Page 41 of One Week Wingman

Because of course, it wasn’t Sebastian just kissing me like that. He was playing a part. Pretending. I’m the only one panting and ready to tear the rest of his clothes off—mud and all.

“Right!” I blurt, springing backwards. “Great show. Ha ha. A plus. You should really be an actor! Have you ever thought about going into Hollywood?”

I’m rambling, nonsensical. And I don’t stop all the way home.

10

ROXY

Despite my babbling,I can’t distract myself from the memories of that kiss. The hot, sweaty, sensual memories. Sebastian’s hands caressing me, and his mouth…

His mouth!

By the time we make it back home from the orchard, I don’t think I can look at him the same way, and I’m actually grateful to have my family as a buffer between us.

Buffer, chaperone to keep me from jumping back into his arms. Either will do.

I hurry into the kitchen and find my mom stowing all the apples. “What’s the plan tonight?” I ask brightly. “Family cookout? A movie night? Maybe I could go get us pizza from Bill’s!”

If I take the long route, it could give me, ooh, a good half hour away from Sebastian and his sensual, smoldering gaze. And if we throw on one of Phil’s favorite World War 2 movies, that’s at least another three hours where I won’t be tempted to strip naked and hurl myself into his arms.

But Mom foils all my plans. “Phil and I have dinner with the Martingdales,” she announces. “Looks like you and Stefano will have the house to yourselves tonight.”

Dammit.

“However will we amuse ourselves?” Seb murmurs, giving me a roguish smile.

I can think of at least a dozen ways, but they are all most definitely off-limits for our fake relationship bargain. I’m just wondering if I can fake some kind of illness and go take myself to the ER, when my phone buzzes with a text from the angels. Or rather, my friend, Piper.

‘Driving to Boston, passing your way. Want to grab dinner?’

“Yes!” I exclaim out loud. Seb looks over. “Piper’s in town for the evening.”

“Oh fun,” he remarks. “We can all get drinks.”

“Sorry,” I say quickly. “Girls’ night! No boys allowed. Maybe you can hang with Evan?” I offer, already making a group chat for Piper, Nita, and me, to plan our Sebastian-free evening.

“Getting tired of me already?” Seb looks amused, as I set up the details.

It’s the opposite, but I can’t let him know that. “You’re potent in small doses,” I say instead.

“Tactful.” He laughs. Has his laugh always been so sexy? Low and throaty, and full of suggestion…

“Well, I better go!” I yelp, before I can start writing songs about the damn man’slaugh.

“Don’t you need to clean up first?” He reaches out and brushes over my cheekbone. His thumb comes away muddy, and I remember, I’m still splattered from our fall.

“No!” I blurt. “You’re right. I’ll, um, go shower.”

“Maybe we should do it together?” Seb suggests, smirking. “Save the environment, and all that jazz.”

I know he’s just flirting for show, because my mom can see us through from the living room, but still, the image slams through me: Sebastian, wet, and naked, and steamy under the spray…

“Gotta go,” I yelp, racing up the stairs and into the bathroom. I lock the door behind me and sink back against it in despair. I’m going to need a long, cold shower to get that image out of my mind.

Ice cold.

“I’m in trouble,”I groan an hour later, sinking down onto the table amongst our chips and guac. “My fake boyfriend is way too sexy.”

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