America rushes over to Kristoff and yanks him back. She shoots me an incredulous look before confronting him. “I’m talking to you, Kris. Don’t ignore me.”
“I just did!”
Perhaps there isn’t enough time to explain what happened. I don’t keep anything from Kristoff, and what just happened just now was an accident.
“Just for now, please. Listen to Mom,” she implores. “Ignoring her right now isn’t such a good idea. She tolerated enough that you brought this girl here.”
I grunt. I suppose she’ll keep treating me like I’m trash.
Kristoff jerks away from his sister’s grasp. “I won’t come home tonight. Not when everybody is trying to control me. Let’s avoid making a scene, please. We shouldn’t be discussing this here.”
“Mr. Cleve and his family will visit us at brunch. It’s embarrassing if you don’t show up,” she asserts.
Okay, what is happening? I don’t think I’m following.
“I’m not spending Christmas with you. I will spend it with whoever I want to. You are free to leave the party anytime you wish. I haven’t seen Julian yet.”
Her lips pucker, and she calms down. “I want to see him too.”
“Just go home!” Kristoff yells before turning to face me. “I’m sorry about that. My sister is a pain in the ass.”
“Are you okay?” I touch the red stain on his shirt.
“I’m fine.” He grimaces. “Damn Adam and his games. This will stain.”
Yes. Damn him and his games. I kissed another man because of that stupid kissing game. What should I say to Kristoff? He already looks pissed.
“Is everything all right here?” A late-fifties woman in a tangerine beaded dress joins us. “Ah, you are America and Kristoff Stevens. Melissa and Phillis’ kids.”
“Hi! Merry Christmas, Mrs. Jameson.” America puts on a fake smile she always displays to her fans. “Yes, we’re good. We’re just having a nonsense sibling discussion.”
“I thought I heard you argue. Tell your mother I’ll meet her at the spa before the New Year. My friends and I are leaving now, but I’ve not spoken to her yet.”
“No worries, Mrs. Jameson. I’ll tell her.”
“What a beautiful girl you are. Thank you, and Merry Christmas to you too.” She holds America’s hand and walks away.
“Just so you know,” America continues, facing us again. “I don’t want to be with you either. But I’ve got something better. You still haven’t told your girlfriend why Mom wants you home tomorrow.”
Kristoff groans in frustration. “Mom wants me to meet a family friend’s daughter, but I’m not going since I’m turning them down. You see that, America? I tell my girlfriend everything.” He slips his hand on mine. “You have nothing to be worried about, babe.”
I scowl. “Your mom what?” That’s the first time I heard of it.
America shakes her head. “Just wait until you’re forced to. It’ll be my win then.”
“Or get a date next time, so you don’t get bored like this. Stop bothering me. Come.”
Kristoff brings me to the dancefloor, joining a dozen couples dancing to a Michael Buble Christmas song. He takes my hand and my waist and then presses me against him.
“Where’s Lora?” he asks.
“She looked for a kissing partner.”
His brows wrinkled together. “What?”
“For the game. I’d been looking for you.”
He chuckles with delight. “Did you want to kiss me?”
“But something else happened.” I’ll tell him. That is how transparent our relationship is. We tell each other things.
“What is it? I’m sorry. America’s bothering me.”
“I saw you earlier before the lights went out. I thought you were already next to me, so...”
“So?”
“So, when I felt someone close by, I grabbed him and...”
“Wait. What?” Kristoff stops dancing, and his demeanor turns serious. “You kissed him?”
“I didn’t mean to. I assumed it was you. You were almost there.” I stare at his somber expression. “I’m really sorry.”
He runs his fingers through his hair. “This is why I don’t play Adam’s games. I’m going to kill him.”
“It’s not his fault.”
“Oh, yes? It’s all his fault. Because it’s dark, they don’t know whether it’s their spouses or boyfriends they kissed.”
“It was an accident, Kristoff,” I reason further. “There’s no need to get so worked up. I know you’d be upset.”
He takes a deep breath. “Fine. So, who is it?”
“I couldn’t see his face. Everyone here has a mask.”
He glances around the room, scanning everyone’s faces. “Well, no one is wearing a mask anymore.”
“It isn’t his fault, either. I grabbed him because I thought he was you.”
“Oh, yes.” He shakes his head. “Because you’re a grabber.”
I scowl. “What do you mean?”
“You do it all the time.”
“All the time?” My mouth falls open, and my face turns heated. “No, I don’t!”
“Yes, you did. Whenever you feel like kissing me.”
