Chapter 280
Sebastian cleared his throat. "I don’t think I’d be one of those guys."
“Oh, spare me,” James retorted. “You can be cocky about other things, fine, but this isn’t one of them. These days, it’s not like before. If you’re bad in bed, the girl’s going to think twice about the whole relationship. Everyone says if the chemistry isn’t right in bed, nothing else really works either.”
Sebastian pulled him aside and sat down at the island. “Then teach me. Since you’re the expert, walk me through it.”
Though all three of them were technically inexperienced, that didn’t stop James from launching into an enthusiastic lecture. He even threw in a basic biology lesson for good measure, complete with diagrams and unsolicited commentary on female anatomy. Sebastian and Warren were unwilling students, but there was no escaping the impromptu seminar.
By the end of it, Warren raised an eyebrow and asked dryly, “You’re a virgin too. I mean, sure, your theory game’s solid, but how much of this can we really trust?”
“We could always ask someone with experience,” James said, only half-joking. “But I’m pretty confident. I’ve read enough firsthand horror stories to know what not to do.” He had stayed up half the night combing through forums and posts, compiling cautionary tales from men who had failed spectacularly their first time. It had become, in his eyes, a valuable source of practical knowledge.
Sebastian shook his head. “No way. Asking someone about this kind of thing? That just feels… skeevy.” Still, even as he dismissed the idea, he made a mental note to look deeper into it himself. He wasn’t about to let Abigail think he was lacking where it counted.
“I’ll take it seriously,” he said, rising to his feet. “But for now, I’ve got places to be. You two, don’t let me keep you.” He tossed the empty milk carton into the bin with a casual flick of his wrist. As he passed James, he paused and gave his shoulder a firm pat. “I’ll have you both over for dinner soon. Thanks for this, and for putting up with me.”
“I was just here for the entertainment. James is the one who actually cared,” Warren said with a grin, standing up as well.
Sebastian turned toward him, a lazy smile playing on his lips. “Kept you up all night, didn’t I?”
Warren rolled his eyes. “You have no idea how badly I want to curse you out right now.” He might’ve been indifferent to romance himself, naturally aloof even, but when it came to his friends, his curiosity always got the better of him. He and James had stayed up half the night analyzing every possible scenario, while Sebastian had simply slipped off to blissful sleep in Abigail’s arms.
“Alright, alright,” Sebastian said, half-laughing. “We’ll make it up to you. Abby and I will cook.”
“Why does that sound like you’re celebrating some major milestone?” James muttered. “You sure it’s just dinner?”
Sebastian didn’t respond, but the amused curve of his lips said everything. James, to his credit, wasn’t far off the mark. But Sebastian had no intention of telling them just yet.
Once they left, he changed into fresh clothes and began contacting agents. By midday, he’d already viewed four different properties, but none felt quite right. And truthfully, he wasn’t even sure what he was looking for. The homes he’d grown up in had always been luxurious to the point of excess, architect-designed, private estates in secluded neighborhoods. But now, for the first time, none of that seemed to suit the life he was trying to build.
Just before lunch, he met with Ivy. They had arranged to meet at a quiet restaurant. She arrived a few minutes after he was seated.
“Mr. Robinson,” she greeted, polite and composed as always.
Sebastian nodded and gestured toward the seat across from him. Ivy sat, not bothering with the menu. “I’ve been compiling evidence,” she said without preamble. “Quite a lot, actually. It’s shaping up well. I believe we can bring this case to trial.”
“What are our odds?” Sebastian asked calmly.
“Strong,” she replied without hesitation. “The Prescott family’s been trying to manipulate public opinion to muddy the waters. But if that’s the battlefield they’ve chosen, we’ll meet them there, in court.”
“Just remember, the courtroom isn’t a stage,” Sebastian said, picking up the menu and flipping it open. “Keep it professional.”
Ivy smiled faintly. “We’re not in the Supreme Court. At this level, things are more flexible. Marcus built half his reputation on exactly that.”
Sebastian offered a quiet, measured warning in response to her confidence. “Order first. You’re sharp, no doubt about that. But this case is serious. If we lose the first trial, the appeal process will be long and difficult. You know as well as I do. Reversing a verdict is rare. I don’t want Abby walking out of that courtroom with a loss hanging over her. Neither do you.”
Ivy’s smile faded. “You’re right. I understand.”
Sebastian gave a brief nod. For a while, he said nothing, then finally asked, “What’s your impression of Abigail?”
“She’s great. Why?” Ivy replied, surprised by the question. In her mind, Abigail had always struck her as earnest and reliable, someone who worked hard and handled things with quiet determination.
Still holding the menu, Sebastian absently ran his fingers along the edge before asking, “I heard you worked your way up from the bottom. If a woman like her were looking for a quiet, everyday kind of life, somewhere normal with real people, what kind of neighborhood would you recommend?”
Ivy blinked, then understood exactly what he was asking.