Page 48 of Play It Sinful

Truth be told, I didn’t really believe Sean would drive me around everywhere while my ankle recovered. I expected a few rides here and there, but he showed up despite our schedules not being the same. I was super touched that he went out of his way to help me. But I didn’t want to be a burden, so I got rides with my friends too.

Even on the days he didn’t drive me home, he still came over and spent the night. Whatever is happening between us is starting to feel a lot like a serious relationship—or an illicit affair, since no one knows about us.

It’s a little scary how attached I’ve grown to Sean. I enjoy spending time with him even when he’s not giving me orgasms, and I think about him constantly, which usually brings a smile to my face. My friends already noticed I’m acting different, and they’ve been asking if I’m dating anyone. It sucks that I have to lie, but I can’t bring myself to confess the guy giving me butterflies in my stomach is my stepbrother.

“Earth to Ash.” Kadence throws a balled-up napkin at me.

“What?” I look at her from across the table.

“You haven’t said a word since we got here,” Scarlett pipes up.

“Just thinking about schoolwork.”

“You’re starting to sound like Blair.” Kadence makes a face.

My spine goes rigid. I like Blair, but I know Kadence isn’t her biggest fan. I think she hangs out with her only because of Ryder, hoping that being friends with his sister will give her an edge with him.

“What’s wrong with sounding like her?” I don’t hide my annoyance.

Guilt shines in Kadence’s eyes. “Nothing, but she’s a hermit. She rarely does anything fun.”

I’ve turned into a recluse too. Since I can be with Sean only behind closed doors, I haven’t gone anywhere lately besides my classes. Tonight, the girls had to drag me out to a diner not far from campus for dinner, even though all I really wanted to do was sleep. I’ve haven’t slept enough this week, all thanks to Sean keeping me up at night. Not that I’m complaining.

“I heard Blair’s mother is super strict,” Scarlett chimes in. “Maybe that’s why she doesn’t go to parties.”

That’s what I figured as well, but I don’t want to contribute to gossip, so I keep my mouth shut.

“Speaking of parties, I heard there’s one tonight at the Augustine dorm. We should go.”

That piques my interest. That’s Sean’s dorm. I’m a bit annoyed he didn’t say anything. He has a game out of town, hence why we aren’t hanging out tonight, but he said they’d drive back to Fairbanks after the game. Maybe he needs a break from me.

I try not to feel sad about it, but my spirits take a nosedive, nonetheless.

“Oh, my brother told me about those dorm parties. They’re infamous,” Scarlett adds. “We need to go.”

Kadence turns to her. “Wait? Your brother goes here?”

“Not anymore. He graduated two years ago. But yeah, he said those parties were epic.”

“Then we’re definitely going.” Kadence turns to me. “You’re in, right, Ash?”

“Yeah, don’t even think about bailing on us,” Scarlett piles on.

If Sean wants a night off, me showing up at a party at his dorm might give the wrong impression. But not going with my friends because of him is also not an option. I’m probably overthinking this.

“Of course.” I smile. “We should ask if Blair wants to come.”

Kadence’s smiles falters. “She’s probably going to say no.”

“Maybe, but it’s still nice to ask.”

I grab my phone and realize Sean sent me a text half an hour ago. I’m not sure how I missed it.

SEAN: We’re about to hit the ice. I wish you were here.

I melt a little, even though I’m annoyed he didn’t mention the party.

“Who put that smile on your face, Ash?” Kadence leans forward, stretching her neck to try to see my phone screen from across the table.

---