Page 22 of From Fake Dates to Forever Goals

I glance at my watch, realizing how much work I still have to do.

“Yeah, totally, great. I’ll be there,” I assure her.

“I’ll pick you up tomorrow at three. Okay, love you, bye.”

I can’t believe Annie is getting married.

I’m busy with work when I get a text from Sebastian. I catch myself smiling before I quickly stop.

“Look outside your window,” it reads.

My eyes widen. What am I going to find? Is he downstairs?

My confusion disappears when I open my window and see him standing below, looking up at me.

“What are you doing here?” I call down, somehow less annoyed than I thought I’d be.

He waves for me to come down. I shake my head and rush back inside to text him.

“Get dressed. Party time,” is the second message.

I feel an unexpected giddiness rise inside me.

I pull out a short black dress and a pair of red heels. Slipping into the dress, I’m thankful I’m wearing the right bra for the occasion. I step into the heels, grab my purse, and hurry downstairs. That must have been the fastest I’ve ever gotten ready.

Sebastian stands there waiting, holding a carnation in his hand.

“Thank you,” I say, taking it from him as he opens the car door for me.

We drive to his friend’s beach house, which is absolutely packed. The place is a madhouse, filled with people—each one more glamorous than the last. We push our way inside.

“Sebastian!” a tall, muscular guy calls out. He’s even taller than Sebastian.

“Great to see ya, man,” he says, clapping Sebastian on the shoulder.

Sebastian is in his element, introducing me to everyone as his girlfriend. I play along, smiling and nodding at everyone we meet.

While Sebastian chats with a group of friends, I make my way to the bar and order two gin and tonics.

“Two gin and tonics, please!” I call out.

Standing there, I glance at Sebastian. I’ve been so focused on what annoys me about him that I barely noticed how charming he is. Unfortunately, he is charming. The way he talks to people makes him seem so genuine.

He’s also ridiculously hot—or maybe that’s just the gin talking.

I’ve barely finished my drink when Sebastian makes his way toward me. The music picks up, and he downs his cocktail in one gulp before pulling me into his arms. He leads me toward the dance floor, and I can’t help but let him.

Sebastian wraps his arm around my waist and pulls me close. “In case I forget to tell you, you look really good tonight,” he whispers in my ear, sending chills down my spine.

The beat ramps up, turning the dance floor into a techno rave as our bodies move to the rhythm of the music. I can’t deny that I like being close to him. His grip is firm, and his intentions are deliberate. He is here to have a good time, and I’m glad to be part of it.

“You’re a pretty good dancer,” I say.

“You haven’t seen anything yet,” Sebastian replies, spinning me around and grabbing my hips, grinding into me.

I feel the intensity build up. It’s getting hot on the dance floor.

The music stops for a moment, allowing me to catch my breath. I walk out to the poolside with Sebastian following close behind.

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