Page 16 of The Fractured

One of the women from the group, Fran, a firm but fair kind of lady, nudged my shoulder. “He seems eager every time he’s here. Are you sure he isn’t stalking you?”

I rolled my eyes, smiling still. “Seb is a good friend.”

The flutter in my stomach and the skipping beat of my heart seemed to think otherwise whenever I saw him. I felt a natural pull towards Seb and his carefree, happy attitude. He made me laugh until my sides hurt. Being friends with him was different from what I had with Lily. She was like a sister; we shared so many things and bonded because of it. Seb, however, was thefriend who made things simple. I knew I could rely on him to be there when all I needed was a laugh or someone to share an inbox full of memes with.

Fran tutted. “Can’t be too cautious.”

Fran’s husband had abused and stalked her after their divorce. I couldn’t blame her for assuming any man eager to spend time with a woman might be suspicious, but Seb was far from being that kind of guy. He didn’t have a mean bone in his body. If I had X-ray vision or maybe a third eye, I wouldn’t be surprised to find his entire being was made of light and happiness.

I walked over to Seb and his bike as he pulled out the spare helmet we had bought together. Which was around the time I had bought the leather jacket. It felt only right to match his riding vibe. Of course, I added my own little touches. Like the tiny sunflower stickers that trailed down the jawline of my helmet.

Seb lifted his visor, revealing his kind brown eyes, and held my helmet out to me. “Hey, Smiles.”

His voice was smooth, leaving me buzzed.

“Hi,” I grinned, accepting the helmet and pulling it on. The padding inside muffled the busy sounds of the city and warmed my cheeks.

“You seem happier every time you come out. Or is that because I’m here?” There was a subtle smugness in his eyes, paired with a playful glow.

“It helps to have a friendly face to see afterwards.” I climbed on behind him. The closeness to him sent a rush of butterflies through my stomach. Even more so when I wrapped my arms around his middle and leaned into his muscular body.

Seb chuckled, started the engine again, peeled the bike away from the curb, and quickly picked up speed. The bike jolted forward as he shifted gears, and I squealed ecstatically, holding on a little tighter.

We arrived at the apartment, and I invited him inside for lunch — a pretty standard thing for us after my meetings since his apartment was only ten minutes from the old dance hall. It just made sense for him to give me a ride home, according to him.

Like most Thursdays, he talked about his recent job tiling a roof, and I would get ready for my afternoon shift at Green Thumbs Florist and Garden Center.

But today was different.

We walked into the foyer, his bike boots heavy against the linoleum floor.

I was peeling off my jacket as we neared the elevator when he slowed to check the message that came through on his phone.

I paused next to him, jacket halfway down my shoulders. His scent, cedarwood, spearmint, and lemon, lingered in the leather of his clothes and now faintly on me after sitting against him for so long. At 5’5”, and Seb six feet tall, my face came level with his shoulder—

Why am I comparing heights right now?

“Damn,” Seb muttered as he read the text.

“What is it?”

“New roof maintenance job. One of the guys pulled out, and the boss wants me to take it this afternoon.” He tilted his phone so I could read the text too.

“I believe you, Seb,” I half smiled.

“I know, but I wanted to make sure you knew I wasn’t skipping out on you.” There was a happy sparkle in his eyes again.

I pointed to his screen when another message popped up. This one was from an unknown number. “Is that another job?”

Seb’s dark eyebrows knitted together as he opened the text in front of me. “Looks like Antonio wants a reunion.”

An unknown number, a time for later tonight, and an address. How mysterious of the mob boss.

Also, a little terrifying.

A heaviness settled in the pit of my stomach, numbing the fluttery feeling. I knew what Seb and Dean did for Antonio was dangerous — the fights and the jobs — but somehow, it hadn’t really sunk in until now. So much time had passed since their last fight, I had forgotten about that part of Seb’s life. And I was worried.

Seb shrugged nonchalantly, seemingly unfazed by the cryptic message, as he pocketed his phone and gave me a lopsided smile. “Sorry, I have to miss lunch.”