Page 66 of Surprisingly Us

Sebastian laughs but continues to work his thumbs up the side of my neck.

I’ve got my eyes closed, but a familiar tingle across my skin, one that has nothing to do with Sebastian’s massage, has them flying open.

Walking toward us like a young David Gandy on the runway is Rhys.

Underneath his tan suit, the top two buttons of his shirt are undone. My eyes drop to his shirt and as he gets closer, I can make out the floral print on it. It’s subtle and not over the top like some of the outfits I’ve seen him photographed in. I smile at how it’s so perfectly Rhys. Playful, and rebellious, not caring what other people think. Except he doesn’t look particularly playful right now.

He removes his sunglasses and his sharp gaze lands on Sebastian.

“You can take your hands off my girlfriend now.”

My brows reach for my hairline at his icy tone. That’s not what I was expecting from him at all.

Sebastian lifts his hands off my shoulders. “No problem.”

“Colette.” Rhys’s gaze warms when it lands on me, yet there’s a boatload of intensity in that one word.

He sounds so serious; I’m half-expecting him to challenge Sebastian to a duel.

The thought has me biting my lip to stifle a laugh.

Rhys is never this stern.

It’s confusing.

There’s no reason for him to be giving off what Chloe would describe as ‘touch her and die’ vibes with Sebastian. He should save this acting for when we’re with people that he needs to convince he’s serious about me.

“Rhys, this is Sebastian.” I motion between them and Sebastian extends his hand. “We’re in the company together and he’s my partner in the showcase for the Leg-Up fundraiser.

“Sebastian, this is Rhys,” I continue, hoping to cut the tension that has settled upon us.

“Her boyfriend,” Rhys says, smugness etched on his features.

Sebastian chuckles. “So, I’ve heard.”

“Good.” Rhys’s perfect lips twist into a devilish smirk before he sets his sights on me again. “You ready, beautiful?”

“Y-yeah.” I nod, reaching for my bag on the bench, which Rhys promptly takes and throws over his shoulder. “See you tomorrow, Sebastian.”

“You bet. Let me know if you want to set up a session.” He wiggles his fingers to indicate a massaging motion. “You’re really tight and I didn’t quite get all the way in there.”

Sebastian’s talking about my tight back and shoulder muscles but my face flushes at the way he makes it sound.

“That won’t be necessary,” Rhys answers for me, his clenched jaw making the words come out gruff.

“I can do full body as well,” Sebastian calls, his teasing tone evidence that he knows he’s gotten under Rhys’s skin, and is enjoying it.

I attempt to scold him with a head shake but his wide, boyish grin makes it impossible to do anything but smile.

Rhys reaches for my hand and starts leading me toward the curb.

The way his hand firmly holds mine, commanding, yet gentle is familiar, yet it makes my stomach flutter.

I turn to look up at Rhys, his jaw still clenched tightly, his neck muscles straining under the associated tension. I’ve never considered a man’s neck to be sexy, but I’m enthralled by the way his Adam’s apple bobs as he swallows.

“What was that?” I ask.

“What?” He shrugs.

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