Page 15 of The Flirty Forward

Brielle walks over to the tv and grabs the controls. “It’s all over the news, so you might as well just watch it.” She finds what she’s looking for and throws me a look. “You ready for this?”

“No,” I tell her honestly. I stand next to her because I’m too keyed up to sit. She pushes play, and we watch the replay of last night’s press conference. Sebastian’s at the table, behind the mic. He’s relaxed and at ease as he answers questions about the game. He’s almost done when somebody throws him a question that has nothing to do with hockey.

“You were spotted with Angie Greyhardt at a recent event. Is there anything brewing between you and the actress?”

I know just who they’re talking about. She’s a beautiful actress with a gorgeous body and perfect long auburn hair. I bite my lip at the question, still unsure what this has to do with me.

Sebastian smiles. “Nah, we just had mutual friends introduce us.”

“So, you’re not dating her?” the reporter asks again.

“No. I’m not dating Angie.”

“Is there anybody on the radar for the great Sebastian Hart?” somebody else asks.

Sebastian smirks. “There is somebody I would like to have on my radar, but she can’t stand me.” You can hear people laughing around the room. I stiffen and wonder where this is going.

“Who is she?” somebody shouts from the back.

Sebastian grins. “I can’t tell you that, but I can tell you that she’s a middle school history teacher and I don’t think she’s ever been to one of my games. But I’d like to change that soon. I’d like to get her out of her classroom and to the rink.” Cheering follows his statement, and he gives that signature smirk again. “That’s all I have time for. You guys have been great; thank you.”

Brielle turns off the tv, and I stare at the blank screen. I have no idea what to make of any of it. Scratch that; yes I do. “This is crazy.”

“It really is. I’m sorry it escalated so quickly. I’m sure Sebastian had no idea things would go like this.”

I laugh, but it’s without humor. “Yes, he did. He knows exactly what he’s doing.” I shake my head.

“Why are you so hard on him?” Bri asks, sitting down on my couch.

“Because he’s a player. This is just a game to him, just like all the other models, actresses, and beautiful women he’s been with. I’m probably the one person in his life who’s turned him down. So he sees it like a challenge—something he has to conquer.” I shrug my shoulders. “I don’t want to be part of that; I don’t want to be a trophy.” I plop onto the couch next to Brielle, feeling the long week catch up to me.

“I don’t think that’s how it is,” Bri says, as she turns towards me and tucks a foot under her.

“You’re in love, so you see everything through rose-colored glasses. Believe me; I know what I’m talking about.”

Bri watches me carefully for a minute, and I do my best not to fidget under her stare. “What happened?” she asks suddenly.

“What are you talking about?” I ask.

“What happened between you and Sebastian that you are so hard on him?”

I scoff. “Nothing happened; he’s just a big flirt.”

“Is this because of the whole homework thing with Kayla?” she questions.

“No, it has nothing to do with that. I didn’t like him before that happened. Now Ireallydon’t like the guy.”

“See? You didn’t like him before you had that run-in with him.” She studies my face. “Tell me what happened.”

Chapter 5

Stephanie

“Brielle, nothing happened,” I try again.

“I’m not leaving until you tell me what happened.”

“Well, then you’re going to have to call Aiden and tell him you’re spending the night here tonight,” I tell her.

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