Chapter 5: The Kitchen Bench
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Ariana had just finished bringing in the groceries, stocking the shelves and putting away everything. A few weeks had gone by since Sebastian had come to her room and things seemed to resume as if nothing had ever happened that fateful night. It seemed like Sebastian was now ignoring her. Which was probably just as well, but also anxiety-inducing because a part of Ariana wanted him around. Not just for the physical intimacy or the kisses, but also to talk to. She loved the conversations they had together. He was intelligent and funny, and she was ashamed to admit that she missed him.
Today was a busy day at least with all the tasks that needed doing, and she took the opportunity to at least attempt to distract herself with her work. Ever since that evening she had found it difficult to stop thinking about him, plagued by the memories, embarrassed and ashamed that she'd enjoyed herself so much.
She pushed her auburn hair behind her ears, trying to focus on stacking food in the pantry.
She hummed to herself, pushing the cans on the shelf. She looked at the can in her hand smiling at the cute little cartoon on it. She placed in on the shelf. Spinning to start putting the fruit in the fruit bowl.
"Oh!" she dropped an apple on the floor, surprised by the sudden intruder.
"Sorry," Sebastian smiled, "I didn't mean to startle you."
Ariana might have known she would see him around sooner or later. That's how things seemed to be with him, and she knew she'd been fooling herself if she thought she was never going to run into her boss when he
lived
there. Ariana took in the sight of him, she could feel her face heat and colour - the last time she'd seen him he'd had his hand between her legs. And the worst part? She had
wanted
it. Ariana felt like she was turning into some horrible sluttish creature.
Ariana noticed that it was also kind of weird seeing Sebastian after they'd both been avoiding each other. She'd hoped she'd at least looked somewhat composed and distant, remembering that she was trying to convey a sense of professionalism, rather than a sense of
'I'm a home-wrecking slut, please fire me'.
Although, she mused, if she wanted to be more professional looking, maybe she should stop wearing sundresses. She then put the thought to rest - there weren't many things she took pleasure from in life, wearing sweet little vintage sundresses was one of them and she wasn't about to stop.
"Can I get you anything?" She was proud of how she'd managed some sort of complete sentence. She felt extra proud of the fact that it made sense.
Go Ariana!
Sebastian shook his head, "Just doing my monthly check on all my employees," his eyes continued to gaze at her.
Didn't he have staff for that?
Ariana felt the warms spread from her face to her chest, the inescapable sensation of breathlessness rushing through her. She tried to distract herself with putting the fruit away, using the excuse to look away from him. Ariana couldn't stop the flash of memory crossing her mind of the last time they'd been alone together; his lips against her, the touch of his hand between her thighs. She wanted to scream at her traitorous body and prayed that he wouldn't notice.
"How are your classes going?" Sebastian asked, leaning against the kitchen bench as he watched her work. It was just like him to ask her a question about herself, make her feel like he was actually interested in her day to day life.
"Ok," she nodded, "Powering through Thucydides,"
"Dreadful," Sebastian drawled. Ariana looked up momentarily to see the mocking frown gracing his face.
"Sure, but better than Herodotus," She couldn't help herself - knew how much he seemed to enjoy the historian and it seemed her habit of teasing him about it couldn't be stopped.
"That is outrageous, madam" Sebastian smiled, although he didn't even seem slightly outraged by the comment. Ariana marvelled at how in just a few moments Sebastian had made her feel so comfortable in his presence. She almost felt like maybe things could go back to normal between them, maybe they could pretend the kiss, the late-night altercation, all of it, hadn't happened.
"I mean Thucydides just seems more factual." Ariana pointed out, wishing she didn't enjoy debating with him so much.
"Which is boring. The good thing about Herodotus is that he never lets the truth get in the way of a good story," Sebastian grinned, stepping closer to her.
Ariana laughed, "I suppose you're right." Just like that for a few moments Sebastian had made her forget she was supposed to be ignoring him.
He leaned across to help her put the fruit away.
"Oh, no," she stopped his hand, "If Mrs H. sees me letting you help, she'll be cross with me," she paused, realising she was touching him. Ariana withdrew her hand and turned back around concentrating on getting the fruit labels off.
"This is a nice dress," Sebastian tugged on the sundress, "Shows off your lovely, little waist,"
She hated how the compliment pleased her to no end.
"Thanks," she kept her eyes off him, mindful of his large hand on her waist and the fact that it felt like it was burning through her dress, "I have to stack the vegetables now," she turned to pull away.
"Does everything you own come second hand?"
She felt herself flush in embarrassment, and pushed passed the vampire, turning to the fridge, basket of vegetables in hand.
It was moments like these that reminded her of exactly where she stood against someone like Sebastian, and that was squarely down the bottom. More to the point she didn't think the dress had looked particularly used or worn, but of course