Chapter 13

The silence was deafening.

Jane hadn't able to look him in the eye as they walked to the beach. Thoughts of how she'd writhed and turned and moaned and then finally gave up last night tormented her. He must've noticed the tension that caused her spine to stiffen so hard she probably looked like a gutless fish because he hadn't said anything to her either. Maybe he had lot on his mind.

She did. Her wedding was supposed to take place in about a few hours. She imagined what it was like at home. Her parents were probably neck deep in worry. Her sister Grace might even be glad; she was never in support of the wedding anyway. Her mother was probably vomiting curses on her picture.

Yikes. Jane couldn't say she wasn't the slightest bit worried, but if her mother wanted a wedding so bad, she might as well be the bride. People had two husbands these days. What were they calling it, a 'throuple'?

"I like it here," She finally voiced out.

They were almost at the beach now. A few people were loitering here and there and there were some small shops open and local vendors in business.

"Yeah? What about it do you like?" Sebastian asked just as their eyes met. Because of his tall frame, she had to tilt her head up to look at him.

"It's small, calm and peaceful. The kind of place I'd love to raise my kids in. The city just swallows you up."

"Is that where you lived?"

She hesitated. Nobody in Stormbrooke knew who she was or what family she came from. It was one of the reasons she'd chosen a small town. She got to decide who she wanted to be and what kind of live she wanted to live here. Was telling him even the tiniest piece of information dangerous? Surely not.

"Yeah. It's packed, as usual." She said, angling her head to the beach. She hoped her subtle change of subject went unnoticed so she wouldn't have to answer questions she didn't care for. Life was simpler when everyone kept their problems to themselves.

"Lord Jesus." Sebastian massaged his forehead. "As much as I love working here, it's annoying when I have to deal with dumb people who come to the beach expecting there to be some sort of savior waiting around to miraculously get them out of even dumber situations."

She chuckled in response, walking in tow with him to the Main Tower to pick up their schedules and the small microphones they wore around their necks to their ears. She'd substituted the stupid skimpy uniform Hans had given her for the one-piece she'd bought from Claire. To hell with him. This one made her feel sexy and beautiful. She could tell Sebastian approved from the side glances he'd been throwing her since they left the diner. She kept her chin up, her shoulders straight. Desperately hoping she didn't look stupid, she added a gentle sway to her hips. If he thought he could rile her up and then abandon her halfway, he had another thing coming.

Two could play the game.

They were posted to different Towers this time, her at Tower One and he at Tower Three. A slight tinge of disappointment surged through her. She'd been hoping they'd be at the same tower again today. Jane kept her countenance neutral. He didn't need to know that.

"Well, catch you later, I guess." She said, walking off without waiting for a reply.

She had only walked a short distance when she heard her name.

She spun around to search for her caller when recognition hit her.

"Harry?"

He caught up to her with a smile. Jane noticed he wasn't wearing a shirt. He was built, like he worked out frequently. Dark hair scattered around his nipples and his muscles bulged with every move he took. He was handsome, in all senses of the word yet she found herself comparing him to a certain someone. She wasn't one to be picky but there was just something about him that Harry seemed to lack.

"Hi there, fancy seeing you here," He flashed her a smile that almost brought her to her knees. Jesus. How did he get his teeth to be so white?

Catching herself, she rolled her eyes. "I work here."

"I know. That was the joke."

"Oh."

Right. There was a fine man in front of her and not only has she been comparing him to someone else, she was now also very tongue-tied.

Just great.

"Where's your sister? I sure hope you haven't lost her again." She asked him.

He chuckled low, gesturing to a young girl lying on a beach blanket with shades on and an opened book resting on her stomach. "I have her in my sights, don't worry."

She smiled. "Alright."

There was an awkward silence for a bit. Jane wondered if it would be considered rude if she turned and walked away. It wasn't that she didn't enjoy being the obvious interest of a handsome man; she just wasn't interested at the moment. There was too much going on.

"If you don't mind, Jane, I'd uh…" He licked his lips nervously. "I'd love for you to have dinner with me tonight or whenever you're free."

Her eyes caught Sebastian's. She'd meant to say no, had wanted to give it to him straight but Sebastian was looking at her like he had murderous intent and she couldn't help but revel in it. At the same time, she didn't want to lead the poor guy on.

But one of the reasons she'd come to a town where she knew literally no one was so she could leave her life back in LA and take on a new one and that also involved abandoning her goody two-shoes lifestyle.

"Sure, why the hell not? Ask me again this evening. I'm sure I could find time."