Page 48 of In the Net
Out of nowhere, something strikes me, every bit as sudden as a bolt of lightning and every bit as powerful.
Sensation bursts on my lips, from the memory of the kiss Sebastian planted on them.
The kiss lasted no more than two seconds, but since it happened, I’ve thought more about it than any other kiss I’ve ever had, except for maybe my first.
I can still recall every sensation with perfect clarity. The firm pressure of his lips. The strength of his hands as they framed my face. His nose brushing against mine. The rim of his glasses pressing against my forehead.
It’s not hard to explain why I’m thinking about it so much. Sebastian Lawrence, of all people, kissed me. Something I would have bet my life would never happen in a million years. Out of nowhere, with no warning, right in the middle of an airport. It was the last thing I ever expected. It’s no surprise I can’t get it out of my head.
I flop onto my back, expelling a sigh as I gaze up at the ceiling.
For all his faults, at least he doesn’t talk about fishing …
It’s early October,and the weather today is amazing.
When I took off for Paris, Cedar Shade was still in the last grasp of summer, the days still sultry. But by the time I got back, a chill had seeped into the air.
Today, it’s absolutely perfect weather to be right under the sun. It’s the kind of weather where it can be chilly in the shade, but feels so good under the sun’s warm light. I’ve got on a flannel button-up over a white t-shirt, and khaki shorts.
Before too long, it’ll be truly cold. I’ll have to bundle up and stay indoors. I’m taking advantage of this temperature while I can, sitting at a table outside a café in downtown Cedar Shade, doing some reading for my classes.
Maybe it’s not quite on the level of Parisian outdoor café sitting, but it’s still nice.
I’m right in the middle of reading an assigned essay for my Russian Literature class, when the chair across from me scrapes across the sidewalk and someone drops into it.
“So, you and Sebastian.”
A cringe dances up my back at my cousin Mackenzie’s voice.
She’s only seen us together twice, and I haven’t mentioned the hockey player I definitelystillcan’t stand at all to her other than that. It would be the easiest thing in the world to just tell her that we’re not seeing each other anymore.
But then I know exactly what kind of face she’d make. A haughty, taunting one. I know just how good she’d feel to hear that I no longer have a superior trophy boyfriend compared to her.
The thought of that look has my brow lowering in challenge.
“Yep, me and Sebastian.”
I kick myself as soon as the words are out of my mouth. What am I thinking?
Jealousy glimmers in her eyes as she fakes a smile. “Think it’ll last all the way to Sophia’s wedding?”
My mouth curls. I know exactly what’s going through her head. If I show up to that wedding with a guy like Sebastian on my arm, looking like a male model in a suit and with a fat NHL contract waiting for him in just a few short months, Mackenzie will feel upstaged.
“Oh, I’m pretty sure,” I say, a fake smile on my face. “I already mentioned the date to him, and he said he’s looking forward to it.”
Her eyebrows leap. “Wow. Things are moving that fast between you two?”
I shrug. “With Sebastian, things just feel right, you know?”
Words I’d never be able to stomach saying, if they weren’t in the service of knocking my cousin down the several pegs she deserves, at least temporarily. The disbelieving expression on her face is easy to read: why ishegoing out withher?
As much of a guilty pleasure as basking in Mackenzie’s envy is, I don’t want to contend with any detailed questions from her about this relationship that doesn’t—and never will—exist. I gather up my things and shove them into my bookbag before standing up. One brief hit of Mackenzie’s jealousy is enough.
“Well, I’d better get going. I have class at?—”
But another voice interrupts me. It’s a voice that’s interrupted a conversation between me and Mackenzie before, not too long ago …
“Babe.” Sebastian is suddenly standing by my side, towering over me, a grin on his lips that makes my stomach feel like it’s upside down. “I’ve missed you.”
