyes. “How do you feel?”
“Like I went to heaven and never came back.”
He smiles. “But are you okay? Did I do okay? I’ve never—I mean, did I—?”
I wrap my arms around his neck. “It was amazing.”
He grins, his cheeks reddening. “I only want to please you.”
“I only want to please you, too. Are you okay?”
“More than okay. I feel…whole. Like I wasn’t complete until now.”
I push some hair out of his eyes. “I feel the exact same way. When I was in high school, everyone around me was...you know, doing it, and I felt like I was missing out. My mom told me not to look at other people. She said I should do it when I wanted to, with someone special. Not to do it just because everyone else was.” I stroke his cheek. “You’re that special person I was waiting for, and I’m glad I shared it with you.”
His eyes shine. “I never knew such a wonderful thing exists. I mean, I knew of it, but I never imagined…” He smiles and kisses me. “I love how close I feel to you.”
“I was just thinking the same thing.” I sniff. Something’s burning. “Oh, crap! The food!”
After turning off the stove and the toaster, Sebastian and I stare at the burned pan in the sink. The eggs and the bread are charred. I don’t have enough supplies to make more. Great. “So much for breakfast.” I grab a rag and lift the pan up, inspecting it. “And I destroyed my favorite pan.” Sebastian burned my other one a few weeks ago when he tried to make me breakfast.
“I’m sorry, Lily.”
I shake my head, pulling him close. “No, don’t apologize. You did nothing wrong.” It’s just food. I can go on for days without any nutrients, as long as I have Sebastian. Okay, maybe that’s not true—my body would definitely not be able to handle it—but it sure feels that way.
Sebastian frowns at the sink. “But your pan...now you have no more.”
“I can always…” I stop talking when Sebastian lifts his hand and waves it over the sink. The pan rises in the air and spins around for a few seconds. It stops midair before slowly sliding over to me. Taking it in my hands, I realize it’s as good as new. I’ve had this pan for years and brought it with me when I moved to New York, along with the other one, which I had hardly used. All the small dents and dirt that have gathered there over the past few years are gone. “Thanks so much, Sebastian.” I kiss him. I always knew in the back of my mind that I would have to eventually throw out this pan—it’s very damaged from use. But now I don’t have to. “You have no idea how some chefs get attached to their cooking equipment. This pan and I will be together for a long time.”
Loving the Genie (Genie's Love, Book 2) Page 7