Page 61 of Close

“Bash. He’s the quarterback.”

Wait, what? Bash? Can it be a common nickname? A nickname for something other than Sebastian? Okay, Lil. Let’s approach this logically.

“As in, Sebastian Barron?” Jason asks tone edged.

“Yes, that’s my brother,” Gemma says.

Jason’s eyebrows shoot up, and he turns to me with a surprised look. “You’re friends with Bash’s sister?”

Oh, no. Now that I look at Gemma. They have the same shade of green eyes and sandy blonde hair. How did I miss that? How did I not know this? All the signs were there, and yet, somehow, it never occurred to me.

I shift under Jason’s glare. Okay. This is my Sebastian we’re talking about.

Gemma clears her throat. “Well, the game starts at seven. We can meet at the fountain, right next to Med.”

“Don’t pressure her.” Jason stabs at his food.

Gemma flinches. “Sorry, Lil. Didn’t mean to do that.”

“Don’t. It’s fine. I’ll think about it. Thanks for the invitation,” I say.

Jason stays silent beside me, gaze fixed on his food.

“Well, hello, baby sis.” Sebastian appears behind Gemma, a big smile on his face and eyes on me.

Fan-fucking-tastic.

Chapter 17

Lilian

“Bash!” Gemma exclaims, momentarily distracted from my refusal. “I didn’t know you were going to join us.”

“A little birdie told me.” Sebastian winks at me.

He knew. Of course, he knew, and he didn’t think to mention that his sister is a friend of mine.

“Luckily, we’re not here to eat.” Brandon sits down beside Mary.

Connor follows and takes the seat beside him, sitting on the other side of Jason.

Sebastian comes to stand beside me. “Jason, do you mind scooting over a bit so I can talk to my sister?”

Jason glares at him. “Sure.” He scoots over, and I follow suit.

Sebastian sits, trapping me now between him and Jason. Fantastic. What could go wrong?

“Lil, this is my brother, Bash,” Gemma says. “Bash, this is Lil. A good friend of mine. Be nice.”

“Pleasure to meet you, Lil.” Sebastian holds out his hand.

I hesitate, pulse jumping. But refusing to shake his hand would only draw more attention, so I place my hand in his, hyper-aware of the warmth and strength in his hold. “Likewise.”

“So, how do you know each other?” Sebastian asks.

“We go to the same classes,” Gemma says.

“Hmm. So, sis. You and your friends.” Sebastian looks at me. “Coming to the game tonight?”

---