Page 30 of When We Ignite
His smile widened. “Are you going to answer your fucking phone?”
I avoided his gaze, giving a brief nod instead.
“Then, yes, you can go.”
Without another word, I turned and left as quickly as possible, forcing myself not to look back. My heart pounded in my chest.
“Oh, hey, did you make up?” Henry called out as I passed him, but I didn’t stop.
I didn’t stop until I was outside, the cool night air slapping me in the face. Gulping it down, I threaded my fingers through my hair, trying to calm myself. My hands shook as I exhaled hard, forcing my breathing to even out.
I wanted him.
The realization struck like lightning.
It wasn’t just the attention. I wanted Sebastian. I liked how he felt against me. I liked the sound of his voice. I even liked how he smelled.
I was undeniably attracted to him.
The thought twisted in my gut, both thrilling and terrifying. I didn’t know what it meant—what it said about me. I’d never looked at another guy like this. Not before him.
How would it feel, being with him? Doing everything he’d so confidently promised I’d love?
How was this my life?
I thought I didn’t want this. I thought I had no desire to let him consume me the way he so clearly intended to.
But.
But.
But it sounded so fucking appealing coming from him.
CHAPTER FIVE
ETHAN
“Hey, E, there’s something here for you,” Maya called from the doorway.
I groaned, rolling off my bed and trudging toward the living room. She walked in, carrying a sleek black box in her hands, her eyebrows raised in curiosity.
“Thanks,” I muttered, taking it and feeling its unexpected weight.
I shrugged, walking over to the couch and sitting down. The box was unmarked—no brand, no logo—but a card was tucked neatly into the side. I pulled it out, Maya sitting beside me like she was settling in for a movie.
It’s not a bribe. I just thought it’d look good on you.
Answer your fucking phone.
A smile tugged at the corner of my lips despite myself. Folding the card, I slipped it into my pocket and exhaled, letting the box rest on my lap.
“What is it?” Maya asked, nudging me lightly.
“I don’t know. I’m not sure I want to open it,” I admitted, my fingers brushing over the smooth edges.
“Why? Who’s it from?”
I hesitated. Sebastian had been calling nonstop since Friday, his name lighting up my screen like a persistent reminder of the things I didn’t want to deal with. I’d been dodging him, but I knew I couldn’t avoid him forever.
