Page 9

CHAPTER NINE

ETHAN

F our hours later, back at the house, I was a man with a plan. Or at least a man executing Felicia’s brilliant plan.

I really hadn’t given her and Hanna enough credit before. They were smarter than they let on, and after about six tequila shots, I found myself spilling everything—how I was trying to go out with a man and kept psyching myself out. Four shots after that, they’d figured out it was Sebastian and were fully on board with helping me.

Their plan was simple: I just needed to be drunk—or, as Felicia put it, “buzzed enough to turn the jitters into action.” It wasn’t that bad. I could hold myself up. Mostly.

I peeked out onto the terrace. Sure enough, they were still out there. Sebastian looked…unreal. How did someone look so good at the end of the day? Loose linen shirt, tailored shorts, like he stepped out of some ad for “rich people who don’t sweat.” Even his clothes seemed defiant of reality—perfectly pressed in a way that made me wonder if he snuck away to get steamed during the day.

I closed my eyes and tried to focus. The plan . Right.

Tiptoeing upstairs, I slipped into his room and shut the door behind me, exhaling in relief. Step one: complete. Now came the waiting, which was—unsurprisingly—miserable.

I couldn’t sit still, and lying back made the room spin like I was trapped on a tilt-a-whirl. Pulling out my phone, I decided to text him.

Me

when are you going to bed?

It’s past midnight

I stared at the screen, the glow making my head swim, until his reply popped up.

Ash Langley

I didn’t realize I had a bedtime

I chuckled to myself. Yes, clever as always. Fucking Sebastian Langley. I snapped a picture of his bedroom door and almost sent it but paused. All the doors probably looked the same. My gaze landed on a picture hanging on the wall, so I took a photo of that instead and sent it.

Ash Langley

are you in my room right now?

Apparently, that wasn’t clear enough. I raised my hand in front of the frame, snapped another photo, and hit send. No response.

About three minutes later, the door opened. Sebastian stepped in, looking surprised. “What are you doing here?”

I dropped my phone on the bed and stood up, swaying slightly but proud I didn’t fall over. “Waiting for you.”

He frowned, his expression unreadable as he stepped closer. “I was under the impression we were still in our last spat.”

“I found a way around that.”

“Oh?” His brow arched as he closed the distance between us. “You did?”

I didn’t answer—not with words, anyway. Instead, I grabbed his forearms and guided him sideways until his back was against the bed.

“What are you doing?” he asked, his voice softer now, his eyes narrowing in curiosity.

I licked my lips, suddenly hyperaware of how close we were. “I told you I found a way around it.”

Sebastian tilted his head, a faint smirk playing on his lips. He looked too good—too Sebastian. The arch of his brow, the way his lips parted just enough to breathe.

“Yeah? What is it?”

I could do this. I wanted him. I just had to show him. That’s what tequila was for—a little liquid courage. Ignoring the spinning and my heart pounding a million beats per second, I stepped closer, placing my hands on his shoulders. Pushing him back gently, he sat on the bed, leveling our heights.

I slid my arms around his neck, pulling myself as close as possible. His eyes widened, surprise flickering across his face, but he didn’t move. His hands found my back—not pushing, just holding.

“Ash,” I said, meeting his gaze. “Kiss me.”

His eyes softened, his hands tightening on my back. “Just like that?”

“Just like that,” I whispered.

Sebastian’s hands moved to my hair, pulling me closer. He kissed my cheek slowly, and I closed my eyes, shivering as his breath warmed my skin.

“I want you so fucking much,” he murmured against me, his voice vibrating through my chest.

His grip shifted, and before I knew it, he’d pushed me onto the bed beside him. His lips brushed my cheek, then my jaw, moving toward my mouth. I reached for his hair, trying to pull him closer, but he didn’t budge. Opening my eyes, I found him staring at me, a frown creasing his brow.

“Why did you stop?” I asked, breathless.

