“This is amazing, Kristoff!” Lora squeals, her eyes wide-eyed at her surroundings. “This is better than I expected.”
The Sebastian family house features contemporary architecture. It is well-lit from the exterior to the interior—with enormous chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, a large event hall just below the twin grand staircases, towering windows, and carpeted pristine marble floors. And the guests are dressed to impress in designer gowns and suits.Lora’s family is well-off too, but seeing how she appreciates fancy social events like this makes me believe the Sebastians are even more impressive. They’ve gathered New York’s wealthiest and most respected people in one place. That’s already something else.Whenever Kristoff and Lora returned to their homes for the holidays, I always spent them alone in the apartment. I had nowhere to go and no one to celebrate with. So I look forward to this year.My friends look stunning in their own designer outfits tonight. Lora is dressed in a matching platinum Dior cocktail dress that partially exposes her back, a silver mask, and stylish messy plaits for her blonde hair. In addition, my gorgeous boyfriend is draped in a tux and black masquerade mask covering half his face.Lora has styled my wavy, shoulder-length brown hair into curls and matched it to my white half-masquerade, ice blue evening dress from Burberry, and a pair of white stilettos. They were sent to me by Mr. Melnard two days after my email.“Listen.” Kristoff catches our attention. “My parents are already here, but so they don’t try to intimidate us, we’ll meet them first, okay? They hate being ignored, especially after I told them I was bringing you two.”“Seriously, Kristoff. I don’t like to meet your mother right now. Can we skip that? I’m sure Anya doesn’t want to meet them, too,” Lora asserts.“We can’t exactly avoid them, Lora,” I say.“Really, you too?” With a sigh, she rolls her eyes. “Fine, but the last time we were at his parents’ house, she treated us like we were flies.”“She doesn’t particularly dislike you. It’s likely just me,” I imply. Lora’s brother is the captain of the Princeton soccer team, her sister is attending a prestigious music school in Berlin, and her parents own a few estates in Manhattan. Me? I don’t have anything.Kristoff sighs. “Look, I don’t like them too, but it’s not like I can change my parents overnight. Please, I really don’t want them to bother us, so let’s beat them to it.”Lora’s shoulders slump. “I just hope Anya’s fine with it.”I smile at her. “That’s really thoughtful, but I’m okay. I promise.”Kristoff takes my hand and then pulls me along with him. But as if he already knows where they will be, we find his family flocking together in a crowd at one corner.His young-looking mother in an all-black evening dress and a red mask, Phillis Stevens, who is a replica of him, and his sister, America.Kristoff takes my hand and then pulls me along with him. But as if he already knows where they will be, we find them flocking together in a crowd at one corner: her young-looking mother in an all-black evening dress and a red mask, Phillis Stevens, who is a replica of him, and his sister, America.“Ew. What is she doing here?” America blurts out as if I’m not there. She lowers her pink mask. Honestly, she isn’t any better.“Fuck off, America, or I’ll tell Bernard I saw his best friend leave your room last week,” Kristoff fires back.Her chin drops, and her nostrils flare up. “What? What are you, twelve?”“Then shut up.” Kristoff tightens his grasp on my hand and looks over at his parents. “Before you say anything, we’re here to meet Julian. He will be our professor next semester, so please stay away from us for the rest of the night. Would that be too much to ask?”Oh my God. I didn’t expect him to say it like that.“Kristoff!” Phillis reacts. Kristoff is just as tall as his father, so I’m not sure who’s intimidating who anymore.Melissa’s face reddens. “I’m telling you, Phil. This is what he’s learned by acquainting with beggars.”“Excuse me?” Lora’s voice rises.“Not you, sweetheart,” she tells Lora and then throws a malicious gaze my way. She means I am the beggar.