Page 19 of Puck You
Sebastian reached over and placed the back of his hand against my forehead.Surprisingly, I didn’t shrink away.The strangest expression had overtaken his features.Was that more concern I detected in his eyes, or was I seeing things?
“I’m not dying,” I assured him.“Don’t get your hopes up.”
He looked at me skeptically, brows raised.“Did you hit your head when Castillo tossed you out of the fundraiser?”
“He did not toss me out!”I exclaimed.He hadindeedtossed me out, or, to be more accurate, shoved me through the door.But I wasn’t going to admit that to Sebastian.
“I’m taking you home.”
Dumbfounded, I watched as he shifted the gear into drive, the veins in his hands bulging as he gripped the steering wheel tightly.The sight of his clearly defined blood vessels did stupid things to my stomach.Get a grip on yourself.I shoved those dangerous feelings to the back of my mind as we drove.There was no music to lessen the uncomfortable tension in the air or keep my thoughts from running rampant.When campus finally came into view, I let out a sigh of relief, unaware that I’d been holding my breath.It was all I could do to keep myself from word-vomiting all over his pristine car.
“Do you know where I live?”I asked, unable to bear another second of awkward silence.
His eyes remained on the road as he said, “You’re a transfer student and a hockey player.I’m assuming you’re in the Athletes’ Village?”
“With Caroline and Lydia,” I confirmed.“Why are you helping me?”
No answer.I scoffed and looked out the window, irritated by his refusal to answer me.
“A thank-you would suffice,” he said at last.
“I didn’t ask for you to drive me home.”Thankfully, we were nearly there.
His jaw clenched.“That doesn’t negate the fact that I did.”
“And that doesn’t negate the fact that I hate you, and you’re a jerk,” I retorted as we pulled up beside my apartment.
Sebastian watched me tug on the locked door handle.After several long moments of struggle, he leaned closer, eyes shining with mischief.“Do you really want to know why I helped you?”
The taunting tone of his question made me freeze.
“The truth is I wanted to say goodbye.It was a pleasure witnessing your final moments at DU, and it will be an even greater pleasure never seeing you again.”Sebastian flashed me a final smug smile then reached across the center console.Heat rolled off of his body, and I tensed as his forearm brushed against my chest.The door clicked as it unlocked, and a moment later, he was leaning away.
When I didn’t immediately exit his car, he made a shooing motion with his hand.“You can get out now.”
As if my seat had burst into flames, I hopped out and slammed the door shut behind me.Even though I was embarrassed, I couldn’t help but glance back over my shoulder; my mind and body were at odds with each other.The first demanded I listen to logic, reminding me of all the cruel things Sebastian had said, while the other remained inside the vehicle, craving the warmth of a body I knew I shouldn’t want.Thankfully, the bite of cold cement against my bare feet tore me free from the struggle.I collected myself in time to flash Sebastian the finger as he pulled down the street and out of sight.
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Caroline bolted off the couch the moment I stepped inside the apartment.A bowl of popcorn went flying from her lap, scattering kernels across the living room floor.
“What happened?”she asked.“How did you get home?”
Her surprise was warranted; I had strayed from tonight’s plan.After giving my speech, I was meant to call Lydia so she and Caroline could pick me up a few blocks from the hotel.
“Grace, we need words,” Lydia urged, gently guiding me toward the couch.I plopped down onto the middle cushion as they sat on either side of me.
“Sebastian.”
“Sebastian what?”Caroline asked.
“Sebastian brought me home.”
“You’re saying that Sebastian drove you home from the gala,” Lydia repeated slowly.“Did he catch you sneaking in?”
I shook my head.It was no use explaining our strange interaction, not when I was still struggling to make sense of his behavior.“I gave the speech.”
“And?”Caroline pushed, eager for more details.
