Bound by Christmas

Chapter Twenty-Seven: Distance

Sebastián's fingers caressed my arm as he stared out the car's window, looking downcast.

We were on our way to the airport. The weekend was over and I had to fly back to LA. I was sad to leave, but Sebastián looked even more upset than me.

Snuggling closer to him, I squeezed his knee. "What's wrong?"

"I don't want you to leave," he said, turning his head toward me.

"I don't want to leave either, but we'll see each other in two weeks."

"It feels like forever....when you're not just a car ride away, it feels like forever until I get to see you again."

"I know. I'm glad you suggested the weekend trips. I'd miss you too much if I had to wait for you to travel back during your filming breaks."

"I don't know how much longer I can do it."

"What?" I breathed as my heart started to beat out of my chest? Do what? Our relationship?

"I don't know how much longer I can stay away from you," he confessed, staring directly into my eyes. "I regret accepting this project."

"Oh no, Sebastián. Don't say that. You were really excited for this role. I'm happy you accepted it."

"I know," he huffed. "But when I finish this job, I'm going to take a little break. I want to stay closer to you. Maybe I'll accept some smaller roles in LA, but I don't want to travel so much anymore."

"Is this something you want, or is it something you're doing for me?" I questioned because I didn't want to hurt his career. I was all in with Sebastián, and that meant I was all in with his acting career.

"Both...I'm making this decision for the both of us."

"No, Sebastián. I don't want you to do that for me. I'm happy to support you. If there is a role you want to accept, then go for it. If you're filming outside of LA, I'll come to you."

"Jenna, I need you to understand that you're my priority. You're far more important to me than any job offer. I've been acting for a long time. I've made my money. If I had to stop working right now, I'd be satisfied with my accomplishments. But, I'm not planning on stopping just yet. I'm only suggesting that I take a break from projects that require me to travel so much."

"Okay...but if you're offered a role that requires you to travel —especially if it's something you're interested in— I want you to discuss it with me before you decline. We can make it work, Sebastián."

"I love how supportive you are. I don't deserve you, Jenna. Every single day you show me just how incredible you are. I need you in my life. I'm beyond grateful you gave me another chance."

"Me too," I whispered with a smile. "I'm so happy I gave you another chance. I love you, Sebastián."

Sebastián leaned in and pressed a kiss to my lips. As I opened my mouth, his tongue swept in and tangled with mine. After a few minutes, he pulled away and caressed my cheek. "Eres mi alma, Jenna. Te amo."

With a big smile, I looked out the car window and noticed Felix was pulling into the terminal drop off. We both groaned when the car came to a stop. I opened my car door and exited the car. Sebastián followed after me. He helped Felix grab my luggage from the trunk. Then, he approached me and crushed his lips onto mine. The kiss was over too soon, but we had to stop if I didn't want to miss my flight.

"I'll see you soon, Jenna," Sebastián promised as he released me. "There isn't a distance large enough to keep me away from you." Staring into his eyes, I knew he meant it.