Page 17 of From Fake Dates to Forever Goals

“Long enough,” I reply with a smirk.

“If you tell anyone, I’ll have to break up with you,” he teases.

I’ve always thought of Sebastian as shallow and egotistical, so seeing him like this feels strange. It’s almost unnatural. I’m not sure what to think.

Have I been wrong about him this whole time?

He’s still the same guy who bet his teammates he could sleep with me, I remind myself.

“Thank you,” Sebastian says softly, kissing me on the cheek. His warm breath lingers on my neck.

He’s still the same guy, Ava.

Heat rushes through my body, leaving me momentarily speechless. I do my best not to let him see he’s gotten to me.

Why did he have to kiss me on the cheek?

“No, thank you. I…had a good time,” I admit reluctantly.

“So, are you coming to my practice tomorrow?” he asks, running a hand through his hair.

I grimace slightly.

“You have to. You’re officially my girlfriend now,” Sebastian teases, his lopsided smile causing somersaults in my stomach.

“I’ll be there,” I manage to say.

God, why did I say yes to him?

Oh, right. My research. Which I should be doing right now instead of standing next to a 6’2” soccer player who has a tendency to kiss me on the cheek.

With every inch of my being telling me no, I still can’t resist agreeing to his request. After all, the whole country thinkswe’re a couple. I just have to remind myself not to let my guard down.

This is still Sebastian Kane we’re talking about.

Good God, it feels like I’ve entered the lion’s den, and now I have to make my bed there.

six

Sebastian

I am looking forward to seeing Ava. I know my eyes will light up the moment I see her.

Did she decide to ditch me? Or did she forget about my practice entirely?

Coach blows his whistle, and we take our places. I have the urge to look toward the sidelines one last time, only to find Ava standing there in the middle.

Ava watches as practice commences, her eyes on me. She’s smiling from ear to ear, wearing a light blue cardigan and a pair of khaki pants. Her hair is up in a messy bun. I can tell she’s come straight from work.

Ava waves, and I begin to blush. She quickly puts her hand down the moment her father’s gaze shifts to her.

I can’t help but notice that Ava has her eye on me whenever I glance her way. Practice feels a little extra tough today, with Coach throwing extra drills my way.

It’s to be expected; he thinks I’m dating Ava.

Halfway into practice, I can’t wait for it to end. I can feel the pull. It’s hard to deny that my concentration is on the sidelines rather than my practice.

“You did well!” she shouts.

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