Page 12 of Close

Ju puts her hands on her hips, a big grin playing on her lips. “Then what were you doing?”

I can’t exactly tell her that I punched him and then hid in his room like a lunatic. I shoot him a pleading look.

Sebastian clears his throat. “Lil wasn’t feeling well. I was just making sure she was okay.”

Ju’s grin widens. “Is that what the kids are calling it nowadays, Bash?”

“I guess. Take your pick, Ju.” Sebastian chuckles while I blush harder, mortified.

“Wow. I leave you alone for a second, and you already found a rebound.” Ju links her arm through mine. “Fuck Mike.”

“Mike?” Sebastian asks, the teasing now vanished from his tone.

“Yeah, Mike. Didn’t know he could be such an asshole. I’m sorry, Lil. I wouldn’t have played cupid if—”

“It’s fine.” I jump to her side before she can say anything else and embarrass me further in front of Sebastian. If that is even possible. “We should go.”

“How about another drink?” My eyes dart up to Sebastian’s at his suggestion.

“What, you want to challenge us to another beer pong game? We already smashed your two buddies, Bran and Con.”

“You did?” he asks.

“Yes, we did. Lil is very good, although she never played before,” Ju says. It’s a total lie.

“Well, I’m down if you decide to stay. I would love to see your skills.” Sebastian pushes off the doorframe.

“We’ll see you downstairs, Bash. Now leave. I have to talk with Lil alone. Seriously, you all are like vultures—first Bran and now you.”

“Seems like I have a busy night,” he says.

I nod mutely, avoiding Sebastian’s heated gaze.

But as he walks by, he bends down. “Don’t forget about that favor, princess.”

Ju gapes at me, and as soon as he’s gone, she grabs my arm. “Spill. Now.”

“Can we go home please?”

“Fine. But you’ll tell me on the way because, girl, you made some impression on Mr. Quarterback there.”

Nothing like punching a hot guy in the face to make it a memorable first one. Fantastic. At least now I can add ‘breaking someone’s nose’ to my list of accomplishments for the night.

Chapter 5

Lilian

I stare at the pages of my book, the words blurring together. The bustling chatter of the library fades into white noise as I stir my cooling matcha tea. I’ve read the same sentence at least ten times now, but my thoughts keep circling back to last night.

To the pounding music, the bitter taste of beer, Mike kissing another girl, and… I bury my face in my hands.

I can’t believe I hit him. A ridiculously handsome guy, no less. Sebastian. And then he had to go and be all charming and flirty and kiss me like I didn’t assault him in his own room.

I kissed him. I kissed a complete stranger. A stranger who happened to witness me having a total meltdown. Worse, a self-proclaimed playboy, according to Ju.

What was I thinking? I wasn’t, clearly. I was so caught up in the moment. The pain, the fear, the constant ache—it all just… disappeared. And I didn’t have any nightmares.

He’s probably forgotten all about me by now. And even if he hasn’t, it’s not like something would ever happen between us. He felt sorry for me, or he was looking for an easy hookup.

---