Husband With Benefits
Chapter 382: Lunch Time

Chapter 382: Lunch Time

Ian stared at the empty chair where his assistant had been until a few moments ago and sighed. Why was nothing going in his favour today? First, he’d been tortured by Nora and the horrible hot chocolate instead of his usual cup of coffee. On the way to the office, he’d received a ’thank you for the gift for my wife’ message from Demetri that somehow sounded like a promise of retributuon.

Thankfully, he’d met Isabella at the entrance and thought that his day would improve from then on. Only for his bubble to burst when he entered the building. There was Erica, a woman whom he hadn’t seen in months, but she’d now decided to stick to him like velcro and when he’d barely gotten rid of her, he did not have a moment to talk to Isabella to clarify things!

And now that he had time, Isabella had already gone away for lunch, probably. He looked at the app where he was about to make a lunch booking and sighed. He’d just eat in the office and finish his work as soon as possible so that he could clear any misunderstandings before leaving for the day.

As if the universe were conspiring against him today, Sebastian strolled towards Ian with a mischievous grin that never promised anything good.

"Ian, my dear brother."

"Get lost, Seb."

"Hey! What kind of a welcome is that?" Sebastian complained, feigning hurt as he raised his hands to showcase a few bags. "I even got your favorite food. And what do you do? You disdain my presence?" He raised an eyebrow, his grin widening, fully aware that his mere existence seemed to rile Ian up.

Ian glared at the bags and crossed his arms, blocking Seb from entering his office as he questioned," Do those bags have Thai food?"

"Ooh! I always knew that you had the nose of a bloodhound. You’re good brother. Now, why are you being a block? Get out of my way."

"No! I hate Thai food. That is your favourite food. Go and eat it in yuor office."

Seb grinned and shrugged," Thai is not your favourite? I could have sworn... fine fine. I’ll remember to bring Italian next time. But for this time you have to accompany me... Come on, Ian. You’re my favourite brother."

Ian rolled his eyes at that claim and reluctantly moved aside, knowing that Seb would continue to pester him unless he got what he wanted.

The aroma of Thai food filled the air as Seb spread out the containers on Ian’s desk, grinning triumphantly as he said, " You really need to come out of the closet, Ian. I know for a fact that you do love Thai..."

"Keept telling yourself that to assuage your guilt, Seb."

"Fine then. Don’t eat."

However, Ian was already feeling hungry and as he eyed the array of dishes, his stomach seemed to be rumbling. Snorting, he glared at Seb and said, "As if I’d let food go to waste." He lunged for a container however Seb was faster and snatched it away. "Oh no, not until you confess your love for Thai!"

"Seb, don’t be ridiculous." Ian retaliated, attempting to reach for another container, only to be met with another evasion.

"Confess, Ian!"

"Never!" Ian glared while Seb seemed ready to defend the food.

Narrowing his eyes, Ian smiled thinly at Seb and stepped back," Fine. you can enjoy the food. I have a sudden craving for some panini so I’m going to Olivia’s..."

Seb straightened and sat back in the chair with a thump," That’s a low blow, Ian."

Ian shrugged and grabbed the food," Well, you’re the one with the problem."

Seb sulked and leaned back in his chair," Fine. Just eat. I hope you have indigestion."

"Wish you the same, Seb."

After a bit of silence, when the two brothers had eaten their fill, Seb finally sighed and questioned," How was your morning?"

"Busy." Ian muttered, not wanting to look back on the past miserable hours that he’d spent.

Seb’s mouth kicked up at that and he shook his head," I’m planning to go to Gin’s party tonight. You want to join?"

"I might." Ian muttered again, already beginning to gather the containers.

This time Seb was surprised as he stared at Ian," Really?"

"Hmm. For a little while though. I have to payback a favour."

"Ahh... A favour named Erica Jameson?"

Ian paused in his task and looked up at that," You’re quite well informed. Well done."

Seb shrugged and passed on the lids of the container on his side to Ian as well. The man had some kind of an OCD about cleaning things after eating food in his space! It was why he usually preferred to come here. No need to clean up after himself.

"Hmm..I think I might have a proposition that might be of help to you."

Ian raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "A proposition, you say. Let’s hear it."

As Seb outlined his own plan, Ian suppressed his smile at the cleverness and instead questioned," What’s in it for you?"

Seb winked," I’m sure you can guess, brother."

Ian grimaced and nodded," Fine, I’ll agree to it. Let’s go."

However, Seb shook his head," Uh huh huh. Nope. I have another condition."

Ian scowled, "What?"

"I’ll have the first dance with the bride at your wedding."

Ian paused at that and carefully asked," What wedding? What are you smoking? Me and Isabella are not the ones getting married. Its Demetri and then Lucien probably..."

Seb laughed at that," Who said anything about Isabella? I just meant your wedding in the future...But it’s good to know what your intentions are."

Ian: ".."

How did he fall into a trap that was not even a trap? Cursing his own IQ which seemed to have fallen considerably today, Ian followed Seb out of the office. As he passed Isabella’s desk, he paused and quickly scribbled a note...before walking out of there decisively.

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