91 An Invitation to Afternoon Tea
Two days
I’d spent two agonizing days staring at Sebastian Sinclair’s watch. The Patek Philippe sat on my coffee table like hacking bomb, worth more than my entire apartment Every time I passed it, anxiety churned in my stomach
Why hadn’t he called about it?
Maybe he had so many luxury watches he hadn’t noticed this one missing. Or worse maybe he’d deliberately left it behind and didn’t want to contact me again
I picked it up for the hundredth time, feeling its weight. The smooth metal felt cool against my palm, a tangible reminder of the imbalance between us. Sebastian Sinclair. with his billions and power, versus me-Hazel Shaw, drowning in debt I could never repay
My phone buzzed with a calendar notification. Mrs. Sinclair’s birthday was next week
A thought struck uie. This was perfect! I could prepare something for her birthday and ask Sebastian to deliver it. That would give me a legitimate reason to contact him about the watch without seeming desperate
I rushed to my workroom, mind already racing with ideas. Mrs. Sinclair had admired my phoenix-themed pieces during our dinner. I could create something special around that motil
For hours. I lost myself in the work, sketching and selecting materials. By evening. I had designed a delicate accessory set-a hairpin, brooch, and bracelet featuring elegant phoenix patterns in gold with subtle ruby accents
Three days later, I finished the pieces. Each was a work of art, meticulously crafted and housed in a custom wooden box lined with red silk Perfect for the matriarch of the Sinclair family
Now came the hard part
My finger hovered over Sebastian’s contact information for a full minute before I finally pressed all back-tang made my heart pound harder
Harel His deep voice answered on the third ring.
My name on his lips sent an inexpected shiver down my spine. “Mi Sinclair replied formally hope Im not disturbing you.
“Not at all” His tone was unreadable. “Is everything alright?”
“Yes, everything’s fine took a deep breath,
noticed you left your watch at any
apartinent. And I also wanted to ask if you could deliver a birthday gift to your mother
A moment of silence. “My watch? I hadn’t realized it was missing.
So he really didn’t notice. The watch probably meant nothing to him.
“It’s on my coffee table.” I said quickly “I can drop it off somewhere convenient for
YOU
That won’t be necessary.” His voice softened slightly. “I appreciate you noticing. About my mother’s gift-that’s very thoughtful of you.
twisted a strand of hair nervously. “It’s just a small token of appreciation. She was very kind to me.
“She’ll be touched.” I could hear the smile in his voice “Are you free this afternoon? I’m meeting with clients near your office. We could have tea around four, and you can give
me both items then.
Tea? With Sebastian Sinclair?
My mind raced through excuses, but none materialized. “That… sounds fine.” I
managed.
“Excellent. I’ll call you closer to the time to arrange a location
After we hung up I stared at my phone in disbelief. Sebastian Sinclair had just invited me to afternoon tea. Not a business meeting. Not an exchange of documents. Tea
The hours crawled by as I tried to focus on work. Ichanged outfits three times, finally settling on a simple navy dress that was professional vet elegant. I packed Mrs. Sinclair’s gift carefully in my tote bag alongside his watch
By 4:30, nervous energy had me pacing my office Veta poked her head in eyebrows
raised
What’s with the sway walk? You’ve crossed your office fifty times in ten minutes
Isank into my chair Turmeeting Sebastian Sinclair for tea
Vera’s eyes widened. “Tea? Like… a date?
“No” I said too quickly. “Just returning his watch and giving him something for his mother
“Mmm-hmmm. Vera grinned. “And that required three outfit changes?”
Heat crawled up my neck. “I’m representing our brand. I need to look professional
“Sure, honey Professional. She winked “Not trying to impress the billionaire who keeps swooping in to save you or anything.
I glared at her “He’s my creditor, not my savior
He can be both.” Vera checked her watch. “It’s almost four. Need moral support walking downstairs?”
I nodded gratefully. Having Vera beside me calmed my nerves as we rode the elevator down. The lobby bustled with the usual afternoon activity
“Where are you meeting him?” Vera asked.
“I don’t know vet. He said he’d call to arrange-
As if summoned, my phone rang. Sebastian’s name flashed across the screen
“Perfect timing” I murmured, answering. “Hello?”
“Hazel. His voice was warm. I’m finishing up earlier than expected. Is there somewhere nearby you’d recommend for tea?”
My heart skipped. He was asking me to choose? I glanced at Vera, who mouthed “Rosewood Café with an encouraging nod
There’s a place called Rosewood Cafe just around the corner” I suggested. They had
excellent pastries and a quiet atmosphere
Sounds perfect” A pause “T’ll see you there in fifteen minutes?
Yes, that works
After hanging up. turned to Vera with wide eyes “Why did suggest Rosewood? It s so small and casual. He probably expects some fancy hotel lounge
Veta squeezed my shoulder “Rosewood is charming and intimate Trust me, it’s better than some stuffy hotel?
“Intimate is exactly what I’m trying to avoid. I muttered
Vera rolled her eves. “Girl its tea, not à proposal. Just enjoy talking to an attractive man who isn’t Alistair for once
She had a point Maybe this was just what I needed-a normal interaction with Sebastian that didn’t involve legal documents or life-saving interventions
As Vera headed back upstairs. I stepped outside, clutching my tote bag The afternoon sun warmed my face as I walked toward Rosewood Café, each step bringing me closer to tea with Sebastian Sinclair
My phone buzzed again. Sebastian’s name appeared on the screen.
I paused on the sidewalk, my finger hovering over the answer button Whatever came next would change something between us. This wasn’t business anymore. This was personal territory
With a deep breath, I answered the call, wondering what the next hour would bring
