Page 32 of Reckless Hearts

“It’s okay. I’m fine with you having my room,” Seb says hurriedly, a blush trekking up his cheeks as he retreats into the smallest room.

Fuck. That blush. It’s my kryptonite. Maybe because I now know how it extends down his creamy skin onto his chest. I know what it feels like to chase that blush with my lips.

I don’t notice Saskia standing in the hallway watching our exchange until she lets out a tinkling laugh.

“I’m pretty sure my brother would give you his left testicle if you asked for it, Marcus.”

I’m supposed to laugh, and I do, but I can hear the hollowness in it.

“I’m not sure what I would do with your brother’s left testicle,” I reply, and she giggles some more.

Fuck. This is bad.

I try to calm myself as I get dressed for the night ahead.

I’m the last one to arrive in the living room, and my eyes, by default, find Seb.

He’s dressed in a neatly ironed blue button-down with dark trousers and a pair of clean Converse. His usually messy hair is combed neatly to one side, though a stubborn tuft still sticks up at the back.

It would be so much easier if Seb wasn’t so cute.

And it would be so much easier if I didn’t have the memory of how it feels to kiss him.

I walk over to where all the drinks are spread out on a table and make myself a Jim Beam and Coke.

I pretend not to notice Seb’s eyes on me as I sit back down.

“We’re about to order pizza. Anything you want?” Saskia asks me.

“Nah, I’m easy.” I give her a wink.

Saskia doesn’t miss a beat. “That’s what all the boys say.”

I smirk and lean back in my chair. “What can I say? I’m a people pleaser.”

“Okay. Seb doesn’t like olives or onions, so are you okay with a pizza without those? Or else I can order Seb a separate pizza.” Saskia’s in big-sister mode, fussing over Seb like he’s still a picky ten-year-old.

“I’m fine with that,” I say.

John and Neets are so wrapped up in each other on the couch that they don’t seem to care about pizza toppings.

Saskia doesn’t seem bothered about the loss of John’s affections. It’s one of the things I like about her. She doesn’t need to boost her ego by ensuring all the male attention is focused on her. Instead, she seems genuinely happy for John and Neets, giving me a secret smile over the top of their heads.

As Saskia orders the pizza, I throw down the dregs of the Jim Beam and pour myself another, pretending not to notice Seb’s eyes on me.

My bladder eventually protests the liquid diet, so I head to the restroom. Stepping back out, I nearly jump in shock.

Only a few feet away, Seb is leaning against the wall, waiting for the restroom.

My heart hammering, I keep my voice calm and composed. “It’s all yours.”

“Thanks.”

But he doesn’t move. Instead, he stays there like being in such close proximity to me has frozen all his limbs, and his gaze falls to my lips.

And the memory slams into my head. Seb’s lips on mine. The intensity with which he kisses, the warmth of his mouth, the sweet taste of him that lingered long after our kiss ended.

For a second, all I want to do is push him into the bathroom and kiss him again.