Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 453

"Your boyfriend is wonderful," Emma praised, touched by the gesture of building a fairytale shop for the woman he loved. "Do you two make everything here yourselves?"

"He does most of it," the girl said with a sweet smile. "I'm not much of a baker. I just run the counter."

"That's amazing!" Emma was genuinely impressed. "Some of these are very traditional pastries. Your boyfriend knows how to make all of these?"

The girl nodded. "Yes, he's from Cresthaven, like us."

"Oh, really? That's great!" Emma's exclamation was casual, a simple expression of warmth toward a fellow countryman.

She bought a large bag of treats, which Sebastian carried for her. After waving goodbye to the girl, they left.

Once they were gone, a man emerged from the kitchen in the back. He stood for a long time, staring at the still-swaying door and the tinkling wind chimes, lost in thought.

On the drive home, Sebastian kept shooting Emma sideways glances. At a red light, his jealousy was practically radiating off him.

His pout always made her laugh.

"What is it now?" she asked.

Sebastian huffed. "So, *other people's* boyfriends are wonderful? What about your boyfriend?"

He could even get jealous of that?

"Sebastian, isn't modesty supposed to be a virtue back home in Cresthaven? Can't you be a little more humble?"

"Nope," he said. "My greatest strength is my pride. Now, watch me."

*What is he up to now?* Emma wondered.

He rolled down his window and casually waved at the car stopped next to them. The driver, a friendly-looking man, gave a cheerful "Hey!" back.

Sebastian grinned and pointed at Emma. "This is my girlfriend," he announced. "She's the most beautiful girl in the world."

"Hmm?" He pointed to his cheek.

"Later! The light is green!" But she couldn't resist reaching over and giving his arm a playful pinch.

"Not good enough," he insisted. "You need to show me you mean it."

"How am I supposed to do that? I'm not going to make a fool of myself!" She was terrified he was going to ask her to start yelling out the window, too.

"Then just tell me. Right here, right now."

Emma considered it. That was manageable. A smile touched her lips. "Sebastian is the most handsome, most wonderful boyfriend in the entire world."

He instantly brightened. "A sincere apology. I'll let it slide this time, but don't let it happen again."

Emma rolled her eyes again and again, but the smile never left her face.