Page 37 of When We Ignite

Sebastian hummed. “I don’t think that’s true.” His hand slid lower, his thumb tracing over the bare skin of my arm. Goosebumps rose instantly. “I think it’s the opposite,” he added, his voice soft but sure.

I exhaled heavily, rubbing my face with one hand. “This is so weird,” I muttered.

“Is it really so foreign to you? Being attracted to a man?”

“Yes,” I admitted, my voice barely audible.

“Well, you’re in college. It’s a time to experiment.”

I chuckled at his matter-of-fact tone. “I thought that only applied to girls,” I said, bringing the vape back to my lips.

“Why should it? It’s okay for a girl to explore these things, but a man can’t? It doesn’t have to define you, you know.”

I shrugged, a scowl forming as I looked out over the city. “It feels like it does,” I muttered. “And it’s not like you know what you’re talking about. Haven’t you always known?”

“Yes, I have,” he admitted. “But it was different when I was your age. I tried denying it, even had a girlfriend.”

I turned to him, startled. “Seriously?”

He nodded, smiling at my reaction. “It didn’t last, obviously,” he said with a laugh.

Sebastian brought the cigarette to his lips, holding it differently than I was used to seeing—not like a joint or a vape. His fingers extended gracefully, the cigarette balanced between his index and middle fingers. With a practiced flick of his thumb, he sent the ashes away. Somehow, even this simple act looked elegant when he did it.

When his hand moved slightly, I found myself reaching out without thinking, my fingers brushing his wrist. He looked at me, curiosity flickering in his eyes.

“Can I try it?” I asked.

His lips parted in surprise, but he nodded. He didn’t hand it over, though—I hadn’t expected him to. Instead, he brought it close to me. Leaning in, I closed my lips around it, inhaling the smoke deeply. My hand rested on his wrist, steadying it until I was done. As I exhaled, I noticed how close he’d stayed, his gaze fixed intently on my lips.

“How was that?” he asked, his eyes meeting mine.

I shrugged. “It’s okay. Tastes weird.”

“Of course it tastes weird. You’re used to smoking minty watermelon,” he teased, and I couldn’t help but laugh.

He tightened his arm around my shoulders, sending a sharp jolt through me. Leaning in, his gaze scanned my face, lingering. His fingers flicked the cigarette away before reaching up to my chin, tilting it upward.

I froze, unable to breathe, as his thumb traced soft patterns on my arm. He seemed frozen too, his face close enough that I could feel the warmth of his breath.

A smile tugged at my lips as I realized what he was doing. “Are you waiting for me to ask you to do it?”

Sebastian’s lips curved into a smile, and he nodded. “That’s exactly right,” he whispered, his voice almost daring me.

I glanced at his lips, parted slightly, his intent so clear it made my heart pound. The pull between us was magnetic, but I shook my head, meeting his gaze again.

“No,” I said softly.

His lips pressed together, a quiet laugh escaping him. He leaned back, giving me space, and I finally remembered how to breathe.

“Okay, then,” he said, his voice calm as he took a deep breath.

I bit my lip, guilt creeping in. “I’m sorry, Ash,” I offered.

“It’s okay,” he repeated, his tone reassuring. “I can wait,” he added, tightening his arm around my shoulders.

Sure, he could wait.

But for how long?