Then I realize, I’m completely, undeniably hard.
Instinct takes over. I slide a hand around his back and pull him firmly against me, forgetting, for a moment, that we’re in a public park.
When I feel the solid heat of his body pressed flush to mine, I bury my face in his vanilla-scented hair, and that’s when I feel it.
The unmistakable pressure of his arousal, hard against mine.
Sebastian shudders.
And then, just as suddenly, he pulls away.
The most intense, sensual moment of my life vanishes in an instant, like a flame snuffed out too soon.
We stare at each other, breathless. Dazed. The air between us crackling with everything we haven’t said.
Finally, he opens his mouth. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t,” I cut him off.
“But, Remi…?” he murmurs, confused and breathless.
“No, Seb. Don’t eventhinkabout apologizing for the best kiss of my life. And besides, I started it. If anyone should apologize, it’s me.”
He shakes his head, wide-eyed. “Yes, but Iwantedit! I’ve wanted it for so long!”
I can’t help but smile at his honesty. “Um… yeah. I noticed.”
“But you’re my best friend’sboyfriend!” he groans, burying his face in his hands.
“Actually, I’m not anymore… and youknowthat.”
“Yes!” he exclaims. “But you haven’t been for, what, two days?!”
“It’s been ten, actually,” I correct him gently.
He lets out a long, tortured sigh. “What difference does it make? Two days, ten… You and Maddie wereinseparableuntil she left. And then…” His eyes go wide. Another groan. “…And then you’restraight! You’re straight, Remi!”
“Clearly, notthatstraight,” I mutter, gesturing awkwardly toward the very obvious bulge in my jeans.
“I’m not really interested in slapping a label on myself right now. But I think it’s pretty clear I’m attracted to you.Veryattracted. And not in a friendly way.”
His expression shifts, softens. He reaches for my hand, lacing his fingers between mine. Then he lowers his gaze, lips pressing into a pout so irresistibly earnest, I know exactly what he’s about to say before the words even come out.
“I like you too, Remi. A lot. But this… we can’t do this.”
He raises a hand to stop me before I can protest.
“Just think about it. What do you think will happen if Maddie finds out? Or the others? They don’t even know you and Maddie broke up yet, and…”
He freezes mid-sentence. Eyes go wide. Alarm floods his face.
“Remi. Please don’t tell me… Oh God,don’tsay it…” He curls in on himself slightly, then looks up at me again, eyes searching mine.
“You didn’t break up with her because of…this, did you?”
He gestures between us helplessly.
I look away, but not fast enough. He sees it. Sees the truth written all over my face.