I cross my arms. There’s no point in arguing. “Fine. But I just felt I should tell you.”
Finally, he cracks a laugh.
“Kristoff!”
“Alright, I accept your apology. But in one condition.”
“Sure.”
“Go on a date with me tomorrow.”
“God, of course! I’ll go on a date with you.” I grab him, bury my face in his chest, and inhale his soothing perfume. It’s the bergamot citrus scent, like always.
“See? You’re a grabber.”
After two more dances, Lora found us and came over to our cocktail table with Adam. I wonder who she kissed.
“Whoa. I’m pretty sure this isn’t Halloween,” Lora muses on Kristoff’s shirt.
“You can change into my shirt upstairs,” Adam offers.
“It’s cool, bro. We’re leaving after we meet Julian anyway. By the way, this is your fault.”
“Ugh,” Lora spews. “I’m not doing that anymore. I kissed some ugly psycho who thought I was hitting on him, and his breath smelt like a hundred-year-old mayonnaise.”
Adam laughs and leans in close to her face. “You should’ve kissed me. But it’s still fun, yeah?”
“Maybe for you,” Kristoff says. Thankfully, he didn’t mention the kiss.
“Hey, there’s my bro.” Adam raises his head, gesturing to a swarm of ladies surrounding a towering figure of a man, but I can’t quite see his face. “Jules, over here!” He waves his hand.
I quickly yank Kristoff’s sleeves and bring my mouth to his ear. “Don’t bring up the scholarship.”
“Why not?” he asks, frowning. “He already knows.”
“Yes, but I doubt he remembers me. Please.”
“Okay.” My boyfriend nods.
Shortly, Julian breaks away from the crowd and comes over to us.
Damn. I chew my bottom lip. He looks straight out of a Hollywood movie scene. Powerful and intimidating. With his black suit, white shirt, and navy silk cashmere scarf but no ties, he appears more casual than the other men at the party, yet he manages to look more elegant.
His piercing ocean-blue eyes stare at me, but I’m not sure why. His full lips curve into a slight smirk.
And there it is again—the magnetic pull. I suddenly feel my basal temperature rise, and my hormones sing in delight.
Is he really going to be our professor? He’s so beautiful that it should be illegal. Even Lora’s expression is incomprehensible. She’s star-struck.
Almost instantly, Kristoff hugs him, proving that he deems him more of a family than his own. I’ve never seen him so enthused about meeting someone before.
“Julian, it’s good to see you.”
Our new professor receives Kristoff with an ardent welcome. “Good to see you too. It’s been a while.”
“I’ve been looking for you for ages!” Kristoff exclaims, pulling away. “I’ve something to tell you. I cannot wait until class resumes.”
“Relax. We have more time,” Julian says nonchalantly, patting Kristoff’s back,
“Right. By the way, this is Anya Scott and Lora McQueen. They’ll be your students too.”
Professor Sebastian regards us with his sapphire eyes with a ghost smile on his lips. “Welcome to Sebastian House, Ms. McQueen and Ms. Scott. I hope you’re having fun.”
“You have a beautiful home, professor. Thank you for having us.” Lora beams at him as though she won the lottery. “I’m looking forward to being under your guidance.”
Kristoff clears his throat. “Lora is an aspiring conductor, and Anya is a promising composer with a good ear. I hope you remember them.”
Strangely, the professor’s gaze lingers on mine for longer than a second. No, it’s already been over five seconds and counting. They’re assessing me, and I can’t seem to take my eyes away from them too.
Goosebumps parade all over my body.
Wait a second. I know that voice! I’m good at remembering voices.
“Believe me. I definitely will, Kristoff,” Professor Sebastian states, now unsmiling. “Because I ran into Ms. Scott earlier on the porch, and she doesn’t seem to recognize me without the mask.”
I gasp.
Kristoff frowns.
Lora’s pupils dilate.
That voice came from Professor Julian Sebastian...
Thus the golden mask...
Oh my God! I catch my mouth.
What did I just get myself into?
