Page 80 of When We Ignite
He shook his head, eyes still locked on mine.
“Even if you have a thing for longer hair, I don’t have to cater to your tastes.”
“It’s not about my preference. I’m not saying I like longer hair in general. I’m saying I likedyourhair—Ethan Bennett’s hair. I’m upset it’s gone.”
“I don’t get you. Are we playing ball with confusing, contradictory behavior now?”
His smile widened slightly. “I missed talking to you.”
I sighed, leaning back. His gaze dropped to my lips, and I shook my head.
“It’s going to be a miserable couple of years if this is what we have to look forward to.”
“It seems like it, doesn’t it?”
It felt like he wanted this as much as I did, like he’d changed his mind.
“Ash, can we talk?”
“We are talking.”
“Alone?”
His smile faded. “I don’t think we should.”
“I just need to run something by you,” I said quickly.
He shook his head. “I can’t be alone with you.”
I frowned, frustration bubbling up in my stomach. “But?—”
“I’m serious, Ethan. You were right. We should keep our distance and give it some time.”
I wanted to argue, but Henry reappeared, strolling toward us with impeccable timing. “Sorry to barge in. It looks like you’re having a private conversation,” he said, giving Sebastian a pointed look. “To, you know, anyone with eyes.”
Sebastian chuckled lightly, standing. “I’ll head back to the table.” He walked away without looking back.
Henry dropped into the seat beside me. “So? Did it work?” he asked eagerly.
“I didn’t tell him. He said we shouldn’t be alone.”
His face fell. “Sorry, E. I was sure he’d take the bait.”
“It’s fine.”
“Great. Now I’ve gotten your hopes up again. I’m sorry,” he said, genuine regret in his tone.
I thought about it. He was right—I had gotten my hopes up again. But it wasn’t because of what Henry had said. It was the way Sebastian had looked at me just now.
Sebastian always kept his face schooled in cool indifference. He knew he was charming, and he flirted with confidence. But the way he looked at me just now—that vulnerability—I don’t think many people got to see that.
Maybe I was different for him.
* * *
I woke to the buzz of my phone vibrating on the nightstand. Pressing my face into the pillow, I ignored it, hoping it would stop. It did—for a second—before starting up again. Groaning, I cracked open an eye to check the time. Rubbing a hand over my face, I grabbed my phone, blinking at the illuminated screen.
Ash Langley
