Chapter 22
Lily
I’m still sitting on the table Sebastian set me on top of, feeling my lips.
The lips he kissed.
After what has felt like an eternity.
Gosh.
Those butterflies have grown into full-on birds in my stomach, and they’re flying all inside my body.
We fit so perfectly together, every touch and glide of our lips like a perfect set.
Who knew the jersey would push him over the edge?
I’ve worn it several times around him, but I guess the last few days have strained him as well.
Before his family showed up, we could at least have our small moments of touching and lingering. Not quite touching like we wanted to, but still having some form of intimacy.
That all became more difficult when his family showed up.
We haven’t been alone these last few days, so I guess he felt as ravenous as I.
Worked out great if you ask me.
I want to call Jessica, but my dear brother might be close by, which could be a challenge.
She’s been supportive every step of this journey ever since finding a breathtaking gown for the F1 gala months ago, when I knew Sebastian would be there.
I don’t want her to have to keep secrets from her boyfriend though. And we’re planning on talking to Luke soon enough.
I’m still feeling the high when my phone beeps, Joseph letting me know they’re going down to the lobby now.
Shit.
I’ve been thinking about that kiss for thirty minutes.
I quickly gather my purse and lock up before meeting up with the family of the man who consumes my every thought.
～
We’re watching the game, and Sebastian is bringing his best to the field.
He always does, but he seems a little extra pumped today.
I can tell that having his family support him means a lot to him.
His team wins the ball and starts advancing up the field. Sebastian just got passed the ball, and he looks around for an opening before sending it toward another player, before he runs the last stretch.
He’s positioned inside the 16-metre perimeter, and when the ball comes flying towards him, he kicks it straight into the net.
I jump up from my seat, screaming out in excitement together with all the other fans around us. People are waving with their team scarves, the red and white spreading out in the stands. I probably won’t have much of a voice left when I wake up tomorrow, but I don’t care.
His mom is teary-eyed as she watches her son and his teammates gather around him.
Joseph and his dad are cheering loudly for him, too.
Experiencing this moment with his family feels perfect.
The rest of the game is equally as fun, and his team ends up winning 4-1.
After the game, Sebastian runs over to where we are seated.
His whole family hugs him, telling him how proud they are of him.
I stand back, watching the exchange and feeling my own emotions run high.
I know it’s taken some sacrifices for him to get to this point. Leaving your home country must feel daunting.
Seeing him in this moment makes perfect sense. He’s right where he belongs.
When he’s done with his family, he comes over to me, and I feel my heart pounding in my chest—unsure how to act around him after things changed between us.
I really want to kiss him, but we’re in a public space, and his family is right there; so instead, I hug him.
“I’m so proud of you,” I murmur into his neck, standing on my tiptoes to reach as high as I can.
The noise around us seems to fade as I hug him tightly against me.
“Thank you. I really want to kiss you right now,” he whispers, making me squeeze him a little harder.
“I know the feeling, but there are so many people here, not to mention your family.”
We break apart, our hands still resting around each other. I don’t want to let go of him just yet.
“Later, then,” he says before he drops his arms around me.
I can’t wait for later.
～
When we get back to the apartment, Dean is blowing up Sebastian’s phone, telling him that he needs to go out and celebrate his great game with him and the guys.
Joseph is all for it, eager to experience London’s nightlife.
I’m happy to do anything Sebastian wants.
He should celebrate. I’m always teasing him about living, and a night out with his mates seems like a good place to do that.
I’m putting away the clean dishes when I feel his arms around my waist.
He nuzzles into my neck.
“I don’t think I want to ask you, because I think you’ll say the same thing as the others, and I just want to stay here with you,” he murmurs.
That does sound like a perfect option as well, but again, he should be with his teammates and his brother, who is leaving tomorrow.
I turn in his arms, happy to have a moment alone while Joseph gets ready in the bathroom and his parents have gone back to their hotel.
“You know how much I love our nights on that couch—and something tells me it would be even more satisfying than before—but yes, I do think you should go out. At least for a little while,” I tell him.
He leans in, kissing me, and I press harder against him. His tongue twists with mine, and I whimper against him.
Staying in seems like the better option right now.
When someone clears their throat, we break apart and look over to Joseph, who’s wearing a big smirk as he takes in the sight in front of him.
We still have our arms around each other and are breathing heavy from our make-out session.
“Leaves you alone for five minutes and finds you with your tongues down each other’s throats,” he chuckles, and I blush.
We haven’t exactly told anyone about this; we just kissed for the first time today.
It feels all so new, even though we’ve wanted this for a long time.
Again, Sebastian doesn’t seem fazed by being caught by his brother, just like when they first arrived and found us cuddled up together on that couch.
He either has no shame or his relationship with me isn’t that surprising to them.
We haven’t exactly talked about it, at least not with me around. I feel like we’re in limbo until we’ve spoken to Luke.
“If you got a problem with that, you can find yourself another place to stay.”
Sebastian shrugs, before he presses his lips to my cheek.
Gosh.
I like this Sebastian—a lot. He’s unapologetic and affectionate.
“Go get ready, lovebirds. We have a town to conquer.”