Free Falling for the Genie (Genie's Love, Book 1) by Dee J. Stone Page A

feelings. Was he just messing around? Was it the genie/master thing? These thoughts and questions keep rolling around in my head and I’ll go insane soon, but I can’t help it. I need to know. But not now. I’ve got to get to work. I can’t lose this job.
    I perk up when I remember I’m having an interview today. I applied for the sous chef position. There’s a high chance I won’t get it, since they’re looking for someone with experience, but at least I can focus on something else besides Sebastian.
    As I munch on some toast, Sebastian walks into the kitchen. He looks…normal. Not bothered or turned on or anything to indicate he can’t stop replaying the kiss in his head. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say he completely forgot about it.
    He smiles. “Good morning. Did you sleep well?”
    I force my eyes not to go to his lips. Those lips that felt so smooth and warm as they swept across mine and sent blood rushing to every part of my body.
    He leans against the counter. “I was thinking about your next wish.”
    My guts squeeze together. He wants me to wish. Wants to get as far away from me as possible. I take another bite of my toast, squaring my shoulders to pretend this doesn’t bother me. “What about it?”
    “I just wanted to tell you…”
    I shut my eyes. Don’t say it, Sebastian. Please don’t tell me to get it over with so you can leave.
    “…to take your time.”
    My eyes spring open and I turn to him. He has an indifferent expression on his face. His eyes don’t have that intensity, but they’re bluer than ever.
    “Have a good day at work.” He walks out of the kitchen.
    I stare after him. What the hell was that? Does he mean what I think he means? To not wish so he can stay?
    I follow him, but don’t see him anywhere. Maybe he’s in his lamp. “Sebastian?” I call. He doesn’t answer. Perhaps he wants to be left alone. I quickly wash my dishes and rush to the restaurant.
    The day drags on, and all I can think about is last night. No matter how much I try, I can’t get it out of my head. The same goes for the words Sebastian uttered. He doesn’t want me to wish. He wants to stay with me. But why give me the cold shoulder, then? I’m so confused. Why am I making a big deal about it? It was just a kiss. It’s not like our fate is sealed or anything. Sebastian is a genie. He lives in a lamp. He’s bound to the lamp and the master who summons him. He can’t have a future with anyone.
    “Hey, Lil.”
    I jump. Macy gives me a curious look. “Are you okay?”
    I push some hair that escaped from my ponytail out of my face. “Yeah.”
    She scrutinizes me. “You seem a little jumpy.”
    “Yeah. Just nervous for my interview.”
    “You’ll do fine.” She hugs me. “I was thinking of hanging out after work. Maybe we can go catch a movie or something?”
    I nod. A distraction is the perfect thing I need right now. Plus, I’d love to spend more time with my best friend. Maybe I can slowly get my life back.
    ***
    After my interview, I sit outside Inferno and bury my face in my hands. I was a mess, stuttering over my words and spilling my ingredients on the floor. They wanted to see my cooking skills, and I’m not sure I did them justice. I know I could have done so much better.
    “Lily?” a voice says. I look up and find Sebastian standing before me.
    “What are you doing here?”
    He looks toward the entrance of the restaurant, where a guy rushes out, crying and tripping over his feet. I sit up. He was another applicant, Joshua, who had his interview after me. When I look at Sebastian, I see a smug smile on his face.
    “What did you do?” I ask carefully.
    He beams. “I—”
    “Lily!” Macy yells from the door. “Chef Charleston is looking for you.”
    The owner of Inferno wants to see me. I scramble to my feet and smooth down my skirt. Is he going to tell me I didn’t get the job?
    Inside his office, he beckons me to sit down. He’s a short guy with gray hair and a