Free WORTHY by Evie Matthews Page B

house help but both Shawne and he preferred their privacy. They just hired someone to clean up the house once a week.
    Seeing that Sebastian is not exactly the type to cook his own meals, Caitlin decided to join him. While the kitchen was spacious, it now seemed cramped with Sebastian and she together.
    At the sight of her, he opened the refrigerator wider to invite her to look. “I am also feeling hungry myself. I wasn’t able to eat my dinner at the restaurant, you know?” Sebastian smiled at her, effortlessly showing off the boyish charm that had no doubt sent more than a few hearts a-flutter.
    Caitlin was definitely far from immune to him. Trying to appear casual and unaffected, Caitlin reached in to grab some apples, grapes and some other ingredients to make sandwiches.
    “Do you have some bread?” Caitlin inquired, her eyes busy searching the pantry, trying to appear cool.
    “Here. Do you need me to do anything? I’m afraid my cooking skills are limited to preparing coffee and popping something in the microwave.” Sebastian said as he leaned his hip against the cabinet, observing Caitlin.
    “No, it’s okay. I got this covered.” Caitlin flashed him a smile. Their eyes met and held for several seconds. Sebastian’s look intensified, making her self-conscious. Caitlin was the first one to break the spell, her mind racing to fill the silence between them.
    “Uhhm…are you still studying?” Pretty lame but it was the first subject that came to mind, Caitlin chided herself.
    “Yes, I’m in my senior year at Princeton, taking up Civil and Environmental Engineering. What about you?” Sebastian asked, his arms now crossed over his chest as he observed Caitlin prepare their sandwiches using leftover food.
    “I was a senior at Bloomfield College but had to drop out this semester. I am planning to enroll next semester, though.” Caitlin said casually.
    Sebastian couldn’t help but wonder if her college tuition was the reason why she agreed to the deal. Having been born to a wealthy family, he never had to worry about money.
    “What are you taking?” Sebastian asked, trying to make some small talk.
    “Business Administration—the plan is to someday own a small restaurant or cafe.” Caitlin said as she put finishing touches to the sandwiches.
    “All done. Do you want to eat this in the living room?” Caitlin said, proffering a plate of sandwiches.
    ‘Wow, that looks great, Katie. Who knew you can whip up something gourmet out of leftover food?” Sebastian teased, deliberately using her nickname. To him, she was more of a ‘Katie’ than ‘Caitlin’.
    While she noticed him using her nickname, she tried to appear nonchalant about it. They ate in silence. Sebastian offered her a can of soda, which he had already opened.
    “That was a great meal, Katie. Thank you. I’ll take care of the dishes.” Sebastian volunteered as he collected the plates and went the kitchen to wash them.
    Caitlin looked around; trying to observe the details of the house she somehow missed out the last time she was here. A framed photograph of twin boys caught her attention. The resemblance was stunning, like two peas in a pod. She got up to take a close look at the picture, fascinated at the newfound knowledge that Sebastian had a twin brother.
    “That’s Shawne.” Sebastian said as he came up to her, also looking at the picture. She could feel the tension in him as he mentioned his brother’s name.
    Unaware of the tragic accident, Caitlin asked, “Does he also go to Princeton?” Looking up right into Sebastian’s dark eyes.
    “Did. He passed away last September.” Sebastian replied, his eyes suddenly devoid of any emotion and his voice flat.
    Caitlin gasped softly. She could feel his sadness and grief, despite his efforts to hide it. Reaching out to touch his forearm, “I’m so sorry to hear that, Sebastian,” her eyes showing her concern. She could not imagine losing Caleb. Sebastian must have been devastated at