He leaned in, his lips a whisper away before pausing again. “You smell a lot like tequila.”

I blinked. “I drank.”

Sebastian pulled back slightly, his expression unreadable. “How much exactly?”

“Enough to make it easier,” I admitted, shrugging.

His thumb brushed my cheek, but his gaze darkened. “You’re drunk, aren’t you?”

“Just a little,” I said, my words slurring slightly. “I’m fine.”

Sebastian sighed, his shoulders slumping. “I should take you back to your room.”

“No!” I reached for him. “This was part of the plan. I was supposed to be drunk so I could go through with it.”

He seemed even less thrilled. “Ethan, you shouldn’t feel like you have to ‘go through’ something. You’re supposed to want this.”

“I do! I just—” my voice cracked, “—you make me nervous, okay? I can’t think around you. You’re so…you. And I’m?—”

“Amazing,” he interrupted, a faint smile softening his expression. “You’re amazing, Ethan. What’s not to like?”

I shook my head. “I’m a mess. You’re right—I can’t make up my mind, and I know you’re going to get bored. I’m sorry. I thought this would fix it, and now you’re probably even more annoyed with me.”

“Ethan,” he said gently, calling my attention back to his gaze. “I’m not annoyed with you.”

“I know you are. I don’t know how to act around you. You probably don’t believe me—I’m not usually an awkward fuck.”

He chuckled, his smile brightening his face. Brightening the fucking room.

“See? You’re like the sun, and I keep messing up.”

His smile faltered. “You’re not messing anything up. I told you I wasn’t going to pressure you, and I’m doing it. I know I’m overwhelming you.”

“No, you just want something quick and easy, and I’m making it a million times more complicated.”

“Ethan,” he said, shaking his head.

I just needed to get this over with. Moving back into his space, I reached for his neck and managed to plant a kiss on his cheek before he turned away. “I thought you wanted this.”

“I do want you, just not like this.” The low rumble of his voice vibrated in my chest, somehow magnifying his presence.

“I don’t know how to do it any other way. What do you need me to do? You told me you wanted control. Didn’t I give it to you? Why aren’t you taking it?”

Sebastian closed his eyes—definitely annoyed.

Finally, he cupped my face between his palms. “I’m sorry I confused you today,” he said patiently. “I’m not mad at you, darling. You can take more time if you need it, and I can keep talking you through it, but right now, I need to get you back to your room.”

My eyes flicked to his lips and I watched, mesmerized, as they twitched into a small, rueful smile.

“I promise I’ll kiss you the next time you ask me to. You don’t have to be scared of me, and you don’t have to force yourself to do things you’re not ready for. I’m not going anywhere. You’re going to be my brother-in-law in a couple of months. I’m literally not going anywhere.”

I chuckled through the embarrassment. “Can you hug me again?”

He nodded, pulling me into his arms. I sighed into the embrace.

“I really should get a prize for this.”

I laughed, wrapping my arms around his waist.

“Thank fuck it didn’t occur to you to take your clothes off,” he added.

I rolled my eyes at myself. I’d forgotten that part of the plan.

My stomach began to feel unsettled. “I feel a little sick,” I admitted.

Sebastian sighed, his lips curved into an attractive grin. “Come on, menace. Let’s get you to your room.”

Sebastian helped me up and guided me there, his arm steadying as my legs wobbled. I closed my eyes when we reached it, swallowing hard and leaning my head against the doorframe. Surely, this couldn’t get more embarrassing.

“Are you okay?” he asked, his warm hand resting gently on my shoulder.

I shook my head, wincing at the motion. “No. I’m really starting to feel sick,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.

He rubbed soothing circles on my back. “Get in. I’ll grab you some water.”

I nodded, stepping into the room and sinking onto the bed. Sebastian didn’t follow but left the door open, his footsteps fading down the hall. Pressing my hand against my churning stomach, I realized it was about to get worse. Much worse.

