Bound by Christmas

Chapter Twelve: Presumptuous

I was dressed to kill but I wasn't planning on actually committing homicide. However, I wouldn't mind if Sebastián's heart stopped beating for a minute or two. Seeing the silver, backless mini dress I was wearing, would likely cause Sebastián's heart to burst.

Was it slightly evil to arrive at the steakhouse dressed in such a tantalizing, risqué outfit when Sebastián did not have a slight chance of earning my forgiveness? Maybe. But, I never claimed to be an angel. Plus, I believed in going out with a bang and if I was going to get closure tonight, I wanted Sebastián to eat his heart out.

As I slid on my stilettos, I reached for my phone and dialed Sara's number.

"Hey Jenna," she answered.

"Hi, are you ready?" I asked.

"Yep, I just finished getting dressed."

"Perfect, Felix and I will pick you up in ten minutes." I smiled and hung up the phone. Then, I slipped on my coat, grabbed my purse, and walked out of my apartment. I headed to the elevator, descended to ground floor, and stepped out into the street —where Felix was waiting for me.

Half an hour later, Felix, Sara and I arrived at the restaurant and —after handing the car to the valet— we made our way inside.

Before I could greet the host, Felix grabbed my arm, stopping me. "Ms. Holladay, I don't think this is a good idea," he muttered nervously. "Mr. Islas is not going to be happy."

"We can always leave," I shrugged. "Do you think he'd be any happier if I stood him up?"

I watched him calculate the pros and cons of both scenarios before he finally gave in. "I'm pretty sure I don't have to worry about his happiness since I'll most likely be dead after tonight," he murmured.

"Oh stop being so dramatic," I waved him back and approached the host's stand.

"Hi," I greeted the maître d'. "We have a reservation under Sebastián Islas."

"Yes," he nodded. "Mr. Islas is already seated in one of our booths, but I believe he was only expecting one guest."

"Oh, I'm sure you can make room for two more."

"Yes, of course." He stepped to the side and guided us inside the dimly lit restaurant. Since it was a weekday, the steakhouse was not too packed but it still had a live DJ, playing soft music, and an overall romantic vibe.

I saw Sebastián seated in a private booth near the back of the restaurant. I took a deep breath, preparing to face him, as the maître d' guided us to his table. I watched Sebastián stand when he noticed me, but he stilled as soon as he spotted Felix and Sara following me.

Ignoring his scowl, I approached the booth with a bright smile. "Good evening, Sebastián. I've brought some additional guests with me. I hope you don't mind."

"Jenna," he gritted out. "I was hoping we could speak privately. What I'd like to share with you is personal."

"Pshh," I waved my hand. "It's not like Sara and Felix haven't been privy to every little detail of our relationship. If I recall correctly, Felix was even in charge of ushering me in and out of your home on numerous occasions."

I removed my coat as Sara and Felix scooted into the booth. When my dress was revealed, I noticed Sebastián's body stiffening and his jaw hardening like it was sculpted by Michelangelo. Smiling with satisfaction, I took a seat at one end of the U-shaped booth, forcing Sebastián to sit at the other end. Sebastián welcomed Felix and Sara as the waiter approached us and started to take our orders for drinks.

Once the waiter left our table, Sebastián opened his mouth to speak but I held up my hand and stopped him. "No Sebastián," I shook my head. "As you can tell by Sara and Felix's presence, this isn't a date nor is it an opportunity for you to ask me for another chance."