Bewildered, I look up into Professor Sebastian’s face. He’s the man I snatched and kissed in the dark. My gaze lands on his mouth—his soft, plump mouth that touched mine as his fingers fondled the back of my head and lower back. It’s not just in my head. It’s real.But how did he end up right next to me at that precise moment?Stop it, Anya! How could you have known it was him?He’s changed the suit and no longer wears the gold mask.“Really?” Kristoff’s scowl transforms into a beam. “Why didn’t you say so?”God, he shouldn’t be smiling right now.“The professor’s right. I didn’t recognize him,” I clarify, my voice sounding like a sigh.“Actually, I’d like to ask Ms. Scott to a dance,” the professor says.No! “What?”“Ms. Scott. May I?” He extends his hand to me.“Go on,” Kristoff urges, leaning in to whisper in my ear. “Maybe you could ask him.”“About what?” He won’t say this if he realizes he is the man I kissed.“What else? About school, of course.”“How about you?”“I’ll be here.
Before the night is over, Kristoff leads me back to the dance floor. I always feel at ease in his arms. The comforting familiarity resonates with me. The tension I felt while dancing with Professor Sebastian had faded. This is much better.“So, what did you talk about? Isn’t he great?”“He is an honorable man.”He smiles with pride. “I told you he is fantastic. Did you get a chance to introduce yourself?”“Yes, but nothing that relates to school. Kris, I don’t feel like discussing my academic credentials at a party. I’ll take that out during class.” I wrap my arms around Kristoff’s neck. He presses me against him as his arms encircle my waist.“What did he say to you? He’s grinning all the time,” he observes with intrigue.“We simply had a brief chat about his family and his eccentricities. I share bits of words of wisdom with him.”“That sounds like Julian to me. I’m glad that he hasn’t changed.”“But is he really so open and transparent? With anyone he just met, specifically.”“Mm.
Over the few days after Christmas through the start of the new semester, my encounter with Professor Sebastian has played repeatedly in my mind. His handsome features, infectious laugh, and charming nature all lingered with me long after our little time together ended. Surely, every Whitlock female student would do anything for a chance to dance with him.Coincidentally, Lora and I were able to have a long conversation with him. My best friend also had a brief dance with him at the party. As I suspected, she mentioned wanting to one day lead an orchestra. Lora thinks he’s fascinating.Right now, Professor Sebastian is looking quite dazzling in his semi-formal attire, albeit he still isn’t a fan of ties, yet he’s even more handsome now that he’s wearing eyeglasses.“This term, I will be your professor for music composition and songwriting. I come from a long line of musicians and artists, which may be new to some of you. As the former Executive Producer and COO, I was in charge of the
By the time the classes are over in the afternoon, the sky is decorated with silvery, bluish-gray snow clouds. The coldness of the breeze permeates my hands. But what the heck, it’s already 6:30! I’ve just arrived at Professor Sebastian’s office.“Just send me a text when you’re done. I’ll just meet up with the guys for quick practice.” Kristoff’s thumb lightly touches my cheek. The ‘guys’ mean the members of his quartet group, and ‘brief’ can often mean an hour.“What do you think the professor will say? I’m late.”“Don’t worry. He already thinks you’re outstanding.” He offers an assured grin.“If you say so.” I return his smile. I feel somewhat relieved. “Are you still coming over?”“I really want to, but Lora...”I laugh. “She’s just messing with you. Let’s watch a movie. I like romcoms.”“Alright, then.” He kisses my forehead. “Even though I like sci-fi.”“Go. I’ll text you.”He winks at me, waves his hand, and walks away.I knock on Professor Sebastian’s door. “Professor? It’s me
When Fred turned onto Lexington Avenue instead of my apartment, which was in the opposite direction, I knew my guess was right. I just had a smooth ten-minute drive in a cool car that smelled like berries and brambles. The plush leather upholstery makes me feel like I’m sitting in the most sumptuous seat in the world. Stopping in front of the Le Papillon, I notice Professor Sebastian’s car pulling over the driveway, and a valet opens his door. Fred opens mine. “Ms. Anya.” “Thank you,” I mutter, and then I step down. Ahead of us, I catch my professor’s watchful gaze, observing me. I make my way toward him. “You ready?” he asks. “Yes, but we’re eating dinner here?” I know I asked the obvious, but having dinner with him here is not a good idea. Somebody from the school might see us. “Yes. It’s late, and I’m hungry,” he says plainly. Oh. The restaurant’s head waiter, Harold, welcomes us at the door. “Good to see you again, Professor Sebastian—” he glances at me with slight confu
