Page 2 of The Boyfriend Zone

"Are you any good?" I asked, genuinely curious.

Sean laughed. "Modest, too. I like that." He leaned in, his voice dropping lower. "I'm decent enough that I'm here on a full scholarship, and there are usually scouts at our games."

"Impressive."

"Not really. Just a lot of early mornings and late nights." He shrugged, but I could tell he was proud. "What kind of journalism are you into?"

"I'm still figuring that out. I'm working for the campus paper right now, trying different beats." I watched his face, noting how his eyes never left mine, how attentively he listened. "I like human interest stories. Finding the unexpected angles."

"So you're the type who digs beneath the surface?" His gaze was suddenly more intense.

"I try to be." I finished my drink. "Life's more interesting that way."

"Some things are better left uncovered," Sean said, something unreadable flashing across his face before his easy smile returned. "So, what kind of movies do you like?"

The abrupt subject change threw me for a moment, but I went with it. "All kinds, really. I've got pretty eclectic taste."

Sean groaned dramatically. "Please don't tell me you're one of those pretentious film students who only watches black and white foreign films."

I straightened up, adopting an exaggerated haughty expression. "I'll have you know that 'Sad French Woman Stares Out Window For Three Hours' is a cinematic masterpiece."

Sean burst into laughter, the sound rich and genuine. "Oh my god, that's exactly the title I was picturing!"

"The sequel's even better. 'Sad French Woman Takes Very Long Walk While Smoking Cigarette.'"

"Stop!" Sean was still laughing, one hand clutching his chest. "I can literally see the movie poster."

His laughter was infectious, and soon I was chuckling too. "What about you? Let me guess—nothing but sports movies and Marvel?"

"Actually, I'm a sucker for old-school comedies. 'Airplane!', 'The Princess Bride', that kind of thing."

The air between us seemed to change, charged with something more than just casual flirtation. His hand was resting on the bar, just inches from mine, and I found myself wondering what would happen if I closed that small gap.

Our conversation flowed effortlessly after that, punctuated by lingering glances and the occasional "accidental" brush of our hands.

The more we talked, the more I felt drawn to him. It wasn't just that he was attractive—though he absolutely was, with those penetrating eyes and that smile that seemed to light up his entire face. It was the way he listened, really listened, leaning in to hear me better over the music, asking follow-up questions that showed he was genuinely interested in my answers.

"You know," Sean said after we'd been talking for nearly an hour, "I came here tonight planning to have one obligatory drink and then bail. But I'm really glad I stayed."

"Me too," I admitted. The club around us had gotten even more crowded, but somehow we'd created our own private bubble, an island of conversation in a sea of noise and movement.

Sean stood suddenly, offering me his hand. "What about that dance now? Or are your standards still too high?"

I looked at his extended hand, then back up at his face, trying to ignore the flutter in my stomach. "I suppose you've met the minimum requirements," I said, taking his hand and feeling a jolt of attraction at the contact.

But instead of leading me to the crowded dance floor, Sean guided me toward a quieter corner near the back of the club. The music was still audible, but we could actually hear each other without shouting.

Before I could question the location choice, Sean gently pulled me closer, one hand coming to rest lightly on my waist. "Is this okay?" he asked softly.

I nodded, suddenly aware of how much taller he was, how solid he felt even through the minimal points where our bodies connected.

"Lucas," he said, suddenly serious, his eyes searching my face. "Can I kiss you?"

My breath caught, but I managed a nod. "I thought you'd never ask."

Sean cupped my face with one hand, his touch surprisingly gentle for someone so strong. He leaned in slowly, giving me plenty of time to pull back if I wanted to. But pulling back was the last thing on my mind.

When his lips finally met mine, the kiss started soft, almost hesitant. Then I slid my hands up to his shoulders, drawing him closer, and something seemed to ignite between us. The kiss deepened, his arm tightening around my waist as my fingers slid into his hair.

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