“That’s enough,” Phillis chastises in a deep voice. “Kristoff, you know I’ve never cared who your friends are, but that’s rude. Ladies...” He brings his attention to Lora and me. “I’m delighted to see you here, but please watch over my son.”“No problem, Mr. Stevens,” Lora responds simply.“Let’s go, girls.” Kristoff pulls us away.“You shouldn’t have said that,” I say after taking us far from them. “You provoked them.”“Believe me, Dad’s just playing along, but he’s just like Mom. A civilized conversation is useless to them.” Kristoff snatches two champagne flutes from the roving waiter, hands them to us, and then takes another for himself.“Especially America. What is her problem?” Lora questions, annoyed.“She’s the problem.” He grunts under his breath and drinks. “It’s better to just stay away. Anyway, let’s get back to our business. I’ll try to find Julian.”“Wait. You call our new professor by his first name?” I inquire.Kristoff’s demeanor changes from upset to excited. He must be ecstatic to meet the professor again after such a long time.“I know you can’t wait to see him, but can we eat first?” Lora suggests.“I’m sorry.” My boyfriend gives me a tender gaze. “Sure, I’ll find a table.”“Maybe you could tell us a little more about the professor.” I propose.Then we sit at a cocktail table next to the buffet and relish various world-class dishes I’ve only ever tasted in school formals.“Why do you suppose he suddenly left the limelight?” Lora asks. It’s the most intriguing question that crossed my mind too.“Yes, he went from being a top composer to being a college professor,” I say.“No one really knows,” Kristoff claims. “He’s great, but he’s secretive. He hates being under so much attention.”I ponder a question while I sip my drink. “If he hates this place so much, why do you think he’ll come?”“He’ll show up. Trust me. He never misses this event.”“That’s right.” A dark-haired man wearing an ornate brown mask approaches Kristoff and drapes an arm over his shoulder.A smile spread across my boyfriend’s face. “Adam! Holy crap. It’s good to see you!”They exchange a brief hug. “What’s up?”“Adam, this is my girlfriend, Anya Scott, and our friend, Lora McQueen,” Kristoff says. “This is Adam Sebastian. He’s Julian’s brother.”My mouth forms an O. I remember seeing his picture alongside his other four siblings on the internet.“Hello, ladies. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Especially you.” He looks at me. “I had no idea Kristoff had a girlfriend.” Adam extends his hand to us.I grin, taking his hand. “I... um... It’s a pleasure to meet you too. Thank you for having us.”“Welcome.” He returns the grin and then taps Kristoff’s shoulder. “Julian’s already here if you’re looking for him. He’s just arrived with Rafe.”“Where is he? We’ll be his students next term. I just want to introduce them,” Kristoff explains.“Oh, right.” He pointed a finger. “You guys go to Whitlock. Julian could be an authoritarian, but he’s cool. You’ll definitely learn from him. But don’t tell him I said that.”“Are you saying that because he’s your bro?” Lora says with a smirk.“Absolutely not. We used to fight a lot as kids. But in terms of music, he is hands down a great mentor.”Wow. Adam is surprisingly spontaneous. His eagerness makes me chuckle. I’d never met another Sebastian before. I expected they’d be like the Stevens, but Adam seems really approachable...“I don’t see him now.” Adam scans the crowd. “But if I do, I’ll tell him you’re looking for him. Hey, there’s a game later. I’m your host.”“What game?” Kristoff grins, clearly interested.“It’s a surprise, so stay here till then.” Adam winks at Lora. “Anyway, I’d like to ask your friend for a dance. It’s Lora, is it?”“Yes, absolutely. Isn’t that what we’re here for?” Lora wiggles her shoulder and casually extends her hand to him. Adam then takes Lora and leads her to the dance floor.“Well, Isn’t she having fun?” I comment as I watch Lora squeeze onto the dance floor.“Do you want to dance?” He slips his arm around my waist and pulls me to him, making me squirm.I giggle. “Hey!”He nuzzles my hair. “I’d rather not owe you one tonight.”“I’m not sure. Maybe later. I’m still getting used to walking around in these high heels.”Kristoff looks at my feet. “They look exquisite on you.”“Thank you. Mr. Pitch sent them to me. I should thank him again in another email tonight.”