Page 44 of Closer

Sebastian: Working on it.

It’s a non-answer, and they probably see right through it. But admitting I’m flying blind here feels too much like weakness. And Sebastian fucking Barron doesn’t do weak.

Brandon: Keep us posted, man. We’re rooting for you.

Elijah: I should tell you from Gem not to do anything stupid.

I snort. Stupid is practically my middle name when it comes to Lil.

Sebastian: Tell my sister to stop snooping.

I toss the phone onto the passenger seat, drumming my fingers against the wheel. Come on, come on. Fucking move already.

On cue, the traffic starts to crawl forward. I exhale heavily, the tightness in my chest easing slightly.

Hang on, princess. I’m coming for you, whether you’re ready or not.

When Elijah first suggested this little scheme, I thought he was insane. Convince Lil to give me another chance by hijacking her spa weekend? It sounded like a disaster waiting to happen.

But the more I thought about it, the more I realized it might be my last shot. I didn’t see her since we had sex at the party. First, because I didn’t know how to approach her after she said I had already lost her, and second, I needed a plan.

A good plan.

I merge into the exit lane, following the signs for the Serenity Springs Resort & Spa. Normally, I wouldn’t be caught dead at some new age spa retreat. But this isn’t about me.

It’s about her.

About us.

No distractions, no interruptions. A chance to finally hash things out and convince her to give us another shot.

I’ve got everything planned—couple’s massages and private dinners. All the romantic shit Lil used to go on about in college. I’ll woo her, seduce her, remind her of how good we are together.

And if that means spending a weekend getting rubbed down with scented oils and sipping herbal tea, then so be it.

The GPS dings, signaling my turn. I veer off to the right, following the winding drive up to the sprawling estate. Fuck, this place is massive. Polished stone and perfect lawns nestled against a backdrop of misty mountains. Exactly the kind of pretty getaway she’d love. Thanks go to Anne for recommending this place.

I pull up to the front entrance, grab my bag from the trunk, and toss my keys to the valet with a nod. The doors glide open, ushering me into a grand lobby.

Lil stands at the reception desk, her dark hair tumbling down her back, a small suitcase at her feet. I take a moment, admiring the graceful lines of her body and the gentle slope of her neck.

She’s filling out some paperwork, nodding along to whatever the receptionist is saying. I move closer, catching the tail end of their conversation.

“…no, it’ll just be me. My friend had to cancel last minute.”

“Are you sure?” The receptionist glances at her computer screen. “We have you down for the couple’s package.”

“That can’t be right. It was supposed to be a girl’s weekend,” Lil says.

I stride up beside her. “There you are, babe. I told you I’d meet you at the desk.”

Lil startles, her eyes taking me in. “Sebastian?”

I flash her a grin, snaking my arm around her waist. “Surprise.”

“What—” Her voice drops to a hiss. “ What are you doing here?”

She doesn’t tell me to go. Doesn’t pull away. First win of the day.

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