Winning the Billionaire (Seattle Bachelors Book 2) Read Online Free Page A

he’d pushed until she’d become so angry she’d sworn never to speak to him again. She’d never forget it. They were in fifth grade and she’d been working on her class science project when Sebastian had marched up and told her how stupid he thought her idea was. At that moment, she’d vowed never to speak to him again. Later on, she discovered he’d had a fight with his dad over how much time he’d been spending with her and Caden and not on his studies. Caden had suggested that Sebastian had likely taken his mood out on her. Rather than asking for what he needed—support and kindness—he pushed away the people he held closest to him. Sebastian was used to the people he loved leaving him. First his mother, then his father.
    Ever since, she always forgave him, because she knew, deep down, Sebastian wasn’t this man. This was his coping mechanism. Besides, he was family. Did he really think she wouldn’t see through him now?
    Yes, that’s exactly what happened here. He attempted to evade grief, and he’d lashed out at the first person within reach. Oh, for sure he needed someone, but not in the way he’d stated. She’d call Caden later. Being a Monday morning, he and Hannah were no doubt sitting down to breakfast. They were barely a year into their marriage, still newlyweds, and she hated disturbing them. Not to mention Hannah was six months into her first pregnancy. They’d get enough interruptions when the baby came. For now, Sebastian would have to make do with her, because no way would she leave him alone. Clearly, he’d gone down a dark road.
    Decision made, she turned to the counter behind her, picked up her purse, and pulled out her cell phone. Then she dialed her assistant’s cell. Next month’s software release was slightly behind schedule, but she’d have to trust her people to make sure things were getting done. Today, family had to come first. “Hi, Paula. It’s Christina. Would you clear my schedule for today, please? We’ve had a family emergency, and I’m going to need to take the day off. Give my apologies, will you, please?”
    “Of course, Miss McKenzie. Is everything all right?” The compassionate worry etching Paula’s tone immediately soothed a frazzled nerve. Paula wasn’t the most capable assistant she’d ever had. She was a bit clumsy and unsure of herself, but she did anything Christina asked with a bright smile. Now Christina was grateful for her sweet nature.
    She sighed and glanced at Sebastian, who continued to stare out the living room windows. “I’m afraid we’ve had a death in the family. I’m needed at home.”
    Paula gasped. “Oh no. I’m so sorry, ma’am. My condolences to you and your family. I’ll make sure you won’t be disturbed.”
    “Thank you, Paula. I’ll try to check in later.”
    She hung up her phone and returned it to her to purse. Then she toed off her heels and carried them to the edge of the hallway, where she wouldn’t trip over them. On her return to the kitchen, she came up short. Sebastian now stood in the kitchen entrance, blocking her path, arms crossed and a firm scowl puckering his brow. “What are you doing?”
    She stuck her chin out and pulled her shoulders back. That look meant only one thing: He was about to attempt to intimidate her again. “I’m taking care of you, that’s what.”
    His jaw tightened. “I’m not a child, Tina.”
    Ignoring his clear attempt to push her off, she pivoted and moved around him, heading around the center island toward the fridge. Thankfully, Lupe kept it well stocked. What Sebastian needed was a friend and a full stomach. In her experience, men were simple creatures. She’d learned by growing up with Caden and her father that the way to tame a riled male usually started with a good meal, so she’d start by making Sebastian breakfast.
    She pulled open the refrigerator door and peered inside, ignoring the gaze burning a hole into the back of her head. “It’s Chris, if you don’t