The bartender finished up the drinks without flirting. Sebastian handed over his card to pay before I could.
“Hey, the whole point was Maddie and I wanted to pay for one round.”
Sebastian shrugged. “Sorry. You can pay for the next round.”
I grumbled under my breath, and he snickered. “You’re so fucking cute.”
“Don’t be patronizing.”
“I’m not trying to be. Unfortunately for you, you are adorable when you’re annoyed.”
I stuck my middle finger up at him.
“See? Adorable.”
The bartender returned with the card so I couldn’t respond. However, he said to Sebastian as his eyes darted between me and my companion, “You’re a very lucky man. Enjoy your night.”
I opened my mouth to deny what was insinuated: that I was here with Sebastian as his date, but my friend replied, “Thank you. I know.” Then he gestured for me to walk ahead of him.
Irritated, I stopped in the middle of the crowded bar. “Why did you make it seem like you were my date? And don’t call me adorable when I’m annoyed. It fucks me off.”
His eyes flared because I rarely cursed. “I’m sorry. I really didn’t mean anything by it. The adorable comment. I just find everything about you adorable.”
Aye, unfortunately. Not sexy or charismatic or alluring.
Adorable.
Like a kid sister.
Or a bunny rabbit.
“Well, the bartender found me hot, and he was hot, and you made it seem like you and I are together.”
Sebastian’s expression blanked and his tone flattened. “I can go back and let him know we’re not.”
“No. Never mind. Just … never mind.” I didn’t want to argue with him or even think about our relationship right now. I just wanted a nice night with my friends.
Returning to the table, I stupidly downed my drink, and it went straight to my head. The next couple of hours were a blur. As soon as I realized I was hitting the “very drunk” stage, I switched to water. After a few glasses, I sobered up a bit. I noted Sebastian switched to soda, even though I was trying not to pay too much attention to him.
When the evening ended, coats on, we huddled outside on George Street. Trees and buildings were lit up with Christmas lights and it was a frosty winter night. I sucked in a breath of crisp air, listening to the hoots and laughter of drunk partygoers wandering up and down the wide street. The nippy fresh air helped me sober up even more.
Maddie and Shaun were hailing a cab that I planned to share with them, and Zac was hailing one for him, Harry, and Sebastian.
Sebastian took my arm and pulled me aside, concern etched into his taut features. “I don’t want to say goodbye like this. Will you come back to my place for a bit?”
“I should really go home.”
“Please, Sawyer.” He dipped his head toward mine. “Things feel weird between us, and I really don’t like it.”
“Sebastian—”
“You’re one of the most important people in my life. You know that, right?”
Guilt knotted inside me.
Part of me knew I wasn’t being fair to him and our friendship. “Okay. I’ll come back for a bit.”
He seemed to slump with relief. “Good.” He pulled me into his side, wrapping his arm around my shoulders to huddle me close. His lips brushed familiarly against my temple.
