Page 75 of Closer

Sebastian.

My dance partner looks at me, a question in his eyes. I’m too stunned to react, and he shrugs, stepping away. “Sure, man.”

Sebastian’s hand takes mine, warm and firm.

“What are you—” I start.

He pulls me in, and I catch a whiff of his cologne, my stomach doing a little flip. His eyes lock onto mine, a mischievous glint in them.

“Dancing with you.” His other hand settles on my waist. “Is that a problem?”

I struggle to form a coherent thought, hyperaware of his touch, the heat of his body so close to mine. “I—no. I didn’t expect…”

“Didn’t expect what?” His voice drops, edged with a hint of playfulness. “That I’d want to dance with the most beautiful woman here?”

Heat rises in my cheeks, but I try to brush off his comment with a scoff. “Flattery? Really?”

“It’s not flattery if it’s true, princess.” He draws me closer, our bodies swaying in perfect sync, muscle memory taking over.

It’s so natural, so right.

“How did you like the food?” I ask.

“Delicious.” His hand slides lower on my back, igniting a fire within me.

I suppress a gasp, my body responding to his touch like a livewire. “Sebastian,” I warn, my voice breathy. “Keep touching me like that, and people might get the wrong idea.”

“Or the right one.” His eyes darken, holding a promise that makes my pulse quicken.

I bite my lip.

“Princess.” His eyes drop to my mouth.

I inhale, catching a whiff of alcohol on Sebastian’s breath. “Have you been drinking?”

His grip tightens. “A little. It’s a wedding. People drink at weddings.”

“A little? You reek of it.”

“Don’t worry about it, princess. I’m fine.” He tries to pull me closer, but I resist.

“You’re not fine. You’re drunk.” I grab his face, struggling to keep his head still long enough to meet his eyes. “What’s going on with you?”

“Nothing. I wanted to celebrate my sister’s wedding. Is that a crime?”

“No, but getting wasted isn’t the answer.” I skim our surroundings, noticing a few curious stares. “Come on, let’s get you out of here.” I intertwine my fingers with his, guiding him off the dance floor.

“Where are we going?” he asks.

“To your room. You need to sleep this off.”

We make our way to the elevator. The doors close, and he nuzzles my neck, his breath hot against my skin. “You always take such good care of me.”

I exhale slowly, struggling to ignore the way my body reacts to his closeness. “Someone has to.”

The elevator dings, and I practically drag Sebastian down the hallway to his room. He fumbles with the key card, and I snatch it from his hand, swiping it myself.

We stumble inside and to the bed. He collapses onto it, dragging me down with him, and I land on top, our faces inches apart.

---