SASHA’S POV
I let out a deep breath of relief, a sense of calm washing over me as Sebastian reassures me that everything will be okay. He always seems to know exactly what to say to soothe my worries.
For a moment, we just sit there on the couch, the space between us filled with a comfortable silence.
Then, deciding to lighten the mood, I say, “You know, I was looking online earlier for job postings.”
Sebastian raises an eyebrow, his interest piqued. “Really? Planning to leave me to fend for myself at home?”
I roll my eyes at him, but I can’t help the smile that tugs at my lips. “Hardly. I’m just… I don’t know, bored whenever you’re not around. I thought maybe I could start working or even launch something of my own. You know, like an online business or something.”
He leans back, crossing his arms as he studies me. “An online business, huh? What kind of ideas are we talking about here?”
I sit up straighter, my excitement bubbling over as I begin to pitch my ideas. “Okay, so I was thinking of something related to fashion or home decor.”
“Maybe a curated collection of items that I love, like unique pieces you don’t find everywhere. I could start small, build a website, and grow it from there. What do you think?”
Sebastian tilts his head, his lips curving into a thoughtful smile.
“I think you’re onto something. Fashion and decor are big markets, and you’ve got great taste. But,” he pauses, leaning forward.
“You’d need a solid branding strategy to stand out. Maybe focus on a niche, like eco-friendly materials or handmade products.”
“That’s a good point,” I say, nodding as I mentally note his suggestions. “I also thought about incorporating some kind of personal touch, like sharing stories about each product or how I discovered them.”
“That could work,” he says, his voice tinged with approval.
“People love authenticity. You’d have to commit, though. Starting a business isn’t just about the creative side-it’s a lot of work, especially at the beginning.”
I smirk at him. “You think I can’t handle hard work?”
“I didn’t say that,” he counters, his tone teasing. “I’m just saying, you’ll have to balance it with your habit of binge-watching shows whenever I’m not here.”
I laugh, nudging him lightly. “I can multitask, thank you very much.”
We spend the next few minutes bouncing ideas off each other, and I’m surprised by how invested Sebastian seems in the conversation.
He offers practical suggestions, like setting up a budget and researching competitors, and even throws in some creative ideas about marketing strategies.
“Maybe you could do pop-ups in the city eventually,” he says, his eyes lighting up. “Get your name out there. Build the following.”
“Look at you,” I tease, “the businessman showing off his expertise.”
He shrugs, his grin playful. “What can I say? I like seeing you excited about something. And if you’re going to start this, I want to make sure you succeed.”
His words warm me in a way I wasn’t expecting, and for a moment, I just stare at him, grateful for his support.
But before I can say anything, his phone buzzes on the coffee table, cutting through our conversation. Sebastian glances at it, his expression shifting slightly as he picks it up.
“Work?” I ask, already knowing the answer.
He nods, swiping to answer the call. “Yeah, give me a second.”
As he steps away to take the call, I lean back against the couch, my thoughts drifting.
I know his work is important, and I’ve always respected how dedicated he is to what he does. But sometimes, I can’t help but wish he didn’t have to leave so often.
A few minutes later, he returns, slipping the phone back into his pocket.
“I have to head out,” he says, his tone apologetic.
I smile, waving him off. “Go. It’s fine. I’m grateful you came home to cheer me up, but I don’t want to keep you from your responsibilities.”
He hesitates, his gaze searching for mine. “You sure?”
“Of course,” I say, standing up to walk him to the door.
“I’m feeling better now, thanks to you. And besides,” I add with a sly grin, “I’ve got to start planning this business of mine.”
Sebastian chuckles, stepping closer to me. “You better let me know if you need any help. I’ll be your first investor.”
“Investor?” I tease. “I thought you’d be my unpaid intern.”
“Not a chance,” he says, his voice low and amused.
As he leans in, his lips brushing lightly against mine, I feel that familiar warmth spreading through me.
It’s a soft, lingering kiss that feels like a promise, and when he pulls back, his eyes are full of something I can’t quite name but feel deeply.
“I’ll see you later,” he murmurs.
I nod, watching as he straightens and heads for the door. Just before he steps out, I call after him.
“Sebastian?”
He turns, his hand on the doorknob.
“Be careful,” I say softly.
His lips curve into a faint smile. “Always.”
And then he’s gone.
I close the door behind him, already thinking about the reward I promised him when he gets back.
A smile creeps onto my face as I make my way to the kitchen, my mind swirling with ideas for both my business and how to surprise my husband.