Chapter 12
Lily
Luckily, Sebastian doesn’t tease me too much about my mishap with having a date.
He doesn’t really comment on it, which I’m grateful for, but also a little bummed.
A silly part of me was hoping he would say that we could call it a date, but the realistic part of my brain knows that’s not going to happen.
At least not yet.
Before coming to London, I’ve felt like my attraction to the man has been one-sided.
Now? I’m not sure.
Something is definitely changing between us.
More times than one, I’ve seen him look at me, and dare I say, with desire in his eyes.
The squeeze to my waist when saying goodnight yesterday almost sent me into a frenzy.
I’ve never really been someone who craves a man’s touch or attention. I like flirting, making men sweat a little before I decide whether I’m interested for real.
With Sebastian, I’m eager for even a small glance or touch. That small squeeze kept me energetic until I fell asleep.
And him calling me perfect in his jersey? I almost fell to the ground right then and there.
Whenever he suggests spending more time together, like he just did, my excitement shoots through the roof.
It could be because he pities me for doing things alone and treats me like his “guest,” but he knows I have no problem taking care of myself which is why I get the feeling that he’s enjoying our time together just as much as I am.
When we’re done eating, Sebastian tidies up, and I pack my bag.
I could get used to this routine.
It would be even better waking up together, but for now, I’ll take what I can get.
～
After a few hours of work, I head down to the stands to watch the practice.
Even though the observational part of my project won’t amount to much in the final paper, I enjoy watching them play and making notes.
It’s nice sitting outside for a while as well and not huddled up in an office all day. I look up at the sky, grateful to have my umbrella nearby as there is a slight drizzle in the air. Even though the English weather is quite grey, the cold hasn’t set in just yet.
They practice various drills while wearing vests, then are divided into smaller groups. Dean and Sebastian play opposite each other, and when Sebastian dribbles past easily, I sigh.
He’s magnificent to watch.
When Sebastian passes the ball to another player, Dean catches up to him and ruffles his hair.
They mess around a little, making me smile.
It’s good to see their friendship. The whole team seems to get along well, but it’s clear that Sebastian has his own group in Dean, Ian, and Fredrick.
When they’re all done, Dean comes running over to where I’m seated, with Sebastian hot on his heel.
“Lily! What a delight to see you here, darling.”
The British accent makes everything sound flirty. I’m sure he pulls all the ladies using that accent and his charm.
“Have a good practice?” I ask.
To me, everything looked great, but I’m still a newbie to this sport.
Sebastian catches up to us, and what a sight he is.
His hair sticks to his forehead, and when he lifts his bottle to take a long sip of his drink, the jersey lifts, revealing part of his abs underneath.
I quickly avert my eyes, but when I look into his eyes, he winks at me, a small smile evident behind his bottle.
Freaking winks at me!
He’s definitely feeling the same changes as I am.
“Yes, it was good. Will you come to our game on Saturday? And game night at Sebastian’s on Sunday?”
I look questionably at Sebastian.
I’m planning on attending their football match on Saturday, but as far as game night goes, this is the first I’ve heard of it.
Dean drops an arm around my shoulders, pulling me into his side.
“You’re one of us now—that means game nights,” he says, with the biggest smile towards Sebastian.
He looks at the arm draped across my shoulders before he swallows.
“I haven’t talked to her about it yet, but I was planning to. You’re more than welcome to come, Lily, but I also understand if you don’t want to hang around a group of grabby football players.”
At his tone, Dean drops his arms, rolling his eyes at his teammate.
I shouldn’t be enjoying this, but I can’t help myself.
Sebastian did not like Dean having his arm around me, and the grabby hands comment proves my point.
“I’d love to! I’ll catch up with you when you’re ready, Sebastian,” I say, breaking the tension.
I grab my bag, and Sebastian drags Dean with him towards the exit of the field.
My excitement about my not-date with Sebastian this evening has just intensified.
～
“Come on. Aren’t you supposed to have great stamina?” I ask Sebastian, who’s moving at a pace that is nowhere near acceptable for an elite athlete.
We’re moving up the stairs of St. Paul’s Cathedral, and I’m eager to get to the top and see the view as the sun sets over London.
Sebastian, on the other hand, is moving like we have all the time in the world.
“There is nothing wrong with my stamina. I’m just not the biggest fan of stairs after I’ve been working out for four hours today.”
Why did I even bring up the word stamina?
Now, all I can think about is the man behind me and his freaking stamina.
And not the kind related to walking up stairs.
I stay silent as we finally climb the last part. When I find a spot overlooking the city, I stand there in awe.
There is just something about the twinkling lights of a city that is getting ready for the evening, one light at a time.
“Wow, this is beautiful,” I say, watching the colours of the sky turning pink and orange.
The clouds have mostly cleared for the day, leaving a beautiful sunset in their wake.
“Yeah, it is,” Sebastian murmurs beside me.
After a little while gazing at the view, I pull out my phone and snap a few photos and videos to send to my family later.
Our group chat is quickly being filled with pictures of my adventures here, and Mom is always sending back hugs and kisses. Dad is more of a thumbs-up guy.
“Come on, get in frame, Sebby,” I say, turning my phone around and having the city view behind me.
“Don’t call me that, Lily,” he grumbles beside me, coming closer to me, making my body light up.
“Sorry, Sebastian James,” I snicker.
Sebastian quickly pinches my waist, making me jump and let out a small yelp.
This man and his touches to my waist will send me into cardiac arrest soon.
He steps up close to me, leaning down to whisper in my ear.
“Just Sebastian.”
Hell. When did it get so hot out here?
Every hair on my ears, down to my toes, raises at his closeness. He smells divine, and I’m tempted to turn my head. I would probably be inclined just to kiss him right here.
But I don’t dare.
“Lily, picture,” he says, shaking me out of my desires.
“Yeah, right.”
I bring up my phone in front of us, feeling my hands shake, and praying that he’s not able to see it.
I don’t turn into a quivering mess around men.
Right now, though, I’m struggling.
But this isn’t just any man; this is Sebastian.
I snap a few pictures, probably smiling like a lunatic as my head is all over the place and my facial expressions are probably messed up.
All I can focus on is the man beside me and the way he’s making me feel.
I really need to gain some control if I’m going to get through this evening.