Page 24 of The Comeback

The library is full of students at solo cubicles and gathered around study tables. We head for the group study section on the second floor. I scan the space, looking for a spot we can claim.

“There.” Sebastian points at a small table in the corner, perfect for two. I follow along even though I have my doubts about sharing the tight space with him. It’s a little crowded for my liking. No need to tempt fate or my self-control, which is apparently not as good as I once thought.

He folds his long legs under the table. He’s too big, taking up too much space. We’re under a window looking out over Arbor Green, the vast expanse of grass that takes up a good chunk of the center of campus. Students dot the still green area, tossing balls back and forth. There’s a full-on game of Ultimate Frisbee going on, and I wince at the sight of a girl shoulder checking a guy in a move that would make a hockey player proud. I didn’t think it was a contact sport. They’re taking advantage of the last days of fall before the bitter cold and snow of winter takes over.

Sebastian’s brow crunches together. “You plan on standing there all session?”

Oops. How long was I standing there staring out the window? I jolt forward, slipping my backpack off my shoulder. Sebastian reaches out an arm, rubbing the faded blue fabric between his fingers.

“Is this the same backpack you had in high school?”

He remembers? I thought he took zero notice of me in high school. Other than to dismiss me in front of his new, cooler friends. “Yes. I like it.” I shoot back, crossing my arms to shield myself from his judgment.

“That’s cool.” He fingers the patches sewn all over it, covering up holes and the worn-out fabric. “There are some new patches here. Where’d you get this one?” He points to a triangular one with a black border and an alligator gaping its jaw embroidered in deep green.

Is he messing with me? There’s nothing but curiosity in his gorgeous eyes. “I got that one on the choir trip to New Orleans in tenth grade.” I had to work babysitting jobs and pick up extra hours at the movie theater to save up for that trip, but it was totally worth it.

“Cool. I’ve never been.”

I can’t help the excitement from gushing out of my mouth. “It was amazing. All the music and color. The old buildings. So much inspiration. I’d love to go back there one day.”

“Sounds like it. I’d love to travel more.” His tone is a little wistful.

“Don’t you travel all the time for hockey? And if you get a contract, you’ll be going all over the country.” Another reason to not get too close to him, despite the way he makes my nether regions feel.

He sighs. “Not the same. When we’re traveling for games, we’re in and out. Don’t have much time for relaxation and sightseeing, you know.”

“There’s always the off season.”

He brightens a little. “True. Did you eat any of those dough things they’re famous for?”

A small moan escapes. “Yes. Best thing ever. Better than sex.” I slap a hand over my hand and do a double take.

The surprise turns into a smirk. “You must not have been with the right guy if you think a fried ball of dough is better than sex.”

“And I suppose you think you’re the right guy?” I roll my eyes and inch away from him. Doesn’t work. He’s too big, too close.

“I’ve never had any complaints.”

Right, because he’s a player. “Like they’d complain when they snag the hot shit hockey player.”

“Hey, I take offense. I always leave the ladies satisfied.”

“And how do you know that?” I’m leaning further away with each word out of his cocky mouth. Oddly, it’s turning me on even more. Normally I can’t with an arrogant guy. Huge turn off. But Sebastian isn’t coming across as arrogant, just confident and sure of himself. Plus, I can still see the nerdy boy I used to hang out with that didn’t have that swagger. He’s still in there. I’ve seen him peeking out with uncertainty a few times when grown up Sebastian doesn’t lock him down. Usually, it’s when he’s looking at me.

He holds his hands out. “Want me to prove it to you?” There’s a challenge in his voice.

I stare at him for way too long before answering as I imagine what that would be like. His strong, familiar hands all over my body. But then he’d actually have to see what’s under my clothes, so that’s a hard no. “What?! No.”

His laugh slides under my skin and not in irritation like it should. “Let me know if you change your mind. We should get to work.” He pulls a notebook and the thick music textbook out of his bag.

Let him know? What does that even mean? I guess he’s interested in any girl that might give him some pleasure for a night. It’s not personal. Don’t even think about going there, Abigail.

We get through the assignment. It’s super heavy on music theory so I can understand how he needs help with it. Slater apparently did not get the memo to gear this course toward non-music students like it usually is.

Getting lost in the theory behind the Beatles and the Beach Boys is a great way to keep my mind off Sebastian’s offer, but once we’re done, it all comes rushing back. What if I took him up on his offer? I was contemplating going home with a stranger the other night. At least I know him. I might not trust him with my heart, but I know he’s not going to kidnap me or lock me in his basement or anything. Much safer than going home with a rando. I can be a modern woman and take charge of my sexual needs. Sleeping with him once will get rid of that itch and then I can move on. This semester will fly by and then we’ll never have to see each other again, right?

Chapter 18

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