You felt much better after your first sip of the cool, freshly opened champagne. All your nerves and stress melted away the moment the alcohol touched your tongue, its fruity notes lingering pleasantly in your mouth.

The company you worked for had reserved an entire floor of an upscale bar, but you’d carved out a little party of your own. You had tucked yourself away on the sofas near the floor-to-ceiling windows, sitting comfortably on the couch with a plate of donuts balanced on your lap and a glass in your hand. It was quieter in your little corner, though the pop music from the main room still drifted over faintly.

It was still easier to be alone with your thoughts.

Sebastian Hart. Your co-worker of five years had successfully infiltrated your heart, and made his own penthouse inside of your mind. Your eyes traveled to the sight of a familiar navy blue sweater navigating its way through the crowds, and when it finally stopped right in front of you, you couldn’t help but still stare.

The man had perfected business casual. His hair neat with a couple of strands loose, a single hand inside of his front pocket with a sleek black watch around his wrist, and he wore new dark grey slacks you haven’t seen before.

Sebastian smiles down at you, a fat envelope in his left hand. You haven’t seen a wedding ring yet. “Guess who this is for?” he tilts his head, a small smile on his nicely tanned face.

“Corporate is getting sappy on us,” he tossed the envelope onto the coffee table, “and gave us bonuses. That’s all yours, buddy.”