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Chapter Two

Sebastian

Sebastian rocked back and forth on the balls of his feet as he tried to interpret Ethan’s look and the meaning behind his one-word reply.

His gaze went back to the bed, and he surveyed the space he would share with Ethan for the foreseeable future.The bed where he would be sleeping.With Ethan.

Naked?

Fuck.Not helping.

Sebastian hated that they’d been growing apart since they had started college.And he took full responsibility for causing the distance between them.

Although Sebastian had looked at their newfound freedom as an excuse to party and date, a lot, Ethan had stayed the same.Ethan read more than anyone he’d ever known, having a book or tablet nearby at all times.He preferred staying in over going out with Sebastian, despite the many attempts he’d made to get Ethan to join him for a night out.

Sebastian had always been a little self-absorbed and tried to find himself through dating, some women he’d slept with, others he didn’t.And Sebastian could admit, well, at least to himself, he’d acted like a complete jackass while on his own.Despite all he’d put his friend through, Ethan agreed to live with him and he wouldn't do anything to jeopardize their friendship.

And something had decided for him late last semester and it changed how he looked at his friend.

He had been dating Amber for months longer than he should have.At the time he’d met her, the revolving door of women in his life grew old and he wanted to see if he could settle for one person.

But dating Amber had turned out to be one of the worst decisions he’d ever made.She complained about how Sebastian talked to, texted, and called Ethan more than he spoke to her.She had asked him to ditch his friend on more than one occasion, but he’d stopped any conversation that included Ethan.As the weeks progressed, he understood their relationship was over and debated the best way to break up with her.

An incident took decision out of his hands.

Sebastian and Amber were at a frat party on a random Friday night in March, the one place in college he tried to avoid.Amber loved the rowdy group, most of them exes of hers, and dragged him there.Sebastianstood in the corner of the living room, trying to avoid Amber and the stale beer coming from one of the many kegs stationed around the house when he spotted a familiar dark-haired man across the room.

Sebastian pushed off the wall and made his way over to his friend, but froze halfway across the room. As he watched on in shock, the one he was withpulledhim into an embrace before their lips slammed together in desperation.The kiss grew heated, their bodies pressed together as fingers gripped hiships as they strived to get closer, oblivious to the rest of the people in the packed room.

As Sebastian continued to watch, all other thoughts ceased besides the two that throbbed in his brain.Ethan was being kissed by another man, and surprise when pain flared deep inside his chest as hisheart broke.

Sebastian hadn’t realized he’d been holding his breath until the two men pulled apart for air and he had gotten a good look at the man he thought to be his friend.The air escaped from his lungs as he realized the man wasn’t Ethan.

Clarity struck him hard and fast at that moment.Jealousy, something he’d never experienced before when any man flirted with his dates, seared in his chest.The truth at that moment was undeniable.

Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, he sought Amber.

“Amber, we’re over.I have to go.”

“What!?!”

The screech that came from her had Sebastian flinching back.

“You can’t do that, you can’t break up with me.”

Sebastian hadn’t cared about the crowd they were attracting, heneeded to get out of there.“We’re through, that’s final.Have a good life.”

Her hand darted out and tried to clamp on his forearm as she opened her mouth to argue, but he maneuvered away from her and left the party.

Sebastian raced across campus and ran up the three flights of stairs to Ethan’s dorm room before hepounded on the door. Sebastian didn't care if he woke Ethan’s other roommates or anyone else in the hall.He needed to know.

He held his breath as he waited for Ethan, wondering if he had been in denial at the party and it had been Ethan there all along. Sebastian's gaze jerked up at the click of the lock and Ethan answered the door in the sweats and tee he slept in.He rubbed the sleep from his eyes at the same time Sebastian blew out a long breath.

Sebastian pushed Ethan back into the dorm suite without a word, slamming the door behind them, before he pulled Ethan into a bone-crushing hug. His body sagged in relief.

Ethan had known something had happened, but he didn’t ask questions.

After several silent minutes of standing there, listening to Sebastian’s heavy breathing in the silent room, Ethan gripped his hand and pulled Sebastian into his bedroom.