Page 43 of The Lucky One

I’ve got no clue what I’m supposed to do now.

I guess I act like everything is normal and go build a leprechaun trap with my family?

sixteen

WESTON

I stepout of the backroom of the cafe, back in my own clothes. My mind is reeling after kissing Bridget, even if it was part of a script.

The starstruck look on her face isn’t something I’ll be able to wipe from my memory anytime soon. Not that I’d want to.

“Seems like you got your wish for a fresh start.”

Startled, I glance around for whoever spoke. When my eyes land on Sebastian I groan.

“Bridget warned me about you.” I cross my arms.

Sebastian strolls closer, looking like he just stepped out of a different era. The deep green shirt beneath his dark suit the only pop of color on him, and it feels deliberate. It’s obvious he doesn’t fit in here, nor does he care.

“I’m surprised she’s the only one,” he muses, tilting his head slightly.

I narrow my eyes. “What is that supposed to mean?”

“It means that people often fear what they don’t understand. And I fit nicely into that category.”

I feel like that’s probably an understatement, but I humor him anyway. “Misunderstood?”

Sebastian’s gaze sharpens, like he’s hearing the words I haven’t spoken out loud. It’s a little disconcerting.

“Are you enjoying your stay this time?”

“About that—I thought you were going to pass along the dates for when I was coming back.”

He smiles then. “Was I?”

I uncross my arms, annoyance creeping into my voice. “Yes. And I guess it didn’t get passed along, so Bridget and I both ended up there.”

“Imagine that,” he hums, glancing out the window.

He’s acting like it’s a coincidence, even if we both know it’s not.

I’m getting a clearer picture of what Bridget was warning me about, and a sneaking suspicion that Sebastian is more linked to Wanderlust Refuge than anyone knows.

The idea of everything that’s happened with Bridget this week being caused by magic unsettles me. Bridget’s warning about magic coming at a price comes rushing back, and my mind spins.

I drop my voice. “Was it you?”

“I can’t make you choose to stay somewhere,” he says with a chuckle.

“But youcouldmanipulate it.”

His eyes flick to mine. “So could you. Anyone could do that if they were paying enough attention.”

Sebastian never stops assessing his surroundings; he’s sharp and observant. It’s a piece of knowledge I tuck away for future encounters.

“You talk in circles—you know that?”

Sebastian laughs. “I see why Bridget likes you. It’s rare for someone to be so direct these days.”

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