Free WORTHY by Evie Matthews

and done with and get away as fast and far as she can from Sebastian.
    “Ah no… Thank you, Caitlin. I’ll open the wine myself. We’ll just wait for our steak.” Nicholas smiled, his presence was somehow reassuring, giving Caitlin energy to go through the niceties with her dignity intact. Giving Nicholas a grateful smile, Caitlin turned to leave.
    “I want to talk to you, Caitlin.” Sebastian’s voice was low and barely discernible against the din. But Caitlin heard him as loud and clear as if he were whispering the words right into her ear.
    Had it not been for the slight pause in her steps, Sebastian would have assumed Caitlin did not hear him. But it was clear that she did and she chose to ignore it.
    Despite the snub, Sebastian had to give it to her. She’s an exceptional woman. Sebastian might have seen and been with a lot of women, many more beautiful than Caitlin. But for some reason he was drawn to her like a moth to a flame. If he could only get her to sleep with him one more time, then he could get her out of his system once and for all. He did not welcome the fact that Caitlin had been invading not only his dreams, but his waking thoughts as well.
    “Sebastian, you might want to lighten up, man. You look like you are going to devour her. Cut the poor girl some slack, will you?” Nicholas teased. He was definitely enjoying every minute of this.
    It was only then that Sebastian realized he was scowling. Forcing his body to relax, he opened the wine and poured a generous amount into the two wineglasses.
    Staring at dark liquid, Sebastian finally voiced his thoughts. “Something just doesn’t fit the puzzle, Nick. She doesn’t act like the other women,” frustration lacing his voice.
    “You mean, for the first time in your life, a girl had the audacity to ignore you? And right after a romp in bed at that! Hahahaha! Inconceivable!” Nicholas couldn’t help but tease Sebastian.
    “Shut up. You know that’s not what I meant.” Sebastian scowled again.
    “Nah, you’re just so used to having your way with women. I find it amusing seeing you like this—what’s the word—disconcerted.” Nicholas chuckled.
    “No, she is unlike other women, all right. Or maybe that’s her ploy. Whatever, I need to talk to her and sort out a few things.” Sebastian said, brooding.
    “Well, if you are really keen on talking to her, I suggest you skip dinner. I can see she’s taking an early night off.” Nicholas announced as he watched as Caitlin made her way to the back.
    “Katie!” Shannon rushed to her as soon as she entered the kitchen. She was waiting for a chance to corner Caitlin.
    “I’m so sorry. I was about to warn you…” Shannon said, her eyes showing concern as she looked at Caitlin’s pale face.
    “It’s okay, Susie. I’m okay. No biggie.” Caitlin summoned a smile, trying to reassure Shannon. “Now, if you can help me, I need to get away from here. I’m too sick to finish my shift.”
    “Yeah, sure thing. Are you sure you’re okay? You go ahead and take an early night. I’ll make the excuses. Make sure to take some meds.” Shannon shooed Caitlin, knowing her friend is desperate to be away from the restaurant and not because she is coming down with a flu.
    “Thank you, Susie. You’re such an angel.” Caitlin reached out and gave Shannon a tight, grateful hug. Without further prompting, Caitlin retrieved her jacket and purse and left through the back door, unnoticed by her colleagues.

 
     
    Chapter Twelve
     
     
    Pulling her coat tighter, Caitlin walked briskly. It was starting to snow again, she observed, increasing her pace. She was so absorbed with her thoughts that she did not notice the black Audi tailing her.
    “Caitlin!” Sebastian called out. “Get in.”
    Caitlin whipped her head around in surprise. It was Sebastian, looking so handsome behind the wheel. Her heart pounding, she chose to ignore him and walked faster.
    “Get in Katie, please. It’s snowing. You’ll