Page 62 of When We Ignite

“That’s a lie,” Oliver huffed.

I pressed my lips softly against the inside of his thigh, feeling the fabric of his shorts against my nose. This time, Sebastian’s hand came down to his leg, his fingers twitching near mine.

“I’m sorry you feel that way. Tell me what you need,” he said, his tone shifting to something gentler.

I turned my face, brushing my lips over his thigh again, letting my breath linger. His hand found my jaw, his thumb resting just below my chin, a silent warning and plea for control.

“I know things have been kind of tense between us, with the whole Ethan thing,” Oliver said.

If only he knew.

Sebastian’s thumb moved higher, brushing against my lips in a way that made my stomach flip.

“It’s understandable. I’ve already told you nothing’s going on,” Sebastian lied smoothly, his voice unwavering.

I shook my head ever so slightly, defying him. His thumb pressed firmer against my lips, a subtle reminder to behave.

“So you say…” Oliver muttered skeptically.

“So I mean,” Sebastian interjected.

Oliver clicked his tongue. “It’s not even about that,” he complained.

“Oli, I’d love to be your best man. I’m not too busy to be part of your life, and I would be honored,” Sebastian said.

I smiled. He could be so kind when he wanted to be.

“How did you know?” Oliver asked, surprised.

“Your lovely wife-to-be told me.”

I licked my lips, feeling the tip of his finger brush over them.

Oliver sighed, and Sebastian chuckled softly.

“Don’t be upset. She was just trying to help. I would never have guessed on my own. Why didn’t you just ask me? It didn’t have to be a big production—a call would have been enough.”

Sebastian had such a great voice. Under the desk, its low, deep register resonated in my chest. I exhaled quietly as he ran his thumb over my lip.

“Ash, I know how bad things have been with Dad. Ever since he said he was stepping down, he’s been on you nonstop. You’ve been here all day with him. When did that ever happen before?”

Sebastian’s finger halted. “You know how Dad is—a control freak. He’ll get used to it and move on. It’s just a phase.”

“I thought he killed your project,” Oliver said.

Sebastian tensed again.

I frowned.

“He hasn’t,” he replied curtly.

“But I thought...” Oliver’s voice trailed off hesitantly.

“He hasn’t,” Sebastian repeated firmly.

Was that what had put him in such a bad mood yesterday? I grasped his wrist gently, and he resumed moving his thumb. He seemed lighter today, and I didn’t want him slipping back, especially not after he’d finally kissed me.

“I’ll drop it, okay? I didn’t want to burden you. I thought I’d ask when things got better, but they haven’t,” Oliver admitted.