“I should thank him too.” He spins me around and fastens the fluffy white fur coat around me. “How about we go outside for a bit? You love snow, and they warmed up the porch.”Outside alone with my boyfriend? Under a winter moon and a picturesque front view of the house? I’m in.I give him a sweet smile. “I’d love to.”Kristoff ushers me onto the mansion’s front porch. All around us are snow, a bright moon, and a stunning oceanfront with the sounds of beach waves. It is indeed beautiful.I pivot to speak to him, but he brings his face close and presses his mouth into mine. I let out a groan in surprise. This gives him the opening to slide his tongue into my mouth.Our tongues glide in a slow, sensuous rhythm while he skates his fingers at the nape of my head. My heart beats at a rapid rate. Our breaths speed up, and it’s tempting me to go further. I wrap my arms around his neck.God. I need him right now... Here...But suddenly, he pauses, leaving me hanging.“You look so beautiful tonight,” he mumbles.I grunt in protest. “You’re a bad man, Kristoff.”He gives me a peck on the head and chuckles. “I’m sorry, I can’t help myself. I might not be able to stop.”“I suppose,” I murmur hoarsely. “But I love it here. This place is beautiful. Thank you.”He peers deeply into my eyes. “You don’t know how hap
America rushes over to Kristoff and yanks him back. She shoots me an incredulous look before confronting him. “I’m talking to you, Kris. Don’t ignore me.”“I just did!”Perhaps there isn’t enough time to explain what happened. I don’t keep anything from Kristoff, and what just happened just now was an accident.“Just for now, please. Listen to Mom,” she implores. “Ignoring her right now isn’t such a good idea. She tolerated enough that you brought this girl here.”I grunt. I suppose she’ll keep treating me like I’m trash.Kristoff jerks away from his sister’s grasp. “I won’t come home tonight. Not when everybody is trying to control me. Let’s avoid making a scene, please. We shouldn’t be discussing this here.”“Mr. Cleve and his family will visit us at brunch. It’s embarrassing if you don’t show up,” she asserts.Okay, what is happening? I don’t think I’m following.“I’m not spending Christmas with you. I will spend it with whoever I want to. You are free to leave the party anytime yo
Bewildered, I look up into Professor Sebastian’s face. He’s the man I snatched and kissed in the dark. My gaze lands on his mouth—his soft, plump mouth that touched mine as his fingers fondled the back of my head and lower back. It’s not just in my head. It’s real.But how did he end up right next to me at that precise moment?Stop it, Anya! How could you have known it was him?He’s changed the suit and no longer wears the gold mask.“Really?” Kristoff’s scowl transforms into a beam. “Why didn’t you say so?”God, he shouldn’t be smiling right now.“The professor’s right. I didn’t recognize him,” I clarify, my voice sounding like a sigh.“Actually, I’d like to ask Ms. Scott to a dance,” the professor says.No! “What?”“Ms. Scott. May I?” He extends his hand to me.“Go on,” Kristoff urges, leaning in to whisper in my ear. “Maybe you could ask him.”“About what?” He won’t say this if he realizes he is the man I kissed.“What else? About school, of course.”“How about you?”“I’ll be here.
Before the night is over, Kristoff leads me back to the dance floor. I always feel at ease in his arms. The comforting familiarity resonates with me. The tension I felt while dancing with Professor Sebastian had faded. This is much better.“So, what did you talk about? Isn’t he great?”“He is an honorable man.”He smiles with pride. “I told you he is fantastic. Did you get a chance to introduce yourself?”“Yes, but nothing that relates to school. Kris, I don’t feel like discussing my academic credentials at a party. I’ll take that out during class.” I wrap my arms around Kristoff’s neck. He presses me against him as his arms encircle my waist.“What did he say to you? He’s grinning all the time,” he observes with intrigue.“We simply had a brief chat about his family and his eccentricities. I share bits of words of wisdom with him.”“That sounds like Julian to me. I’m glad that he hasn’t changed.”“But is he really so open and transparent? With anyone he just met, specifically.”“Mm.
