Page 32 of From Fake Dates to Forever Goals

The two of us sit down for dinner.

“This is really good,” I compliment, savoring the meal.

“I’ll let the restaurant know you approve,” Sebastian quips.

We both chuckle, and I shake my head, realizing I’d been fooled into thinking he cooked it himself.

“You look exhausted,” Sebastian observes as he clears the table.

“I am,” I admit, rubbing the tension in my neck.

“You need a little TLC,” he declares. “Why don’t you have a hot bath while I finish up here?” He kisses me softly before turning back to the dishes.

After soaking in a hot bath, I join Sebastian in the living room, where he’s poured us both glasses of wine.

I shake my head. “I’ve had too much alcohol for one night,” I admit, flopping down onto the couch behind me.

Sebastian sits on the floor in front of me.

“What are you doing?” I ask, puzzled.

He silences me with a look and gently takes my feet in his hands, beginning to massage them. It’s like being transported to paradise. I rest my head back, surrendering to the moment, and let out a content sigh.

“I’ve had several shots with Annie tonight,” I mumble, my voice soft and relaxed.

Sebastian listens quietly as I ramble on about my day, his hands never stopping their soothing movements. I’m not drunk, but I’m not entirely sober either. I’m teetering on the edge of vulnerability when I look up at him and whisper, “You’re something special,” before drifting off to sleep.

The next morning, I wake up alone. Sebastian is already gone.

The memory of almost confessing my feelings for him hits me like a tidal wave, and regret floods my chest. I instantly wish I could take it back, wanting to believe it was nothing more than a dream. A part of me hopes he’ll forget I ever said anything.

Grabbing my phone, I check for messages. There’s nothing. Relief washes over me—if Sebastian took my words seriously, he would’ve said something by now.

I know I have to be more careful with my emotions. Things between us are still uncertain, and I can’t bear the thought of my heart shattering into a million pieces if he doesn’t feel the same way.

As I go about my day, I can’t ignore how much I miss him. I’ve grown closer to Sebastian than I ever intended, and realizing how strong my feelings for him have become makes me wonder if I’ve taken one step too far.

ten

Sebastian

I turn on the TV after a hard day at practice when I hear my phone buzz. It’s Ava. She’s sent me a picture of herself standing downstairs with a Chinese takeout packet in her hand. She’s waiting for me to let her in.

I couldn’t have been happier. I greet her with a smile, feeling warm inside.

“My turn,” she says, placing the food on the table.

Ava and I sit comfortably on the couch, eating our beef and broccoli with rice, when my phone rings.

I don’t recognize the number and decide to ignore it.

“Aren’t you going to get that?” Ava asks, pointing at my phone.

I tell her I don’t recognize the number and don’t think it’s important. Ava and I continue with our meal when the phone rings again.

“You should see who it is. They seem pretty insistent; maybe it’s important,” Ava shrugs her shoulders.

I agree and answer the call.

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