Different Times: Sebastian Sallow x Reader

9 - Research

Once I find the will to pry myself out of bed and away from the comfort of Sebastian's arms, I switch into jeans and begin looking through all the spell books I packed or that were already in the house. I've always enjoyed reading about magic I wasn't supposed to know. I spent countless hours in the restricted section and in my family's personal collection, and they were finally paying off.

Ann paces while watching me read through an old book, and Sebastian has decided to sit out on the porch. I personally think it's because of the annoying squeaky floorboard Ann keeps stepping on. I let out a small sigh and move to the next book, earning a groan from Ann. I finish another dead end before getting up.

"Did you find it?" Ann practically jumps at me.

"No, but I need lunch and a break. I've been reading for hours without any results." I put my hands on her shoulders. "I will find something, I promise, but I can't find it if I'm cross-eyed."

She gives me a sad smile and an understanding nod.

I make sandwiches for the three of us. All I've seen is the back of Sebastian's head since this morning. I walk onto the porch and see him wearing his black button-down with the top buttons undone and his slacks. He stares so intensely at the ocean that he doesn't notice me come out. I give a small knock on the doorframe, breaking his concentration.

"I made lunch if you're hungry." I offer him a sandwich while taking a bite of mine.

He smiles up at me. "Thank you, for all of this. You're putting so much work into finding a way to send us home, and you still find time to make us food."

"Why wouldn't I? You're guests in my home, and you need to get healthy. You've taken your pills as instructed, right?" I ask with a stern face.

"Of course. And before you ask, I will continue to—even when you're not nagging me." He gives me a soft nudge and chuckles.

I see Ann looking at us through the window.

"Okay, good. Well, it seems my break is over. I'm going to keep looking. Is there anything you need?" I ask as I turn back to the door.

He gives me another one of his gorgeous smiles. "You're doing plenty. Don't worry about me."

I return the smile and go back to my research.

After a few more hours pass, I still haven't found anything, and I have very few books left to look through. Ann has stopped pacing and watching me and went for a walk outside to give me some space. I get up and put on a record before doing my seventh-inning stretch, so to speak.

I am doing a toe touch when I hear Sebastian clear his throat.

"Would you like any help?"

I look between my legs to see Sebastian leaning against the doorframe, a shit-eating grin spread across his face.

I quickly stand up and face him. "That would be great... umm, thanks." I can feel my face getting red from the embarrassing sight he just saw.

We both sit at the table and gather the books I have left to go through.

"If it's anywhere, it will be in these books. They're from my grandparents' personal collection."

I let out a sigh and pull my hair up into a bun as we begin going through the first books on the pile. Sebastian picks up a book and begins reading. Not even five minutes later, he laughs.

"What is it?" I try to look at the book he's holding, but he jerks it away.

"Easy, lady. I think I found it." He grins and passes the book to me.