Page 29 of Back to You
Heat surges through my body at the thought of him, and my hand traces a path down my breasts, past my stomach, to the untouched place that craves attention. I gasp as my hand makes contact with those sensitive nerves, my breath catching in my throat.
My fingers move in tight, circular motions against my sex—pleasure mounting, heart racing—as thoughts of Seb dominate my mind. With the first signs of an impending orgasm, my mouth opens in a long, loud moan, my hand moving faster on its own accord, desperate for release.
I spread my legs wider, slipping a finger inside myself; the intense sensation exactly what I needed to push me over the edge. An explosion of ecstasy courses through my body, and I pant heavily, Seb's name escaping my lips in a fervent moan.
I withdraw my finger, my body twitching with the remnants of my orgasm. Breathing deeply, I am both surprised and bewildered by what just happened.
I shoot up so fast I nearly launch myself out of the bath. Oh, hell no. I did not just do that.
My hand flies to my face, covering my eyes as if that’ll somehow erase what I just did. My heart is racing. My skin is warm—too warm.
It didn’t mean anything. It was just stress! Sleep deprivation! The heat! I take a deep breath, square my shoulders, and vow to never think about it again.
CHAPTER 10
Sebastian
“So, are you going to tell me how things are going with Mari, or am I doomed to live in suspense forever?”
I look up from where I’m sitting on the floor, playing Legos with Maya. She’s built an impressive tower, taller than the last one, and is carefully balancing another piece on top.
Analyse is leaning against the wall, one eyebrow raised and arms crossed, as if she already knows something I don’t.
I frown. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
She pushes off the wall and walks toward us, flopping onto the couch beside me with a dramatic sigh. “Don’t B.S. me, Seb. You two have history, and you’ve been seeing her more than you see me these last few weeks.”
She’s not wrong. I have been seeing a lot of Mariana lately. Between the renovations at The Rolling Pin and all the work she still has left to do, it’s been long hours and late nights.
I don’t mind. It’s a hell of a lot of work, but I meant what I said—I want to help. And if I’m being honest, being around her feels like no time has passed. It’s effortless, comfortable.
I simultaneously love it and hate it, because there’s one side of me that wants this, to be able to just… exist in the same spacewithout thinking about what happened before. No resentment, no hurt, just a fresh start.
But there’s another part, one I don’t like to admit exists, that isn’t ready to let it all go. No matter how hard I tried, I never completely moved on. I don’t know if I ever will.
“Nothing’s going on between us,” I finally say, picking up a Lego piece and turning it between my fingers. “We’re just…brushing everything under the rug. Playing friends. Trying to move on with our lives.” I don’t know if I meant to say it like that, but the words settle heavy between us.
“All I want is to help her,” I add, clearing my throat. “I know how much this means to her. I remember all the time she spent at Ruth’s growing up. I don’t know what happened when she lived in Seattle, but she seems like she could use a friend right now.”
Before Analyse can respond, Maya suddenly jumps to her feet. “I’m gonna go play upstairs!” she announces before running out of the room.
Great. So much for Maya being my buffer. Now, Analyse has me exactly where she wants me.
“Stop looking at me like a cornered animal, big brother.” Her voice softens, but there’s still that sharp, knowing edge. “I’m just looking out for you.”
I exhale through my nose, running a hand through my hair. “You don’t have to worry about me. I’m just doing my job and helping a friend along the way.”
Analyse tilts her head. “And I get that. You’re a good guy, and I love you for it. I just want to make sure you guard your heart. You were a wreck after Mari left. I don’t want to see you go through that again.”
My jaw tightens. “Thanks for looking out. But I promise, I’m good.”
She gives me a long, knowing look, and I hate that she knows me so damn well.
“Don’t look at me like that,” I mutter, dragging a hand over my face. “I’m good. We’re good. Just…friends.”
Analyse stands, pressing a hand to my shoulder as she passes. “Whatever you say, Seb.” She gives me one last glance before walking away.
I exhale, leaning my elbows onto my knees, staring at the half-built tower Maya left behind.
