Page 23 of When We Ignite

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“Fuck work.”

This time, he chuckled, and it warmed me.

“I have a match later. I could meet you after two.”

“Perfect. Let me know where, and I’ll come get you.”

“Okay,” he said softly. “But Sebastian, I’m not...” He trailed off, taking a deep breath. “I’m not sure what...”

“Ethan,” I interjected gently. He fell silent. “I’m just going to pick you up, and we’ll talk. Nothing more.”

“Yeah, okay,” he agreed. “Talk to you later.”

“I’ll be looking forward to it,” I said before ending the call.

As I leaned back in my chair, running a hand through my hair, my resolve crumbled.

And to think, I might be getting my hands on him in a few hours. I laughed out loud. Now I just needed to figure out how the hell to make this work without anybody finding out.

The next logical step was to call Henry.

* * *

I had a plan.

Henry would send a car to pick up Ethan, bringing him to a restaurant where I’d wait in a private room. I’d arrive ahead of time, and no one would suspect a thing. Ethan didn’t need to know Henry was involved. He’d feel comfortable in a public setting, even if we were alone.

I had one last meeting to attend, giving myself an hour before heading out. I couldn’t wait. I kept checking my phone, hoping he’d finish early. Fifteen minutes before our scheduled time, my phone buzzed. Eagerly, I looked at the message.

Ethan Bennett

for Charlotte’s sake I’d like to pretend we’ve never met

next time you see me don’t act like we’re closer than we are don’t ask me to be alone with you and don’t call me darling

I won’t be rude just leave me alone

I stared at the screen, reading the message three times to make sure I wasn’t misunderstanding. What the hell just happened?

Ethan Bennett

I know this is probably meaningless to you but I’d appreciate it if you’d respect my space and not call me

I won’t answer anyway so don’t waste your time

Me

Ethan what’s going on?

He re-sent the last text.

Ethan Bennett

I won’t answer anyway so don’t waste your time

I blinked at my phone, baffled. Looking around my office, I hoped for some sudden insight.

Me

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