Over the few days after Christmas through the start of the new semester, my encounter with Professor Sebastian has played repeatedly in my mind. His handsome features, infectious laugh, and charming nature all lingered with me long after our little time together ended. Surely, every Whitlock female student would do anything for a chance to dance with him.Coincidentally, Lora and I were able to have a long conversation with him. My best friend also had a brief dance with him at the party. As I suspected, she mentioned wanting to one day lead an orchestra. Lora thinks he’s fascinating.Right now, Professor Sebastian is looking quite dazzling in his semi-formal attire, albeit he still isn’t a fan of ties, yet he’s even more handsome now that he’s wearing eyeglasses.“This term, I will be your professor for music composition and songwriting. I come from a long line of musicians and artists, which may be new to some of you. As the former Executive Producer and COO, I was in charge of the
By the time the classes are over in the afternoon, the sky is decorated with silvery, bluish-gray snow clouds. The coldness of the breeze permeates my hands. But what the heck, it’s already 6:30! I’ve just arrived at Professor Sebastian’s office.“Just send me a text when you’re done. I’ll just meet up with the guys for quick practice.” Kristoff’s thumb lightly touches my cheek. The ‘guys’ mean the members of his quartet group, and ‘brief’ can often mean an hour.“What do you think the professor will say? I’m late.”“Don’t worry. He already thinks you’re outstanding.” He offers an assured grin.“If you say so.” I return his smile. I feel somewhat relieved. “Are you still coming over?”“I really want to, but Lora...”I laugh. “She’s just messing with you. Let’s watch a movie. I like romcoms.”“Alright, then.” He kisses my forehead. “Even though I like sci-fi.”“Go. I’ll text you.”He winks at me, waves his hand, and walks away.I knock on Professor Sebastian’s door. “Professor? It’s me
When Fred turned onto Lexington Avenue instead of my apartment, which was in the opposite direction, I knew my guess was right. I just had a smooth ten-minute drive in a cool car that smelled like berries and brambles. The plush leather upholstery makes me feel like I’m sitting in the most sumptuous seat in the world. Stopping in front of the Le Papillon, I notice Professor Sebastian’s car pulling over the driveway, and a valet opens his door. Fred opens mine. “Ms. Anya.” “Thank you,” I mutter, and then I step down. Ahead of us, I catch my professor’s watchful gaze, observing me. I make my way toward him. “You ready?” he asks. “Yes, but we’re eating dinner here?” I know I asked the obvious, but having dinner with him here is not a good idea. Somebody from the school might see us. “Yes. It’s late, and I’m hungry,” he says plainly. Oh. The restaurant’s head waiter, Harold, welcomes us at the door. “Good to see you again, Professor Sebastian—” he glances at me with slight confu
It didn’t take any longer than fifteen minutes before we arrived in front of my apartment building. “Thank you, professor. You really didn’t have to do this,” I say as he walks me to the front entrance. He looks over the seven-floor complex and nods in approval. A smirk forms on the corner of his mouth. “Who do you share your space with?” “Lora. Our apartment is quite pretty, and it has two separate bedrooms. Having security is a plus. Even though it’s expensive, we’re splitting the rent.” “Maybe I can stop by for a coffee sometime.” My mouth drops open. “Oh, I’m sorry about that. Would you like to come in for a cup?” “No, it’s fine. I already have other plans for tonight. I hope you have a pleasant evening, Ms. Scott.” I chew my bottom lip. I wish I could ask where, but I obviously can’t. “I guess I’ll bid you good night. Good night, professor.” “Good night.” He strolls back to his car. For some reason, as I continue to go inside, I can’t help but see him one more time from