It didn’t take any longer than fifteen minutes before we arrived in front of my apartment building. “Thank you, professor. You really didn’t have to do this,” I say as he walks me to the front entrance. He looks over the seven-floor complex and nods in approval. A smirk forms on the corner of his mouth. “Who do you share your space with?” “Lora. Our apartment is quite pretty, and it has two separate bedrooms. Having security is a plus. Even though it’s expensive, we’re splitting the rent.” “Maybe I can stop by for a coffee sometime.” My mouth drops open. “Oh, I’m sorry about that. Would you like to come in for a cup?” “No, it’s fine. I already have other plans for tonight. I hope you have a pleasant evening, Ms. Scott.” I chew my bottom lip. I wish I could ask where, but I obviously can’t. “I guess I’ll bid you good night. Good night, professor.” “Good night.” He strolls back to his car. For some reason, as I continue to go inside, I can’t help but see him one more time from
Professor Sebastian sits at the edge of the desk and clasps his hands. “Today, we’re going to talk about point of view,” he says in a firm voice. I’m curious to see how he differs from our previous professor in terms of how he instructs us on songwriting. “A point of view describes the relationship between the audience and the singer. Here’s a case: a story of a man’s selfless devotion to the woman he loves.” My eyes move around the room to look at everyone’s faces. All eyes are focused forward, mouths are sealed shut, and everyone else has their notes ready. I sit properly. “Let’s call him Joe,” the professor continues. “Joe loves this woman, but as listeners of his story, we don’t know that because we don’t know them. Only the songwriter can tell you that story...” Professor Sebastian tenses up and walks to the center. “What we want to do here is to express an idea. What am I going to say? Which approach should I take? From personal experience? Perhaps you’ve had your heart bro
I tighten Kristoff’s bowtie and smooth his black lapels. My boyfriend looks dashing in his tailored tux today. The latest single of the quartet he’s on is finally getting its music video.It’s actually pretty hectic. Cameras and videographers are working behind the scenes. There are cables, tech machines, and equipment everywhere in the studio, and the stage artist is yelling at some people while the director speaks to one of the members.Kristoff plays the cello and has been a part of the Dream String Quartet since his freshman year. The other members, Flynn, Jace, and Seth, all have different majors but come together as an ensemble. They have become Whitlock’s pride because their music has been featured in television and film soundtracks, major school activities, professional theater plays, live performances, and concerts.More than ten million people follow them across their social media channels.I smile as I look up at him.He strokes his hair with his fingers. “How do I look?”I
When I got to bed later that night, I immediately called Julian. Damn. My feet are killing me from running around all day in heels. “How’s Kristoff doing?” I ask, my gaze fixed on the ceiling. “He’s already dozed off.” I hear a door closing in the background. “Did you guys talk?” “Yeah.” “What did you say?” “Everything. I told him everything from the start. It’s alright now. You have nothing else to be worried about.” I exhaled a sharp sigh of relief. “We should’ve done this sooner. I’m sorry because Kristoff is a good person.” “He is. He didn’t tell you even though he already knew. “Hey, don’t worry about it, and get some rest,” he says softly. I chew my bottom lip. “Thank you for today. I was late, but you waited for me.” “No. Either way, I’d still tell you about it. I should be thanking you for accepting me.” Silence. I love hearing his voice. I could fall asleep all night listening to him speak. He makes me feel as if I’m lying on clouds. “I love you so much, Julian.”
I got separated from Julian at the party when everyone surrounded him to wish him a happy birthday. I also see his parents, Rachel and Benjamin, at the corner, speaking to some guests. I realize this is my second encounter with his father, and I don’t know much about him yet. Rafael, his eldest son, bears a striking resemblance to him. I’m curious about him because I’ve already met Julian’s entire family.The party is formal, well-prepared, and obviously exclusive, as evidenced by the familiar faces—most of whom are celebrities. I’m glad I dressed appropriately tonight. Everything Dean had arranged for me had probably come from Julian. Now I just have to get used to that fact and accept that he and John Pitch are the same person. And that I’m now engaged to him. This ring on my finger proves I’m not imagining things.
