I rubbed my forehead while walking out of the room. “Shit!” I panicked, nearly jumping out of my skin. “What the hell, Sean?” I snapped. I combed my fingers through my hair, shaking my head. “You have to stop fucking doing that! Why can’t you ring the bell or knock like everyone else?”

​

“I wanted to surprise you,” he grinned, walking toward me with a bottle of wine. My gaze moved between the bottle and him. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”

​

“Yeah, sure you didn’t,” I sneered. I glanced at the bottle once more before taking it. “I’m not really in the mood right now, but since you brought wine, I guess I can’t kick you out,” I said, taking the bottle to the kitchen. He stood at the counter, staring at me. “What?” I questioned, lifting my eyebrow.

​

“I was just thinking, you’re looking pretty fit, Ella.” His eyes darted up and down the length of my body.

​

I looked down and shook my head. “I’m in a bra and panties, Sean, put your eyes back in your head. Besides, it’s nothing you haven’t seen before.”

​

He slouched to lean on his elbow. “I know. But you look really good.”

​

“Okay, compliment taken. I do have a wedding to get ready for.” I glanced at him out of the corner of my eye. Despite thinking my life was over, I hoped acting as normal as possible would keep me from losing it. “Thanks for noticing," I whispered.

​

"I'm serious." Sean grabbed my hand and twirled me. "You've got the abs going and everything," he added, moving the tips of his fingers along my stomach.

​

I laughed from his fingers tickling me. "Oh my god, stop!" I shrilled, pushing his hand away. "Don't do that."

​

He smiled, rubbing his hand over the stubble of his beard. "I'm going to have to start working out with you," he winked.

​

"Yeah? You're going to jog eight miles with me?" I smiled, taking a step back.

​

The corner of his mouth raised and he shook his head. "I'll stick to an insane amount of casual sex," he smirked.

​

"I bet you will. Well...thanks for saying that. Normally Caleb would say that, but...he’s not here,” I sighed.

​

He stood tall and moved his hand over his mouth. “Well, he’s missing out.” He walked behind me and I looked at him when I felt his hand move across the middle of my back. “So, you’re not going to ask me why I’m here?” He grabbed two wine glasses from the top cabinet.

​

“I figured you wanted a drinking buddy,” I answered.

​

He stood next to me and set the glasses on the counter, smiling. “Nope.”

​

“Okay, tell me. Why are you here?” He brushed my hair off my shoulder and I caught him looking at my breasts. “Hey, my eyes are up here,” I snapped.

​

He circled his index finger above my breasts. “Sorry, those are very distracting,” he grinned and he helped me uncork the bottle. I rolled my eyes and went to the bedroom. 

​

I looked through my drawers and snatched the first top and yoga pants I could find. “You know, you’re lucky we’ve known each other as long as we have,” I shouted in the middle of putting on my clothes. “Otherwise, we would have some serious issues with your flirtatious ways.” I pulled the waistband of my gray yoga pants as I returned to the kitchen. “Okay, so what’s your surprise?”

​

“Does my flirting bother you, sexy?” He rubbed his hand over his mouth as he stared at me.

​

“Stop it,” I laughed, pushing him. “You have got to stop looking at me like that. I know you’re playing but Caleb might not.”