Page 40 of The Comeback

My eyes slide shut to concentrate on the rhythm, and I’m nodding while my hands tap along on my knees by the time he reaches the end.

“That’s amazing. I love it. What about if we add this in too.” I count us in and join in on the keyboard with a slight tweak to the final lines.

He taps out his applause on the body of his guitar (Type?) after the final note. “Yessss. That’s it. We got this, Abby.”

I smile. He’s right the song is perfect. Now if only I can manage to get up on that stage without letting my sweaty palms and racing heart get the best of me.

Chapter 30

Sebastian

Seb:Lunchtoday?

Abby: I can do that. Northman?

Seb: Yup 1 work for you?

Abby: 1:30?

Seb: I’ll be there

I can’t contain the huge grin that stretches my lips. I’ve barely gotten to see Abby since that amazing night we had. I’ve been itching to get my hands on her since then, and surprisingly I need to see her face and talk to her as much as I want my hands on that gorgeous body of hers. I’ve never felt like this before. The need for an emotional connection just as strong as the need for a physical one.

Life’s been busy for both of us. She’s ramped up her music practice with the competition coming up in just over a month. We had away games against Minnesota this past weekend, which we crushed. I went out with the guys to celebrate on Saturday night, but found myself wishing she were there with me to share.

We’ve been texting, but there’s a bit of tentativeness to her teasing. I’m worried that she’s spending the time and space apart to overanalyse and make excuses to pull away. I need to see her face and touch her skin to make sure the crackling flames between us don’t burn down to embers.

***

The biggest cafeteria on campus isn’t as packed as it would have been. I snag a seat at a round table with a scarred wooden surface near the entrance, so I can keep an eye out for her.

1:35, 1:40…Is she standing me up? My hair must be sticking up all over my head with how much I’ve been dragging my hand through it. As I’m about to send her a text to see what’s up, she comes rushing through the doors. Her backpack is slung over one shoulder, and she’s got an armful of paper that’s threatening to escape her hold.

I spring up and rush over to help her. She clutches the papers when I try to take them from her, but then meets my eyes, relaxing her hold.

“Thanks.”

I lean in to brush my lips over hers in a quick, but bold kiss. It’s nothing explicit, but since I’m pretty well known on campus and we haven’t exactly defined our relationship, I’m making a statement. Thankfully she returns it, rising up on her tiptoes to seek the heat that flows between us. Her now free hands reach up to clasp my shoulders, and I have to pull away a little breathless so I don’t drop her papers.

“Hey, you. Good to finally see your face.” My eyes skate over her rounded cheeks that are now flushed with desire, drinking her in..

“You too.”

When her eyes drop, I place a finger under her chin and tilt her face back up wanting to see those beautiful blues. I plant a kiss on her nose.

“We should grab lunch.” She pulls away and we head over to see what’s on special in the market style cafeteria.

“What’s your pleasure? Besides me of course.” The pink that rises to her cheeks at my words is reassuring. Not totally immune to my charms looks like.

“Quesadilla for sure.”

We head over to wait in the line to get made to order quesadillas. The guy in front of us turns around and runs his eyes up and down Abby in a slow, appraising look that I recognize all too well. He takes the hint and turns back around when I meet his eyes and sling an arm around her shoulder.

She grabs one full of olives and cheesy goodness, while I go a double helping of grilled chicken and lots of veggies. Gotta stick to my strict nutrition regimen during the season.

Even more students have filed out while we were ordering so we have a table for eight to ourselves.

Abby eyes her tray then mine. “I should probably lay off the cheese and stick to grilled chicken like you.”

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