When Dean arrives at the hospital, he sees me right away. His face is stricken with concern as he studies me from head to toe and then sighs when he realizes I’m fine. But whoa. I’m amazed at how he came here fast. I was just talking to him. “What are you doing here, Anya?” “It’s Kristoff. He’s had an accident. I can’t just leave him there, Dean, knowing I’m partly to blame.” “How is that your fault? Is he alright?” I nod. “He’s already awake, but he refuses to notify his parents.” Even though I know they’ll blame me, I’ll take whatever they say. “He probably thought it would just cause a stir. His parents are at the party. Don’t worry. I’ll check on him later, so we should leave now.” “What did Mr. Pitch say?” “He’ll come to see you. You can explain everything later.” I exhale a sigh of relief. “Thank you.” But Julian’s birthday, too! He could be looking for me right now. But I haven’t received a call or message from him yet, and neither has Lora. “He’s waiting, Anya, so hur
I feel my face whiten, unable to move my lips or even move at all. My mind is flooded with questions. How did he find out? Did Julian tell him? Or did he see us together? What does he think of me now?“Goddammit, Anya!” He rubs his face. Exasperated tears well up in his eyes. “Really? Julian? “Why him of all people?”“P-Please, Kris, calm down. I’ll explain.”I understand how important this is to him. I’ve known itsince the beginning. Kristoff looked up at Julian. He’s like a brother to him, someone he can rely on. But Julian and I went too far. It’s unfair that we kept it from Kristoff, but we didn’t do anything wrong. We were simply being cautious.I have to tell him. It should be done now, without hesitation. I’ll try to persuade him of my connection to Julian—everything from the beginning. We met before Whitlock, how I was chosen for the scholarship, how we met a
“How about this one?” I turn around in front of Lora while selecting a dress to wear to the signing at Sebastian Records in the afternoon today—my most awaited day. God, time flies! Oh, and tonight is Julian’s birthday party that will be held at the company.I’m wearing a Neiman Marcus royal blue asymmetric cross bandage dress and Christian Louboutin heels that were delivered to my door by my benefactor’s assistant, Jefferson ‘Dean’ Bryant. He thought I should dress nicely today, and he fully supports my newfound success. He also said he’d say something after I signed. I’m curious about what that’s all about.Lora squeals as she scans me from head to toe. “Damn, you’re hot. Hot, sexy-smart. I wish I could be there for you.”“
Anne’s laughter echoes throughout the living room after Hector finishes second in their game on my television I haven’t even used yet. Ben said it would be boring, so he brought his game console. The others are relaxing with some beverages and snacks while chatting. And I’m in the kitchen, getting another box of pizza and fried chicken. “Seriously?” Hector grumbles. “Wow, that was extreme! Now, give me your fifty dollars,” Anne brags. Ben chuckles. “I warned you, dude. You can’t force ladies these days.” “I’ll take the bet. I’m next,” Kristoff says. “Hey, me, too!” Brit yells. “Do they do this often?” I ask Lora. “Oh, yes. Usually in Hector or Ben’s place, but I hardly join.” I take a big bite of my pizza. God, I love cheese. “Then let’s join them now.” We bring the food into the living room and take a seat. “Hector, move your leg!” Give the owner some space,” Brit says as she grabs a
“So, what do you think?” Dean asks after we’ve toured an apartment on Royale Hill, two blocks from Whitlock. Since all the rents were the same, I chose the one closer to the school. “It smells expensive. It looks expensive.” It’s fully furnished and brand new. Despite the citrus air freshener, the interior still smells like leather and has glass windows. “Anya.” Dean crosses his arms, probably expecting me to say something serious. “Fine, I love it. It’s wonderful but still extravagant,” I admit bluntly. I suppose Mr. Pitch has nowhere else to put his money. What exactly is he thinking? The listing price alone scared me. Looking at it now completely overwhelms me. “You are welcome to move in whenever you want. I’ve already spoken with the lessor.”
“Rafael isn’t the type to disclose his strategies,” Julian says. “I do know that he will keep our reputation from deteriorating. Stella has a good public record, her records are selling out again this year, and fans are waiting for her new album. She made a fortune for Rafe when she gave up her stakes in her former management. Rafe will, of course, strive to keep her good image.”I close my eyes and let out a slow, deep breath to calm myself. “I’m sorry it happened to her. What are you going to do about her?”“Nothing. We were done a long time ago.” He drinks again.“But you’re still concerned about her,” I say bravely, but my voice wavering. Whatever his response, I must respect his feelings. He dumped his ex-fiancée because he bel
The silence in the penthouse is deafening when I arrive. I turn on the lights to make the room feel more alive. I haven’t heard from Julian since the morning, and he still didn’t respond to my texts or phone calls.I rush to the fridge for food because I’m starving. It’s a miracle that I’m hungry after an entire day of not eating.I grab some bread from the counter, spread it with peanut butter, and pour myself a glass of orange juice. With one bite and a gulp, relief washes over me.I go to the bathroom after eating to take a quick shower. I undress, step under the sprinkler, and then turn it on. I close my eyes and let the warm water flow over my head.I reach for the hair gel, but Julian appears unexpectedly and grabs the bottle. I stare