Chapter 9
Sebastian
I look over to Lily, finding her fast asleep beside me, still with around twenty minutes remaining of the movie.
I noticed her freaking quoting the actors earlier, so I know she loves this movie and has probably seen it more times than I can count.
It isn’t the worst movie I’ve seen. The banter between the characters reminded me of the dynamic I’ve fallen into with Lily.
Growing up together, I’ve always known her as a fun spirit, always teasing her brother and me about various things.
And we were teasing her right back, which is why she’s so quick with her retorts.
Being here alone with her makes it even more amusing.
And sizzling.
Now it’s just the two of us—no one here to set those boundaries that I probably should.
I take in the sleeping beauty on my sofa. Her hair is sprawled out across the pillows behind her, and she’s breathing heavy.
The urge to run my fingers down her cheek is screaming at me, but I resist—for now, at least—and continue looking at her.
For me, this is home, at least one of my homes.
Lily just packed up her life and followed me to London, when she was supposed to be staying in Seattle.
And she doesn’t seem scared or anxious about anything.
Other than horror movies.
She wasn’t joking when she told me I need to live a little. Her outlook on life sure seems like a lot of fun, and even though I know I can be a lot like her in that regard, I realise I may have fallen into a routine characterised by health and performance.
Which is a good thing, but I still need balance.
I decide that whilst Lily is here, I’ll try to enjoy London more, knowing she’ll probably drag me around to see all the sights and explore the city.
As I gaze down at her, I can’t stop the urge to touch her and run my fingers lightly down her cheek.
When she stirs, but only snuggles more closely to my hand, I hold my breath, afraid she’ll wake up—and really hoping she doesn’t—so I can touch her a little longer.
When the movie ends, the urge to lift her into my arms and carry her to my bed so she can sleep more comfortably overwhelms me.
Restraint holds me back, knowing nothing good would come out of that.
Instead, I run my fingers down her cheek one last time before I gently shake her shoulder.
“Lily, wake up,” I murmur, making her stir under me.
She wakes up, her beautiful eyes sleepy as I back out of her space.
Lily stretches her arms before she pushes herself upright on the sofa.
“I can’t believe I fell asleep. That is like my favourite movie.”
I stretch my legs, feeling the soreness from practice earlier today.
I may have been pushing myself a little too hard after a few days off, and now I’m feeling the ache.
“You’re probably still a little jetlagged.”
Lily stands up and gathers the empty bowl, my glass, and her soda can before venturing into the kitchen. I follow her—not wanting her to leave, but knowing it’s inevitable.
I wonder what it would be like to have her in one of the guestrooms, but I stop my train of thought.
There is a reason she got her own apartment.
Mostly for my own good and to refrain from crossing that line.
And she deserves to have her own space, not being crowded by me every second of every day.
She goes to the door, and I stand back, gripping the counter hard to distract my hands from doing something stupid, like reaching for her.
“This was fun, and Harriet is wonderful, so I’m definitely coming back up here.”
She’s right, this has been fun; and of course, Harriet is the best.
The two women will probably meet up without me, considering their fast friendship.
Having Lily in my apartment felt good.
Comfortable and natural.
“Yeah, I’d like that.”
With one last lingering look, she grabs the door and says goodnight before she’s gone.
I’m left standing, looking at the door for way too long before I eventually get ready for bed.
～
Over the next few days, we fall into our own little routine.
I do my usual morning routine: shower, open the blinds in my apartment, and drink my ice-cold glass of water.
I get ready for the day, packing my bag for the arena and the day ahead, but instead of making my own breakfast like I usually do, I take the elevator down to Lily’s apartment.
Each morning, I’m greeted by the stunning blonde, listening to music and cooking away at the stove.
I always volunteer to help and she declines every time, serving me a perfect cup of coffee before going back to cooking, whilst I watch her from the kitchen table.
Each day she’s wearing a new stylish outfit, matching perfectly to the weather outside, which is rather grey and dull, but Lily doesn’t seem to mind. Always eager for the day ahead and the plans she has.
It’s clear that Lily pays attention to nutrition when she cooks, and even though I know she’s healthy, I get the feeling she’s doing the little extra for me as well, knowing I’ll appreciate it.
How she manages to also make it this delicious is beyond me. My usual tame porridge is quickly becoming my least favourite breakfast, even though that’s been my go-to for a long time.
Her meals are simply better in every way.
When we’re all done with breakfast, I’ll clean up the kitchen as she packs up her stuff before we drive together to the arena.
When we get there, we say our goodbyes for the day, with me fighting the urge to do something stupid like kiss her cheek or grab her hand.
Every day, the impulse grows stronger, but I restrain myself.
I’ll do my workouts and look for her in the stands whenever we’re out on the field. Dean will tease me about my obsession with her, but I don’t find it in me to be bothered by it.
I know I’m in trouble with this woman, but the least I can do is look for her.
When the workday is done, we’ll meet up, go back to my apartment, and enjoy dinner together with Harriet.
Then we’ll finish off the evening with a movie or playing board games before Lily heads down to her apartment for the night.
On Thursday, we meet up for our interview at midday, and as expected, Lily comes prepared.
We begin with nerves and mental toughness, and I quickly realise I’ve never really thought much about it, but I can see how it would be beneficial to do so.
Lily is bright and to the point, prompting me to reflect on aspects of my performance I have never considered before.
Usually, I don’t get nervous unless it’s a game that determines qualification or a championship, where it feels like everything is on the line during those ninety minutes.
Those games energise me, pushing my teammates and me to go the extra mile and give our all on the field.
During the more regular games, I don’t get the same adrenaline rush, but it’s always a thrill to walk onto the field, hear the crowd’s cheers, and experience the atmosphere of thousands of eager football fans.
Which is why I’m confused when I walk out into the stadium, full of nerves I don’t usually experience.
My whole body is buzzing with excitement, but there’s no denying the nerves there as well.
I do this several times a week, at home or away, and I’ve never felt this level of nerves in a regular game.
Then I remember something special about today’s game.
It’s the first game since coming back to London, with Lily in the stands, watching every minute.
A stupid part of my brain wants to seek her out in the crowd, but I know that’s an impossible task.
I’ve had family and friends come and support me— mainly my older brother—Joseph, but it’s been a while since someone was here cheering for me.
Harriet and her husband sometimes tag along as well.
Having Lily here sends a rush of anticipation through my body, and I’m determined to do my part to give her the best entertainment a football game can provide.