Chapter Nine

sophie

“Sophie, wake up. Sophie.”

When I open my eyes, Seb’s kneeling by the bed, shaking me. It takes me a second to remember where I am, but when I do, I push him so hard that he loses his balance and ends up sprawled out on the floor. He scoots away from me until his back’s up against the opposite wall.

“Good Lord, Sophie,” he laughs, throwing his hands in the air. “You’re stronger than you look. I come in peace. I was trying to wake you up. That’s all.”

“I thought you said I had the only keys to the room.” I jump up and skirt around the edge of the room as I head for the door.

“I didn’t say that. I said you have my keys.” He points to the keys that are still where he left them on the table. “Security has an extra set in case I lock myself out. I’ve been knocking on the door for like ten minutes. I thought you died.”

He hangs his head, like a puppy who’s been scolded.

“I’m sorry,” I say, shaking my head. “I didn’t mean to accuse you of anything.”

“Yes, you did. It’s okay, though. I have trust issues, too.”

I frown at him. I don’t like that he’s figured me out so quickly. “How long have I been asleep?”

“Going on two hours. Do you feel any better?”

I take a quick mental scan of my body. “You know, I do. At least the headache’s gone.”

“Good.” His eyes light up when he smiles again. I don’t remember much about last night, but I was right about his eyes. They’re intoxicating. “You can sleep some more if you want.”

“No, I’ve got to find the Randalls.” I look around the room for my shoes. “They’re going to wonder where I am.”

“You’re fine. We don’t have a game today. They’ve already left.” He pulls himself onto a chair. He’s rubbing his elbow. “I told them you were in my office going through a huge stack of fan mail.”

“Thanks for covering for me.” He’s still rubbing his elbow. “Did I hurt your elbow? Are you going to have to go on the injured list or whatever?”

He grins at me. He has the cutest dimple on his left cheek. “Disabled list. And settle down. You’re not that strong, but I’m impressed. I’ll think twice about touching you again.”

“I’m sorry. I’m not usually this much of a train wreck. Last night was just—”

“Oh, I know what last night was.” He’s laughing now—like he knows way too much.

“I don’t remember most of it—”

“Shocking.” He’s still grinning at me. It’s making me uncomfortable.

“I don’t drink too often—”

“Also shocking.”

“And when I do, I get stupid. I hope I didn’t say anything to offend you.”

“Naw, you’re good. You didn’t say anything embarrassing.”

I roll my eyes. “That would certainly be a first. Come on. Tell me what I said. I can take it.”

“Well, let’s see.” He tilts his chair back and looks at the ceiling. “Um, you called me Sep all night instead of Seb. You told me your neighbors had a cat named Sebastian that you called Sebbie. You wanted to call me that. And you wanted me to kiss you so you could win a game called Truth or Tequila. Oh, and you said you liked looking at my eyes.”

“Wow, wow, wow,” I murmur as I cover my face. I peek out through my fingers. “I thought you said I didn’t say anything embarrassing.”

“It wasn’t embarrassing. It was cute.” He puts his chair back down and stares at me. I can tell he’s trying to decide whether he should say this next part. I wish he wouldn’t. “You also told me your boyfriend cheated on you, and I just want to say, I think he’s the biggest idiot ever created.”