Page 12 of When We Ignite

“Loud music will do that to you,” he replied, humor in his voice. He seemed to enjoy catching me off guard.

“I should probably shower.” I looked toward the door, rubbing my hand over my nose, and noticed his smile widen.

“Is that an invitation?”

I chuckled nervously. “It’s not,” I clarified.

He laughed too—a flirty, controlled laugh. “That’s too bad. See you upstairs for breakfast.”

I nodded and practically bolted out of the gym. Being alone with him in a confined space was nerve-wracking, more so than being around him in public.

It took me half an hour to gather the courage to join them. Hearing their laughter, I took a deep breath before stepping into the kitchen. Sebastian leaned against the counter, grinning at Charlotte, while Oliver looked mildly annoyed.

“Want a bite?” Sebastian asked me, his dark eyes locking onto mine instantly.

Oliver reached over and lightly whacked him on the head with a folder.

“Ouch,” Sebastian protested. “What was wrong with that? I just asked if he wanted something to eat.” He held up a bagel as evidence.

I fought the urge to turn around and leave. Catching Charlotte’s eye, I watched as she struggled to stifle a laugh.

“I could eat,” I said, attempting to sound casual.

Charlotte made me a plate, and I sat down at the table. As they chatted, I tried to follow along. Sebastian was discussing some issues they were having with their father, and Oliver was offering solutions. Even Charlotte chimed in.

I had no clue what they were talking about—something about investing in a tech company and their dad resisting new advancements. I thought the Langleys were just into real estate—owning tons of properties and all that.

Once Oliver left the room, Sebastian glanced my way. “Need a ride back to the city?”

“I was planning to take the train,” I told him.

“I’ll drive you. Gotta head in there anyway before going back,” he insisted.

Thinking it over for a minute, I looked at Charlotte before asking, “Are you leaving now?”

He grinned. “Ready when you are.”

“I need to grab my stuff. Give me five minutes.”

He nodded, already looking at his phone.

As I headed to my room, Charlotte followed, giving me a look.

“I’m not an idiot. I get what he’s doing,” I told her.

She sighed, lowering her voice. “I know you’re smart, E. But he’s incredibly charming.”

“Yeah, and he’s also a man,” I pointed out.

She bit her lip, rocking some serious doe eyes, attempting to look innocent.

Coming to a pause, I asked, “What’s that look supposed to mean?”

She clicked her tongue, hands on her hips. “If anyone could make you reconsider, it’d be him. I adore Oliver, but Sebastian is the hottest man I’ve ever seen. Plus, he’s smart and charming.”

I tried not to laugh. “Are you sureyoudon’t have a crush on him?”

She rolled her eyes, lips twitching. “Maybe I do, and he’s my fiancé’s older brother. Stranger things have happened than the possibility of you two, but he’s so much older than you.”