“Because he’s not supposed to be with anybody else.” The truth slipped out before I could stop it. “He’s mine.”
Mateo didn’t flinch. Didn’t judge. He just lifted his glass. “Then slow and steady wins the race, right?”
A smile curled onto my lips. “If this is you trying to buy my affection as his best friend… well done.” I clinked my glass against his.
His rough laugh vibrated between us.
“And with Henny…” My gaze drifted back to them—Henry pulling away from his date, drinking like he was racing the clock. “He’s got his own shit to deal with, but he’s not trying to hurt you. His heart is huge. He just doesn’t know what to do with that sometimes.”
Mateo’s expression softened. He nodded once. “Thank you.”
We chatted for a little while after that, until he was called away, and then I was left to stew in my own misery again. I didn’tfeel like drinking anymore, and I definitely didn’t want to circle back to that group just to say goodbye. I wished I could just disappear for the night.
Even if what Mateo said had made me feel a little better, Sebastian was still back there with him—laughing, teasing, probably going back to his place after and?—
Nope. Did not need that visual in my head.
I sighed and pulled out my phone as it buzzed. Four new texts from… seriously? When did he even get my number?
“For fuck’s sake,” I muttered as I typed back.
“Who do you need me to get rid of?” Sebastian’s voice came from my right. I looked up as he slid onto the stool beside me and lifted a hand for a drink.
My eyes flicked over his shoulder, expecting his boyfriend, but it was just him. “One of your junior analysts can’t take a hint.”
Sebastian chuckled. “Unwanted attention?”
I nodded, tucking my phone away. “Very much so. It’s crossed from persistent into full-on stalking.”
He took a sip of his drink, completely unbothered. “Unfortunate,” he said lightly. “But not surprising. Have you seen yourself lately?”
My heart did a somersault—then dipped.
Fuck him.
Why was he always playing with my heart like this?
I smirked instead of calling him out. Instead of turning around and walking away. “Where have your eyes been roaming to? Your boyfriend’s still by the sculpture.” It wasn’t supposed to sound bitter, but some things were inevitable.
Sebastian’s lips twitched. “Just pointing out the obvious.”
I shook my head. That line—the one I knew I should be holding—was already stretching, bending, becoming way too flexible. “What’s so obvious?”
He grinned, devilish as ever. “You’re gorgeous, darling.”
His voice dipped to that perfect, low rumble, and I melted. Like an idiot. I leaned in on my elbows, closing the space between us. Our eyes stayed locked.
“Who could blame anyone for falling head over heels with one look?”
My smile pulled to one side. “Now, would you really say that in front of your brother?”
Sebastian laughed quietly and shrugged. “Why not?”
Was this still just a game to him?
Well, fine. It could be a game for me too.
I scooted closer, lowering my own voice. “I don’t know,friend…Why don’t you tell me what’s so gorgeous about me, and I’ll let you know?”