I barely made it to the bathroom in time, kneeling on the cold tile and pressing my forehead to the cool porcelain of the toilet seat. The footsteps returned, and I heard the door creak.

“Please don’t come in,” I muttered, my voice pitiful.

Sebastian chuckled, the sound low and maddeningly amused. “Why are you looking at me like that? I’ve been with you the whole time. I didn’t get Ethan drunk.”

My stomach churned harder. Could this get any worse?

“How did you know he was drunk?” Oliver’s voice cut through the moment, and I groaned. Scratch that—it could absolutely get worse. Much worse.

“I ran into him, just like I’ve run into you now,” Sebastian replied smoothly, completely unbothered. “Do you think we should call Charlie for help, or will that just get him into more trouble?”

“More trouble than him looking for you while drunk? I don’t think so,” Oliver snapped.

“I don’t need help. You can leave now,” I slurred, wishing desperately that I could sound more convincing.

Sebastian’s voice was light and teasing. “You just worry about your aim, darling. We’ll handle the rest.”

Mortifying. Absolutely mortifying.

“ Darling? Ash, what the fuck?” Oliver’s incredulous voice followed.

“I’m just trying to be reassuring in a time of need,” Sebastian replied, his voice filled with mock innocence.

“For fuck’s sake,” Oliver growled. “Just go to bed. I’ll take care of it.”

Sebastian’s tone turned serious. “I’ll help, Oli. It’s not like I’m going to take advantage of him in this state.”

Even in my misery, I noted how firm and sure his voice sounded. It made me feel…safe, somehow.

“Can you just close the fucking door so I can throw up in peace?” I begged, desperate for them to leave.

Sebastian snickered but finally complied.

I wanted to crawl into the toilet and disappear. My stomach twisted violently, and I braced myself, mortified beyond words.

After regaining some control and brushing my teeth, I stepped back into the room. Oliver sat on the bed, arms crossed, while Sebastian leaned against the doorframe.

“Feeling better?” Sebastian asked.

I shook my head and walked over to the bed, curling up in a ball. He followed, setting a glass of water on the nightstand.

“Sorry,” I mumbled.

“It’s all right. Just drink this before you fall asleep, okay?”

I nodded. “You’re leaving?”

“Yeah. Oli’s staying with you for a bit to make sure you’re all right,” he added softly.

I nodded again and reached for his hand. He hesitated before finally letting me hold it. From the bed, I heard Oliver sigh.

“Thanks. And...sorry again,” I murmured.

Sebastian gave my hand a light squeeze before stepping away. As the door closed behind him, I shut my eyes.

A moment later, Oliver moved closer, tugging off my shoes and covering me with a blanket. “Hey, are you feeling better, or do you need the bin closer?” he asked, his voice softer now that Sebastian was gone.

“I’m better,” I muttered, though the spinning hadn’t quite stopped.

Oliver bit his cheek, hesitating. “E, is there something going on between you two?”

I stiffened. “No.”

“Have you two been talking? Seeing each other?” he pressed.

I nodded reluctantly.

“Fuck,” he breathed out, his head falling forward slightly.

“You’ve been there too,” I pointed out weakly.

“I meant without us, E.”

I nodded again. “A couple of times.”

“You like him, don’t you?” he asked, his tone laced with a quiet resignation.

“Yeah, he’s…all right,” I said, my voice betraying the lie.

“No, I mean you like him,” he pressed. “That kind of like.”

Heat crept up my neck as I nodded, unable to look at him. “I’m sorry,” I muttered.

“Don’t worry about it. I’ll fix it,” he said, standing.

“There’s nothing to fix,” I tried, but he only shook his head.

“Try to sleep,” he said, brushing it off as he walked toward the door.

I closed my eyes, but sleep didn’t come. The room was spinning too much, and my thoughts were a tangled mess of Sebastian—his voice, his hands, the way he’d looked at me.

That had been so close.